On Tue, 4 Jul 2006 10:05:47 -0400 Bill Coleman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: >The problem appears to be internal condensation building up in the >K2. Is anyone else encountering this problem? What can be done about >it?
Moisture can only condense on a surface if the surface temperature is at or below the dew point, and the dew point will be below (rarely, at) the ambient air temperature. So all you have to do to prevent condensation is to keep the surface ever so slightly warmer than the ambient air (glasses fog up when you get out of the shower and put them on?? run hot water over them, they'll stay clear as long as they're warmer than the bathroom air...) In the case of radios the easiest fix, if you have the electricity to spare in the field, is just leave the rig on. Even the QRP K2 consumes and dissipates as heat a couple of watts (200 mA at 12 V = 2400 mW) in Rx which should be enough to keep internals dry. Alternatively, put a couple of those chemical hand warmers on the top cover (NOT inside the radio). I'd put a sheet of plastic wrap or something between the rig and the packs, because there is an oxidation reaction going on and perhaps undesirable reaction products present. DON'T put the packs in a closed zip-lock bag though, they need a supply of oxygen to work. You could tuck a couple of those silica gel desiccant bags (like those packed with cameras, etc) inside the case. That will help to lower the dew point of the air trapped in the case. I'd take them out right after use though. My K2 is a temple, and I don't put no junk in the temple. :^)) 73 Jim N5IB K2 #1233 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
