Bulletin:  KA4075
Vendor:    Kantronics
Subject: Using a NiCad inside the KPC-3


I asked about putting a 9-volt NiCad inside the TNC and they said it can be
done. The only problem tho is just about all 9-volt batteries only charge to
7.2-volts. If you can find a "true" 9-volt NiCad, install it the same way
you a regular 9-volt battery. To charge it, install a resistor between the
GROUND of the TNC and the negative terminal of the battery. This is because
when you plug in the external DC, it opens the ground to the 9-volt.

When installing the resistor, make sure you pick a value so the current will
be about 1/10 to 1/15 the current of the battery. So if you had a battery
with the current capacity of 80mA, then you would use a 1500 ohm resistor to
give you 8mA (12 volts divide by .008A = 1500 ohms).

This will be good for those who like to use thier KPC-3's while portable.
Now you won't have to keep opening the KPC-3 to change 9-volt batteries
everytime you kill it. Just plug it into a 12-volt source and recharge it.

Mike-N1EVH @ K1UGM.#EMA.MA