An idea mentioned to me by Ross, EX0AA. USB C Power Deliver (PD) lets the powered device ask for certain voltages and the power supply can adjust. It turns out you can buy cables or adapters with the PD negotiating chip in them so I purchased a USB C to 2.1mm plug. Mine is configured for 12V and seems to power my QMX very nicely.
There's no particularly noticible noise from the battery (which presumably has a buck converter) but I'm sure the noise floor is higher. One thing to watch is that not all battery packs are capable of 12V, my others only do 5V. The no-load voltage is very close to 12V.
As well as cables there are adapters with a USB C socket on them.
It would be great if the USB C socket on a QRP radio used PD to be at least optionally powered this way.
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