Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
Those who know something about fluid dynamics can also tell you that if the air flow is restricted, the fan speed will be a bit higher (for any given KPA500 selected fan speed) - it is because the fan is not doing as much work to move air. Try an experiment with any fan - partially block the air flow and observe that the fan speed increases. That is more noticeable if the outlet side is blocked - so do maintain the proper clearance at the back of the KPA500. 73, Don W3FPR __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
Very well. Generally I do try to "Do as the manufacturer says." Especially with expensive stuff still under warranty.. Fortunately I built my own shelving for the shack and I've got room for the KAT500 just above the amp. All's well. Thanks for the heads up on the overly protective caution in the manual. Maybe we'll see a change soon. 73 Gil, W1RG > From: r...@cobi.biz > To: w...@hotmail.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling > Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 08:03:34 -0700 > > Aha. You caught something that needs fixing Gil. I'm not an Elecraft > employee but do write some of their manuals. The 2" spec goes way back > before the KAT500 was released. When the KAT500 came along, the engineers > insisted the smaller spacing on top afforded by the KAT500 feet was adequate > clearance. > > 73 Ron AC7AC > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Gillingham > Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 6:31 AM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling > > Yes. > The very first statement under Installation in the KPA500 owner's manual is > the following: > > "IMPORTANT: Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the fan and > above the amplifier for proper air flow." > > Nuf said. > > 73, > Gil, W1RG > __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
Aha. You caught something that needs fixing Gil. I'm not an Elecraft employee but do write some of their manuals. The 2" spec goes way back before the KAT500 was released. When the KAT500 came along, the engineers insisted the smaller spacing on top afforded by the KAT500 feet was adequate clearance. 73 Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Gillingham Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 6:31 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling Yes. The very first statement under Installation in the KPA500 owner's manual is the following: "IMPORTANT: Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the fan and above the amplifier for proper air flow." Nuf said. 73, Gil, W1RG __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
On Mon, 27 May 2013 09:31:23 -0400, Richard Gillingham wrote: > "IMPORTANT: Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the > fan and above the amplifier for proper air flow." > > Nuf said. Roger that! And yes, the fan makes PLENTY of noise when it kicks up to high speed. It isn't enough that my cardioid mic picks it up, but it blows the curtain about 2 feet behind it. :o) Gary -- http://ag0n.net 3055: http://ag0n.net/irlp/3055 NodeOp Help Page: http://ag0n.net/irlp __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
Keep in mind the fan may come on more and end up at higher speeds more ofter if you put the KAT500 on top. That is not to say it will overheat. Fan noise for some is a KPA500 issue. 73 de Brian/K3KO On 5/27/2013 13:39, Fred Smith wrote: I guess it boils down to whatever trips your trigger and the people who designed it said to put it on top if you wanted, no problems. 73, Fred/N0AZZ K3 Ser #'s 6730/5299--KX3 # 2573--K2/100--KAT100 P3/SVGA--KPA500--KAT500--W2 -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Gillingham Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 8:31 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling Yes. The very first statement under Installation in the KPA500 owner's manual is the following: "IMPORTANT: Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the fan and above the amplifier for proper air flow." Nuf said. 73, Gil, W1RG From: w...@bellsouth.net Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 23:39:00 -0400 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling I do a lot of meteor scatter on 6 meters, and I've tried the tuner both above and below the amp. I've found the KPA500 runs cooler with the KAT500 tuner below the amp. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On May 26, 2013, at 6:23 PM, mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote: On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. I wouldn't put it on top. I can hear fan and air changes if I get within a half inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds. You can feel the air flow considerably at high speed with your hand an inch over the opening. That means it does affect the airflow to put something that close. I don't care if the factory or a manual says you can do it. I sure wouldn't run mine that way. Gary __ 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 __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3184/6360 - Release Date: 05/26/13 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3184/6360 - Release Date: 05/26/13 __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3184/5861 - Release Date: 05/27/13 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3184/5861 - Release Date: 05/27/13 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
