I have a K3s/10 (12 watt version) which I intend to use in the upcoming cq ww cw contest. This unit does not have KPA3A power brick and cooling fans installed.
While doing some trial runs I noticed that the area around the KLPA3A power transistors is getting fairly hot after prolonged contest use. My guess is the transistors are working harder when used as finals. The rig needs to produce between 6 and 12 watts to properly drive the SS amp I intend to use. Looking for some opinions: 1. Don't worry about it. I am paranoid. The KLPA3A power transistors can sustain the rigor of 40+ hours use in the contest. Just make sure they are properly fastened as directed in the assembly manual. 2. Rig up some passive thermal cooling. Perhaps a heat-sink underneath the rig to allow heat to dissipate. 3. Mount a 12v cooling fan somewhere to allow for airflow underneath the radio to take away excess heat. 73 Nick VE3EY ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [email protected]
