Maestro Battery Size

Claus, OE6CLD/EI7JZ

Hi all, I meanwhile understand that 2.1A from the power bank will be enough. Now I just wonder if a depth of 0.8" (2 cm) will fit with the cover closed. I can order a Polanfo 12000 mAh at Amazon in Europe, but most of the more powerful power banks have a depth of 0.8" (these would offer about 3.5A and up to 20000 mAh). Unfortunately many power banks don't have an auto start feature, but now that you can't' charge the battery within the Maestro, it's not really so important anymore. I have seen that someone else mentioned the Jackery Titan 20100 in a different thread, which has a depth of 0.8" (2cm) as well. Just wondering... Waiting for my Maestro to arrive in the next 14 days... 73, Claus, OE6CLD

Chris DL5NAM

I have buyed 2 power pack at EBAY.DE . They fit well in Maestro, has 20.000 mAh and price was app. 16-17€ each.

Maestro not charge any(!) power pack but you can change at operation easy the power pack. Maestro has a internal small battery; so Maestro switch not off.
So it's a must to buy minimum 2 power pack - and maybe a car charger for smart phone to charge your pack's "on the road"

73 Chris

Claus, OE6CLD/EI7JZ

Thanks Chris,
I know already that Maestro does not charge the power-pack as planned at the beginning. I only need to know if 0.8" (2 cm) depth still will fit with the cover applied.

There are a lot of 20000mAh powerpacks availabe on Amazon (both .de and .co.uk), but usually these are 2cm (0.8") - some are even larger. What brand did you buy on eBay? 

73,
Claus, OE6CLD

Chris DL5NAM

Claus, it's a Noname. Only the sellers label (company in DL: Selectec GmbH) is on it. My power pack dimensions are: 124 x 69,7 x 15 and had 20.000 mAh. Search Ebay for: Selectec Power Bank
If you want a picture send me an email mycall@gmx.de

k3Tim

I tried a 0.80 inch thick bat (using a 0.74" bat with 0.06" padding) and it will fit BUT one would want to remove the straps and some pads on the inside of the case as the thickness causes back cover to be pushed out.

The back cover has a rectangular rib for strength, the inside dimension of this rib is 3.00". Therefore a wide bat has to be a couple mm narrower than 3.00" to fit.

YAL - Yet Another Link
https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/maestro-max-battery-size-is

Claus, OE6CLD/EI7JZ

Thanks to both of you, and also for the link. Apparently I missed this one when searching the forum. This one can be ordered at Amazon.de as well. I will wait for this until I have my own Maestro to see how it fits. Portable operation is not my main topic anyway.

I mainly want to use my Maestro for contesting and to operate my Flex 6500 from my home office. My main computers all are from Apple (iMac 27, iPad Pro, ...), only the PC in my shack is still a PC. I am using dogparkSDR at the moment to remote connect, but it's not the same (although already very good). And I'm waiting for the release of the RadioApp from Marcus DL8MRE to run it on my Ipad Pro

Thanks again for your help!

73,
Claus, OE6CLD

Claus, OE6CLD/EI7JZ

By the way, I ordered one of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-DoSHIN-50000mAh-Power-Bank-Aerospace-Aluminum-Akku-Ladegerat-2XUSB-LCD-/351479184676?hash=item51d5cabd24:g:rrEAAOSwcL5XNkIE I'm curious if this will work (and about the capacity). 73, Claus, OE6CLD

David Decoons, wo2x

The maximum size spec from Flex is (in inches) 6" x 3" x 0.75"

Dave wo2x

Jay Nation

We hold these two pieces together using the handy mans secret weapon, Duct Tape
-Red Green

Bow your heads for the men's prayer.
(group recites)
I am a man, but I can change.
If I have to, I guess...
-Red Green 

When it ought to work, it probably will.
You first, have to want it to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4OcW4NPW78#t=138

73, Jay - NO5J           

k3Tim

Hi Claus,
 Hold off on ordering the Aukey unit from the link I posted. I have been using it with reasonable results but there seems a problem. Testing Voltage / Current draw using a Drox USB Vold / Amp meter in line with the USB power connection, the Aukey eventually settles down to a 1.3 amp current flow. With the Mogix 14000 the current is a steady 390 mAmps.  Can't determine why such a large difference in the current pulled from the two of them. Till this is sorted out (if ever) I'd avoid the Aukey. It does work to charge a tablet and smartphone however.

Tim

Jack Nelson

Chris DL5NAM

... found another one that fits: http://www.ebay.com/itm/50000mAh-External-Power-Bank-Backup-LED-Dual-USB-Battery-Charger-for-Phone-D...
and that's for 10.74$ incl. shipping

Claus, OE6CLD/EI7JZ

Hi Tim,
Thanks for the update. And yes, this was my plan anyway. I will give the Chinese 50000mAh DoShin power bank I ordered a try. I will measure the current flow and let you know. I don't expect much for this price but maybe - who knows If this will not work I still can use it to load my phones/pads - and I always can go with the Polanfo power banks which are available in Europe as well.

73,
Claus, OE6CLD

David Decoons, wo2x

Be careful. If it is not an auto start battery then you will need to push the button on the battery every time you want to use it.

Chris DL5NAM

Sorry your wrong. Have 2 power pack here with push button and using with success and without pressing this button in my Maestro.

David Decoons, wo2x

Most of the packs are auto start. I am just saying this pack we do not know yet.