I guess it boils down to whatever trips your trigger and the people who designed it said to put it on top if you wanted, no problems. 73, Fred/N0AZZ K3 Ser #'s 6730/5299--KX3 # 2573--K2/100--KAT100 P3/SVGA--KPA500--KAT500--W2 -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Gillingham Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 8:31 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling Yes. The very first statement under Installation in the KPA500 owner's manual is the following: "IMPORTANT: Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the fan and above the amplifier for proper air flow." Nuf said. 73, Gil, W1RG > From: w...@bellsouth.net > Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 23:39:00 -0400 > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling > > I do a lot of meteor scatter on 6 meters, and I've tried the tuner both above and below the amp. > > I've found the KPA500 runs cooler with the KAT500 tuner below the amp. > > 73 de Sebastian, W4AS > > > > On May 26, 2013, at 6:23 PM, mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote: > > > On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: > > > >> The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. > > > > I wouldn't put it on top. I can hear fan and air changes if I get within a half > > inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds. You can feel the air > > flow considerably at high speed with your hand an inch over the opening. That > > means it does affect the airflow to put something that close. I don't care if > > the factory or a manual says you can do it. I sure wouldn't run mine that way. > > > > Gary > > __ > 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 __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3184/6360 - Release Date: 05/26/13 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3184/6360 - Release Date: 05/26/13 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
Yes. The very first statement under Installation in the KPA500 owner's manual is the following: "IMPORTANT: Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the fan and above the amplifier for proper air flow." Nuf said. 73, Gil, W1RG > From: w...@bellsouth.net > Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 23:39:00 -0400 > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling > > I do a lot of meteor scatter on 6 meters, and I've tried the tuner both above > and below the amp. > > I've found the KPA500 runs cooler with the KAT500 tuner below the amp. > > 73 de Sebastian, W4AS > > > > On May 26, 2013, at 6:23 PM, mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote: > > > On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: > > > >> The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. > > > > I wouldn't put it on top. I can hear fan and air changes if I get within a > > half > > inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds. You can feel the > > air > > flow considerably at high speed with your hand an inch over the opening. > > That > > means it does affect the airflow to put something that close. I don't care > > if > > the factory or a manual says you can do it. I sure wouldn't run mine that > > way. > > > > Gary > > __ > 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
I do a lot of meteor scatter on 6 meters, and I've tried the tuner both above and below the amp. I've found the KPA500 runs cooler with the KAT500 tuner below the amp. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS On May 26, 2013, at 6:23 PM, mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote: > On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: > >> The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. > > I wouldn't put it on top. I can hear fan and air changes if I get within a > half > inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds. You can feel the air > flow considerably at high speed with your hand an inch over the opening. That > means it does affect the airflow to put something that close. I don't care if > the factory or a manual says you can do it. I sure wouldn't run mine that > way. > > Gary __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
On 26 May 2013, at 4:47 PM, mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote: > On Sun, 26 May 2013 16:40:48 -0400, Bill wrote: > >> Is it necessary that the top of the amp be unblocked? I was thinking of >> the KAT500 being placed on top of the amp. Perhaps the other way around >> would be better? Any side clearances required? > > You'll find out when you build the KPA that the top needs to be kept clear. > Air > intake is at the top, and exhaust at the rear. It moves a lot of air when the > fan hits high gear :) Others have put the tuner under the amp. It also helps > to hold the tuner down when you hit a button. I'm more than likely going to > do > the same thing when I get mine. I thought that, too, so when I set up my K-Line I put the KAT500 under the KPA500 on the desk. Then I saw the setup at Dayton, where they had the KPA500 with the KAT500 on top. I asked the person at the booth and he told me that there is no problem running the amp with the tuner on top, that they are designed to have adequate cooling when installed in that position. Hope this helps. John K8AJS jbast...@me.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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
