UltraLite QRP Battery

Name: UltraLite QRP Battery | 18Wh | USB-C PD | 5V 9V 12V | Made in USA
Brand: W0AEZ Radio Gear LLC
SKU: Ultralite-18
Price: 35.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

USB-C PD · 5V 9V 12V · Made in USA

$35.00

Sale Sold out

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Add laser etching Your callsign or name on the pack, +$15

Made in the USA
USB-C charging
Ships worldwide
Lead time: About 1 Week

Details and specs

UltraLite QRP Battery — Lightweight USB-C PD Power for Portable Radios

Light. Quiet. All-Day Power.

The UltraLite QRP Battery is a compact, RF-quiet 18Wh power source built for portable and field operations. It delivers selectable 5V, 9V, or 12V output via a USB Power Delivery trigger cable, charges in under 2 hours at full charge speed (15W or higher), and weighs under 4.5 oz. Take it to a summit, a park, or a go-bag. It just works.

Designed, printed, and hand-assembled in Colorado, USA.

Specifications:

Capacity: 18Wh
Cell: Genuine Samsung 50E 21700 (user-replaceable)
Output Voltage: 5V, 9V, or 12V (selected by trigger cable)
Max Power Output: 22W
Charging: USB-C, up to 20W
Charge Time: Under 2 hours (at full charge speed)
RF Noise: RF-quiet design. Minimal interference with sensitive radio equipment
Display: Digital battery percentage readout with USB PD active indicator
Housing: 3D-printed ASA (heat-resistant, UV-stable)
Weight: Under 4.5 oz
Warranty: 1 year

Battery Display Calibration: The power management board includes a dedicated coulomb counter for the battery percentage display. Out of the box, the display may not be accurate. The coulomb counter requires approximately 12 full charge-and-discharge cycles to properly calibrate. Until then, the percentage shown is an estimate and my power down while reading a high state of charge. This is normal behavior and will improve with use.

How Voltage Selection Works: The output voltage is set by the trigger cable you pair with the battery. Each cable negotiates a fixed voltage from the battery via USB Power Delivery. The trigger cable is sold separately (see below), so buy the battery and the cable that matches your radio's input:

5V: USB devices and low-voltage accessories
9V: QRP radios that accept 9V input
12V: QRP radios and accessories that accept 12V input

Trigger Cable (sold separately): The trigger cable is not included with this battery. Add the cable that matches your radio's voltage and barrel jack:

Standard PD Trigger Cable. Rated for 3A. DC 5.5 x 2.1mm barrel jack. 15.5 inches long.
Premium 12V PD Trigger Cable (Adafruit). Rated for 5A. DC 5.5 x 2.5mm barrel jack. About 4 feet long. Holds voltage better under transmit.

The two cables use different barrel jack sizes (2.1mm and 2.5mm), so check your radio's jack before ordering.

Shop the PD trigger cable here.

Ideal For:

SOTA, POTA, and field day operations
QRP HF, VHF, and UHF portable setups
Emergency and go-bag communications
Backpacking and lightweight hiking
Any portable device that accepts 5V, 9V, or 12V DC input

What's Included: (1) UltraLite QRP Battery

Design Details: Each battery is 3D-printed and hand-assembled. Minor texture variations are cosmetic and do not affect performance. The battery features a digital display showing remaining capacity as a percentage, with a green lightning bolt icon indicating active USB PD output or input.

Charging Notes: Recharge from any USB-C power source: wall adapters, car chargers, or solar panels with USB output. Not all USB-C cables are created equal. If charging doesn't start, try a different cable.

Recommended Charger: Any USB-C charger rated 15W or higher will charge the battery at full speed. Lower-wattage chargers will still work, they'll just charge slower. PPS (Programmable Power Supply) chargers will automatically negotiate the optimal charge rate but are not required. A USB-A to USB-C cable with a standard USB-A wall adapter also works and is the most universally reliable option.

User-Serviceable Cell: The UltraLite uses a single Samsung 50E 21700 cell. When it eventually degrades, you can replace it yourself. No need to buy a whole new battery.

Lead Time & Shipping: Batteries are made to order in small batches. Current lead time is posted at the top of the site. Please check there for the most up-to-date estimate. Shipping options and costs are calculated at checkout.

USA: USPS, UPS, and FedEx
International: UPS and DHL. Customer is responsible for any import duties, taxes, or brokerage fees.

FAQ:

Q: The battery percentage display doesn't seem accurate.
A: This is expected for new units. The onboard coulomb counter needs about 12 full charge/discharge cycles to calibrate. Accuracy improves with each cycle.

Q: What voltage do I need?
A: Check your radio's DC input specs. Many QRP rigs take 12V, while others take 9V. Choose the trigger cable that matches.

Q: Can I charge this with a solar panel?
A: Yes. Any USB-C power source that supports at least 5W can charge the battery, including compatible solar panels.

Q: The barrel jack on the Premium cable doesn't fit my radio.
A: The Standard cable uses a DC 5.5 x 2.1mm barrel jack. The Premium cable uses DC 5.5 x 2.5mm. A 2.5mm plug will not fit a 2.1mm jack at all. Check your radio's barrel jack size before ordering, and note a 2.1mm plug will only fit loosely in a 2.5mm jack and may not make reliable contact.

Q: Can I replace the cell myself? A: Yes. The UltraLite is user-serviceable. It uses a single Samsung 50E 21700 cell.

