I've used my KX3 in SoCal for about two years now, so two summers. To keep PA / OSC temperature managed, I use two methods in the order shown:
- Get the KX3 under shade - Get some airflow going (I use a 12V RV fan) Note that the fan is useful to keep the op from overheating as well. :) The methods above solve 80% of the thermal problems I see here in the Inland Empire. An aftermarket heatsink is used by some ops; I don't use it. I have also used an odd method that really confused some of my field day buddies last year. On field day, cool refreshments are always needed, so I bring along an ice chest with drinks, etc. I made a little shelf that allow the KX3 to rest above the ice but still maintains a reasonable thermal seal (but not as good as having the top down on the chest). Having the cooler air and shelf surface around the KX3 helps maintain PA/OSC temps. It doesn't have to be much, just five deg C helps a lot. I don't think the ice chest method helps operators when portable (hiking around, backpack only) but it might be useful for stationary portables in a campground, picnic area, area. 73, matt W6NIA On Mon, 10 Mar 2014 07:45:10 -0700, you wrote: >Having now used my KX3 on numerous portable SOTA activations, it does >seem overheating is going to be an issue when outside temperatures >rise. Yesterday I operated from Monserate Mtn in Southern California. >There was no shade on the peak, air temps were probably pushing up into >the low eighties and there as little shade or breeze. After an hour's >operation the radio was running very warm and it was no surprise when it >started backing it's power down. Going into summer I see many days of >similar conditions and I'm looking for solutions to keep the radio >cooler when operating portable. Any thoughts on heatsinks, shade >covers, little fans, third-party add-ons would be greatly appreciated. >______________________________________________________________ >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 Matt Zilmer, W6NIA -- "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln ______________________________________________________________ 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
