Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Bill Frantz]

Silica gel crystals will also work well when placed in a case 
along with the radio. I kept my cameras and film alive in Borneo 
with silica gel in a Pelican case.


73 Bill AE6JV

On 3/30/16 at 2:33 PM, r...@cobi.biz (Ron D'Eau Claire) wrote:


The space inside a KX3 is very limited, but you might consider some
dessicant to absorb the moisture when carrying the rig outdoors. It's silica
crystals and readily available from many stores including Walmart and gun
dealers (those folks like to keep their weapons dry and rust free when
transporting them).

---
Bill Frantz| If you want total security, go to prison. 
There you're
408-356-8506   | fed, clothed, given medical care and so on. 
The only

www.pwpconsult.com | thing lacking is freedom. - Dwight D. Eisenhower

__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

The space inside a KX3 is very limited, but you might consider some
dessicant to absorb the moisture when carrying the rig outdoors. It's silica
crystals and readily available from many stores including Walmart and gun
dealers (those folks like to keep their weapons dry and rust free when
transporting them). 

You can make up small non-conductive (cloth) bags that fit in the nooks and
crannies of the KX3. Of course, there's a lot more room in the K3. 

They last indefinitely. From time to time you can de-humidify them by
warming them for a while to drive the moisture out. 

We used to deal with them a lot on shipboard equipment, particularly
lifeboat radios. The dessicant changed color as it absorbed moisture and
we'd dry them out by putting them on top of a steam heat radiator or other
warm spot for a couple of hours. 

73, Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andrew
Hebden
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 11:39 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

Hi Igor,
Although I haven't experienced your low temperatures I did get condensation
in the VFO encoder. The rig worked but only tuned for part of the turn of
the knob. It took about an hour to clear up once I started to warm it up.
73 Andrew G8BYB

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Igor
Sokolov
Sent: 30 March 2016 17:41
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; Richard Fjeld
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

Thank you Dick. Condensation inside the rig is a known problem. I will sure
take care not to switch it on before it is dried out inside.

> Hi Igor,
> I would worry about the condensation that forms when the radio is 
> brought into the warmth again.
>
> 73, Dick, n0ce


__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Andrew Hebden]

Hi Igor,
Although I haven't experienced your low temperatures I did get condensation
in the VFO encoder. The rig worked but only tuned for part of the turn of
the knob. It took about an hour to clear up once I started to warm it up.
73 Andrew G8BYB

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Igor
Sokolov
Sent: 30 March 2016 17:41
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; Richard Fjeld
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

Thank you Dick. Condensation inside the rig is a known problem. I will sure
take care not to switch it on before it is dried out inside.

> Hi Igor,
> I would worry about the condensation that forms when the radio is brought 
> into the warmth again.
>
> 73, Dick, n0ce



---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Barry N1EU]

On Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 5:45 PM, John K7JLT  wrote:

> . I ran the radio up to 110F, 43C (radio out in the sun).
>
>
> REALLY?  My KX3 went belly up at 80F in the sun.  The black case does NOT
like the sun.

Barry N1EU
__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[John K7JLT]

When I did the temp compensation the radio had cold soaked over night. The only 
problem that I remember was a slow display. I ran the radio up to 110F, 43C 
(radio out in the sun).

John K7JLT

Igor Sokolov <ua9...@gmail.com> wrote:

>Thanks Jerry. +8F (-13 C) is the lowest mentioned here so far for KX3. I 
>will have to wait till next winter to try temperatures lower then that. Now 
>it only gets down to minus 8C in the night and day temperatures are all 
>above freezing.
>
>73, Igor UA9CDC
>- Original Message - 
>From: "Jerry Curry" <jercu...@att.net>
>To: "John K7JLT" <k7jltex...@gmail.com>
>Cc: "Igor Sokolov" <ua9...@gmail.com>; "Mailman" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
>Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 9:54 PM
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)
>
>
>I’ve run my KX3 at +8F with no problems but that was SSB. I’ve not done any 
>temp compensation on it. Also,
>the radio was ‘warm’ +60F when started but was outside in the cold at +8F 
>for about 5 hours.  It may have generated enough heat internally to help and 
>I’m not sure if a cold soaked radio would operate the same from a cold 
>start.  Great little radio!!
>
>Jerry
>KL7EDK
>
>
>> On Mar 30, 2016, at 8:32 AM, John K7JLT <k7jltex...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> I have operated my K1 (after cap modification by Elecraft) & KX1 at -
>> 40 C & F with only my fingers suffering from the cold.  When I did temp 
>> compensation on my KX3 I took it down to -10 C.  I know KL7EDK in 
>> Fairbanks AK may operate on the Yukon Quest with a KX3 which gets very 
>> very cold.
>>
>> John K7JLT
>>
>> Igor Sokolov <ua9...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:
>>>
>>> I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
>>> operation. Here in Russia we have one funny QRP contest called 
>>> "Frost-red
>>> nose" where extra points are given for low temperature environment during
>>> field operation. The contest happens in January when in some places
>>> temperatures can be down to minus 30 C. I did not find temperature
>>> requirements for K3/KX3 in the specs. Can somebody give me a hint or may 
>>> be
>>> share own experience. What would be the lowest temperature where the rig
>>> will still perform adequately?
>>>
>>> 73, Igor UA9CDC
>>>
>>> __
>>> 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
>>> Message delivered to k7jltex...@gmail.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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Igor Sokolov]