> If you put the KAT500 above the amp the fans run more often, but are able to > keep the amp cool enough for most normal uses. K6XX did test this early on > with thermometers. It comes up to fan temp more quickly, but settles at the > same temp. I have mine above the amp, but the amp can also be above the ATU, > which is what I might do except that the cover of my ATU is off most of the > time for a firmware debug cable. Putting the amp over the ATU helps keep the ATU in place if you are troubled by cables tending to move the ATU. I like the look of K3, P3, and KAT500 lined up. I don't need to operate controls on either the amp or ATU often enough to make it a significant ergonomic issue. I do care about the height of the K3 above the desk tho. If I were a RTTY contester in the tropics, I would allow more than minimum clear air space around the rig and amp. It's a personal choice issue. 73 de Dick, K6KR On May 26, 2013, at 1:40 PM, Bill wrote: > Is it necessary that the top of the amp be unblocked? I was thinking of the > KAT500 being placed on top of the amp. Perhaps the other way around would be > better? Any side clearances required? > > I am designing a new radio desk that will house my K3, P3, and yet to be > purchased amp and tuner. > > Thanks, Bill W2BLC > __ > 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
Gary, sometimes I, too, take a more cautious approach to how I set up and operate gear than the manufacturer specifies. It's all a matter of what we individually are comfortable doing. I just wanted to answer Bill's question. As far as Elecraft is concerned, the KAT500 can go on top of the KPA500. IMX, the Elecraft engineers are very conservative. If there's any chance of causing a problem, they won't recommend it. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of mcduf...@ag0n.net Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 3:23 PM To: elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: > The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. I wouldn't put it on top. I can hear fan and air changes if I get within a half inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds. You can feel the air flow considerably at high speed with your hand an inch over the opening. That means it does affect the airflow to put something that close. I don't care if the factory or a manual says you can do it. I sure wouldn't run mine that way. Gary __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: > The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. I wouldn't put it on top. I can hear fan and air changes if I get within a half inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds. You can feel the air flow considerably at high speed with your hand an inch over the opening. That means it does affect the airflow to put something that close. I don't care if the factory or a manual says you can do it. I sure wouldn't run mine that way. Gary __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. >From "Placement" on page 3 of the KAT500 manual: The KAT500 may be placed under or above either the Elecraft K3 transceiver or the KPA500 solid state amplifier. The KAT500 can easily handle the weight of the KPA500 amplifier. The KPA500's footprint matches both units and the feet provide adequate spacing for proper cooling of the K3 or KPA500. -- The feet on the KAT500 provide ample clearance for all the cooling air the KPA500 needs. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 1:41 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling Is it necessary that the top of the amp be unblocked? I was thinking of the KAT500 being placed on top of the amp. Perhaps the other way around would be better? Any side clearances required? I am designing a new radio desk that will house my K3, P3, and yet to be purchased amp and tuner. Thanks, Bill W2BLC __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
BIll, The KAT500 Elecraft page shows a photo from Visalia with the KAT500 placed on top of the amp. http://www.elecraft.com/KAT500/kat500.html I'm planning on stacking one on top of the other, myself, when I add them both to my shack. 73, Hoop K9QJS On May 26, 2013, at 1:40 PM, Bill wrote: Is it necessary that the top of the amp be unblocked? I was thinking of the KAT500 being placed on top of the amp. Perhaps the other way around would be better? Any side clearances required? I am designing a new radio desk that will house my K3, P3, and yet to be purchased amp and tuner. Thanks, Bill W2BLC __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
On Sun, 26 May 2013 16:40:48 -0400, Bill wrote: > Is it necessary that the top of the amp be unblocked? I was thinking of > the KAT500 being placed on top of the amp. Perhaps the other way around > would be better? Any side clearances required? You'll find out when you build the KPA that the top needs to be kept clear. Air intake is at the top, and exhaust at the rear. It moves a lot of air when the fan hits high gear :) Others have put the tuner under the amp. It also helps to hold the tuner down when you hit a button. I'm more than likely going to do the same thing when I get mine. Gary __ 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
[Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
Is it necessary that the top of the amp be unblocked? I was thinking of the KAT500 being placed on top of the amp. Perhaps the other way around would be better? Any side clearances required? I am designing a new radio desk that will house my K3, P3, and yet to be purchased amp and tuner. Thanks, Bill W2BLC __ 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
