27-05-2013, 08:26 AM
Just a point, presumably you use your Hacker several hours a day on a daily basis?
If not, nicad cells (or NiMh for that matter) are a poor subsititute for conventional batteries as they self discharge when not used. Fine for such things as radio controlled model cars and boats, portable amateur radio transceivers (go on then - 'walkie talkies!'), as they draw quite a lot of power and the cells then be re-charged before the equipment is next required. Self discharge is why I'm not a huge fan of cordless tools - I've got several rechargable drills, some of which use LiOn batteries, but still self-discharge as I use them so infrequently, so I have to give myself a day's notice to recharge them ready for use. (EG, when I go to either of my son's houses to do a spot of DIY).
Can't comment on the concept of wirelessly charging the cells, though if the Hacker is indeed in regular daily use, maybe it would be less hassle to just have a spare set of fully charged cells waiting to be used, then put the discharged ones on charge. That's what I do with my wireless mouse, in which the two cells last about a month.
As to the frequency, whatever frequency is used, you'd need to be careful about the risk of causing RF interference on the fundamental or harmonic frequencies, as of course such equipment is unlicensable. It's one thing using a puny illegal 'micro-transmitter' ('pantry transmitter') - unlicensable within the EU - which puts out perhaps 0.5W over a short distance, but it might be problematical if you squirt 20 Watts out, remebering that the amateur radio Foundation Licence, which is limited to 10 Watts, will get contacts the world over with a good antenna system.
A receiver would be needed to convert the transmitted RF power to enable it to recharge the cells. Well outside my sphere of competence - sounds like a project for Nicko!
Just a few musings - I certainly wouldn't want to discourage experimentation and will be interested in any developments.
If not, nicad cells (or NiMh for that matter) are a poor subsititute for conventional batteries as they self discharge when not used. Fine for such things as radio controlled model cars and boats, portable amateur radio transceivers (go on then - 'walkie talkies!'), as they draw quite a lot of power and the cells then be re-charged before the equipment is next required. Self discharge is why I'm not a huge fan of cordless tools - I've got several rechargable drills, some of which use LiOn batteries, but still self-discharge as I use them so infrequently, so I have to give myself a day's notice to recharge them ready for use. (EG, when I go to either of my son's houses to do a spot of DIY).
Can't comment on the concept of wirelessly charging the cells, though if the Hacker is indeed in regular daily use, maybe it would be less hassle to just have a spare set of fully charged cells waiting to be used, then put the discharged ones on charge. That's what I do with my wireless mouse, in which the two cells last about a month.
As to the frequency, whatever frequency is used, you'd need to be careful about the risk of causing RF interference on the fundamental or harmonic frequencies, as of course such equipment is unlicensable. It's one thing using a puny illegal 'micro-transmitter' ('pantry transmitter') - unlicensable within the EU - which puts out perhaps 0.5W over a short distance, but it might be problematical if you squirt 20 Watts out, remebering that the amateur radio Foundation Licence, which is limited to 10 Watts, will get contacts the world over with a good antenna system.
A receiver would be needed to convert the transmitted RF power to enable it to recharge the cells. Well outside my sphere of competence - sounds like a project for Nicko!
Just a few musings - I certainly wouldn't want to discourage experimentation and will be interested in any developments.
Regards, David.
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