Guides, videos and print files

User guides, assembly videos and 3MF print files are on the Documents page.

Lithium battery warning

Lithium Battery Safety Disclosure & Disclaimer

W0AEZ Radio Gear LLC – Updated 2025

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Lithium batteries provide excellent performance and energy density but can pose safety risks if handled improperly. By using products containing lithium batteries from W0AEZ Radio Gear LLC, you agree to follow the safety guidelines below and accept all associated risks.

This disclosure applies to all W0AEZ products containing lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, or other lithium-based rechargeable batteries, including but not limited to battery cases, portable power banks, and battery-powered accessories.

1. Risk of Fire, Explosion, or Thermal Runaway

Lithium batteries may ignite, swell, or enter thermal runaway if:

Punctured or physically damaged
Exposed to extreme heat
Short-circuited
Overcharged or improperly charged
Used with incompatible equipment

If abnormal heat, swelling, smoke, odor, or noise occurs, immediately stop using the product and move it to a safe, ventilated area away from flammable materials.

In case of fire or smoke: Use a Class D fire extinguisher or large amounts of water. Do not use foam or CO2 extinguishers. Call emergency services if the fire cannot be quickly controlled. Contact kevin@w0aez.com to report the incident after ensuring safety.

2. Charging Safety

To reduce risk of fire or malfunction:

Only use chargers specifically designed for the product. Refer to product documentation for specific voltage/current requirements (typically 5V USB-C chargers unless otherwise specified).
Do not use third-party power sources, adapters, Power Delivery (PD) triggers, or improvised charging methods not designed for the device.
Charge only in a well-ventilated area and never leave charging unattended.
Charging temperature range: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
Do not charge damaged, swollen, or overheating batteries.

3. Storage and Transportation

Store batteries in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment.

Avoid leaving batteries in vehicles, direct sunlight, or extreme temperatures.

Transport lithium batteries in a way that prevents crushing, puncture, or short circuits.

When transporting lithium batteries, particularly by air, customers should check with their carrier for applicable regulations. Most lithium batteries under 100Wh (typical for consumer devices) are permitted with restrictions. For more information, consult Department of Transportation (DOT) or International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines.

Lithium batteries may swell or vent at high altitudes or during air transport due to pressure changes. This is normal and typically resolves at lower pressure. Do not puncture swollen batteries.

4. User-Serviceable Products (Where Applicable)

Some W0AEZ products allow the Customer to replace the battery cell.

Replacement must be performed only with cells specifically recommended by W0AEZ or specified in product documentation. Contact kevin@w0aez.com for approved replacement cell specifications.

Installing unapproved, counterfeit, rewrapped, or incorrectly sized cells is unsafe and voids all warranties and liability protections.

Incorrect installation may cause overheating, fire, or permanent device damage.

5. Keep Away from Children and Pets

Lithium batteries are not toys.

Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Swallowing or tampering with lithium batteries can cause severe injury or death.

6. Disposal

Do not dispose of lithium batteries in household trash.

Follow local regulations for battery recycling. Many retailers (Home Depot, Best Buy, battery specialty stores) and municipal hazardous waste facilities accept lithium batteries for recycling. Visit call2recycle.org to find local drop-off locations.

Damaged or swollen batteries must be taken to a proper recycling facility immediately.

Never incinerate or expose batteries to open flame.

7. Overheating, Ventilation & Prohibited Actions

If a product becomes unusually hot or behaves abnormally, discontinue use immediately.

Operating temperature range: –20°C to 60°C (–4°F to 140°F)

Do NOT:

Puncture, crush, disassemble, or modify lithium batteries
Expose batteries to conductive materials (keys, coins, tools, etc.)
Submerge batteries in liquid
Use damaged charging cables
Operate batteries outside the temperature range specified above

8. Battery Lifespan & Performance

Lithium batteries naturally degrade over time.

Reduced capacity and shorter runtime as the battery ages are normal characteristics, not defects.

Capacity loss of up to 20% over 2 years or 300-500 charge cycles is considered normal wear and is not a defect.

Battery lifespan depends on usage patterns, environment, and charge cycles.

9. Warranty and Liability

Lithium batteries are considered consumable components and are covered under warranty only for manufacturing defects within 90 days of purchase. Normal capacity degradation is not covered.

Any injury, damage, or loss resulting from improper handling, misuse, modification, or unauthorized battery replacement is not the responsibility of W0AEZ Radio Gear LLC.

Liability limitations are governed by the W0AEZ Terms of Service.

10. Compliance With Safety Standards

W0AEZ Radio Gear LLC designs products according to applicable safety standards.

Any modification, misuse, or unauthorized battery replacement may compromise safety and void warranties.

11. Seek Professional Assistance

If unsure how to safely handle, replace, or evaluate a lithium battery:

Contact W0AEZ customer support at kevin@w0aez.com, or
Consult a qualified technician

12. Disclaimer of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, W0AEZ RADIO GEAR LLC DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INJURIES, DAMAGES, OR LOSSES ARISING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR FAILURE OF LITHIUM BATTERIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FIRE, EXPLOSION, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR PERSONAL INJURY. CUSTOMER ASSUMES ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH LITHIUM BATTERY USE.

By using our products, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Lithium Battery Safety Disclosure and agree to follow all listed guidelines.

W0AEZ Radio Gear LLC – 2025