The rule of thumb is to over design the system. I have nearly the same system with a few differences. I don't use a distribution panel, rather my 2x 140 AHr batteries and the solar panel are netted at the K3 with a 5 Farad cap 12" from the K3. I monitor the voltage at the connector of the K3 and only see a .1-.2 volt drop from resting to key down. So YES make all leads HEAVY and short. Mel, K6KBE
From: George Thornton <gthorn...@thorntonmostullaw.com> To: Ron D'Eau Claire <r...@cobi.biz>; 'Bob Jonas' <wx2i....@gmail.com>; "elecraft@mailman.qth.net" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2017 4:17 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] power issues I did some checking today on my voltage to the K3 using two different routes. I am using an Astron RS-35m power supply. It was tuned up to output slightly under 14v. Normally it mediates through a PG40s backup and switching device, connected to three 140AH backup batteries as well as the power supply. When I connect the K3 power through the PG40S distribution panel I read 13.3 volts at the K3. This drops significantly when I transmit, going down to under 12 volts. I then direct-wired the K3 lead to the Astron using ten gauge wire and a relatively short lead. Power at the K3 then reads 13.8 and drops only to 13.7 during transmit. Since I had failures attributed to erratic power supply, my conclusion is the K3 should only be run via a short, large gauge lead direct to a power supply in good order. ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to farrerfo...@yahoo.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com