Biggest Battery for the Maestro?

ka7gzr

I'm still looking for the biggest battery that can fit inside the Maestro battery compartment. The Mogix and the Polanfo fit nicely but don't utilize all of the compartment. I thought that the Puridea S3 was the answer but its thickness doesn't quite make it leaving the battery door slightly bulging even after removing the vinyl dot in the base of the compartment. Of course any battery must leave room to put the USB connector on.

Any other battery experiences?

Jim

ka7gzr

Tim - W4TME

We don't recommend filling the entire compartment with a battery bank.  Having some clearance helps with heat dissipation, even with the vented cover in place.  The key spec you need to look for is the mAh rating, not the physical size of the battery.

KC9NRN

Agreed, I installed a 128800mAh battery pack that gives as much time as I need to run. I haven't used it long enough to discharge because if I'm near an outlet I plug in, I bought two extra adapters to make sure I have one with me all the time.

My door however is curved so both edges protrude looking low quality but I think I can fix that.

KC2QMA_John

I am also looking for the highest capacity battery that will fit inside the Maestro.

Any ideas as of 6/2018

David Decoons, wo2x

The Polanfo 20000M gives about 4 1/2 hrs runtime. They used to be about $20 on Amazon but are now $59.95 Dave wo2x

KC2QMA_John

I went to walfart with my wife this afternoon and noticed that they had a few Blackweb 6000 mAh batteries on clearance for only $4 each, so I figured for 4 bucks what the heck so I bought 2.

Now since they are only 6000 mAh they wont last that long but I found with a full charge they last almost 3 hours. So not too bad for $4 each! I just hooked it up to my maestro and let it stay powered up until the battery ran out.

When I get some more time I will find a bigger battery for now these will work.

Bob G W1GLV

Jim, the Mogix wil power the Maestro for 8 hrs +. The nice thing about the battery it is self starting.
I have two of them and they work great.

KC2QMA_John

Hello Bob, I just ordered the Mogix 10400mAh battery new from mogix for only $29.
If it works good I will get a second.

Ryan - NC4RA

I use two Mogix 10400 mAh as well. So far so good.

KC2QMA_John

How long do yours last?

Ryan - NC4RA

About 3.5 hrs but I haven’t had it very long. Will have a better idea after field day.

Ronald Panetta

I just bought 2 Mogix 10400 mAh packs which have both 2.1A and 2.5A ports. The short cable on the Maestro aligns better with the 2.1A port (center). Per the Maestro manual 2.0A minimum required: "The battery must supply 5 volts DC and should be capable of supplying a minimum of 2.0 amps through a USB type A connector."

Per Tim's https://helpdesk.flexradio.com/hc/en-us/articles/210311883-Suggested-Battery-Packs-for-Maestro post of suggested battery packs:

"Recommended Current Supply: 2.5A at 5V DC output"

Thoughts from the community? Wish the USB cable in the battery compartment was about an inch longer

73,
Ron WB2WGH
Flex 6600 & Maestro user for 9 days now. Love it!

KC2QMA_John

I too would just like to adjust the Maestro USB cable but don't want to void the warranty opening up the back panel. It’s just a tiny bit too short. 

bill morton

there are several solutions - the simplest is a USB right angle adaptor  either wired or hard - sold by many

Ronald Panetta

Bill, does not look like this will work with my Maestro. If I run the USB cable up it almost touches the top of the battery housing and so not enough space for the right angle adapter. If I run the USB cable down, not enough cable to permit it to flex 90 degrees down. 

Thanks,
Ron WB2WGH

bill morton

Well mine does not need one but It looks like I have plenty of room for it - I use the Mogix pack. There are other 90 degree adaptors available just have to search for the one that will fit your battery. 

Ronald Panetta

Given the really short cable, my plan is to:
- Use a 1' USB extension cable
- 3D print a replacement battery housing cover with a slot in it for the extension cable to exit the internal compartment
- The 3D printed cover would have an outward facing retainer for the Mogix. 

Now all I need is some time design the replacement cover in between  mastering the 6600/Maestro/SmartsDR/K9DUR voice keyer/N3FJP before Field Day. Have most bases covered and just need to test the voice keyer. 

Ron WB2WGH

KC2QMA_John

My plan is to pass a USB cable through the battery door and mount a giant battery on the back of the Maestro, something like a 27,000 mAh battery or bigger. Hopefully FRS will make spare battery covers available soon,

Ronald Panetta

In fact, was just looking at my Maestro and Mogix. I've modified my strategy since the recent post above. Velcro Mogix to Maestro non-tilt feet (fits well) and connect via 1' USB extension cable. If FRS makes spare battery covers, I'll abandon the 3D printed one and just buy an extra to add the required slot for cable egress.

KC2QMA_John

Well if flex doesn't make them you can always sell your design to the Flex community

Ryan - NC4RA

I plug mine into the 2.5A port no problem.

Ronald Panetta

That doesn't work for me. USB cable too short. Note angled connector in attached picture. Too much stress on cable and connector.

Ronald Panetta

So here is my fix. 1' USB extension cable stored in battery compartment when not in use. 2 rubber bands securing cover and battery (inside of cover facing up as it makes a nice cradle for the battery) to fixed base. Rubber bands positioned to clear fixed base rubber feet so base doesn't rock. All unnecessary if Maestro cable were an inch longer.

Neal Pollack, N6YFM

Which model battery pack is;

1.  Still available on Amazon

2.   Auto-Starting   (no button press needed)

3.   Large mAh capacity, but fits the capartment

The previous list that Tim/Flex posted has a lot of "no longer available" models.

Suggestions?

Cheers,

Neal

John WA7UAR

What Maestro batteey did you finally decide on Neal?

ik3ghr Fortunato

Neal Pollack, N6YFM