A: The KXBC3 is designed to charge Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery types only.  It will not charge other types of batteries.  While the other types of batteries can be used with the KX3, they will need to be recharged in an external battery charger that supports those formulations.

A: The Read Time Clock replaces the Elapsed Time clock when observed with the DISP button.  When installed, the Real Time Clock uses the internal NiMH batteries to keep it powered up.   The Real Time Clock will keep running for about 20 minutes if you need to replace the NiMH batteries in the KX3, too.

A: No. You can operate the KX3 without any batteries installed inside the radio.  If you choose to add NiMH batteries, they will operate.   The difference comes when you find the need to remove the NiMH batteries for recharging. With the KXBC3, you can leave the batteries installed in the KX3 and recharge them from an external power supply.  Otherwise, you can remove the NiMH batteries and recharge them in an external charger.

A: No. The KX3 and the KXBC3 will handle the recharging using a typical 13.6 volt external power supply found in most ham radio shacks.  That power supply can run both the KXBC3 and the KX3 at the same time, if needed.  That is, you can operate the KXBC3 to recharge the batteries installed inside the KX3 while carrying on QSO's at the same time.