First off, I have never experienced this problem (yet) with K3 s/n 559.
I have an older PA, as it was ordered with the kit. Mine is in a controlled environment in the shack. That said, if I ever encounter this problem, or simply decide to proactively prevent it, I will most likely jumper around the connections in question with something more "robust" than the original style inline pins. Replacing the existing tin contact connectors with gold plated is all well and good (assuming it is done across the complete circuit- all connectors from main board through KPAIO3 board and KPA3. However, in my own experience, these connectors are not the best choice for handling high current, regardless of how many are paralleled. I have disassembled a fair number of the female connectors, and they are often just what looks like a two-prong fork stamped out of thin material that contacts along two opposite edges of the male pin. This results in very little surface area to handle the current. It is not surprising there have been some corrosion problems, but I suspect some of the deterioration is from plain old overheating, due to the current flow. If/when the time comes, I will probably bypass this path completely. I may use a set of Anderson Power Poles or other connector, one more suited to the current needs of the KPA3. 73, Bruce, N1RX ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