Thanks Jerry. +8F (-13 C) is the lowest mentioned here so far for KX3. I 
will have to wait till next winter to try temperatures lower then that. Now 
it only gets down to minus 8C in the night and day temperatures are all 
above freezing.


73, Igor UA9CDC
- Original Message - 
From: "Jerry Curry" <jercu...@att.net>

To: "John K7JLT" <k7jltex...@gmail.com>
Cc: "Igor Sokolov" <ua9...@gmail.com>; "Mailman" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 9:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)


I’ve run my KX3 at +8F with no problems but that was SSB. I’ve not done any 
temp compensation on it. Also,
the radio was ‘warm’ +60F when started but was outside in the cold at +8F 
for about 5 hours.  It may have generated enough heat internally to help and 
I’m not sure if a cold soaked radio would operate the same from a cold 
start.  Great little radio!!


Jerry
KL7EDK



On Mar 30, 2016, at 8:32 AM, John K7JLT <k7jltex...@gmail.com> wrote:

I have operated my K1 (after cap modification by Elecraft) & KX1 at -
40 C & F with only my fingers suffering from the cold.  When I did temp 
compensation on my KX3 I took it down to -10 C.  I know KL7EDK in 
Fairbanks AK may operate on the Yukon Quest with a KX3 which gets very 
very cold.


John K7JLT

Igor Sokolov <ua9...@gmail.com> wrote:


There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:

I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
operation. Here in Russia we have one funny QRP contest called 
"Frost-red

nose" where extra points are given for low temperature environment during
field operation. The contest happens in January when in some places
temperatures can be down to minus 30 C. I did not find temperature
requirements for K3/KX3 in the specs. Can somebody give me a hint or may 
be

share own experience. What would be the lowest temperature where the rig
will still perform adequately?

73, Igor UA9CDC

__
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
Message delivered to k7jltex...@gmail.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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Barry N1EU]

The coldest I've operated is probably about 20F (-7C).  I've never seen any
cold related issues with the KX3.

73, Barry N1EU

On Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 12:38 PM, Igor Sokolov <ua9...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Barry, what was the lowest temperature you have used your KX3 without
> noticeable deterioration of performance?
>
> 73, Igor UA9CDC
> - Original Message - From: "Barry N1EU" <n1eu.ba...@gmail.com>
> To: "Elecraft Reflector Reflector" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 8:23 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)
>
>
> No, many of SOTA activators have used a KX3 below freezing.  We just
>> haven't used one at -30C (-22F) like you originally mentioned.
>>
>> 73, Barry N1EU
>>
>> On Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 11:02 AM, Igor Sokolov <ua9...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Thanks Brendon,Bob and Kevin. I am not worried about batteries. My LiFePo4
>>> were tested at minus 20 C and the drop in capacity is insignificant.
>>> Looks
>>> like nobody tested K3 or KX3 at below freezing temperatures so I will
>>> have
>>> to be the first :) A bit scary...
>>>
>>> 73, Igor UA9CDC
>>> - Original Message - From: "Brendon Whateley" <
>>> bren...@whateley.com>
>>> To: "Igor Sokolov" <ua9...@gmail.com>
>>> Cc: "Elecraft Reflector Reflector" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
>>> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 6:50 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi Igor,
>>>
>>>>
>>>> I think that some have operated at low temperatures in some winter
>>>> competitions -- the US North East gets pretty darn cold -- similar to
>>>> what
>>>> you are talking about. I looked and easily found similar questions to
>>>> yours, but no answers!
>>>>
>>>> The two things I'd be concerned about are the batteries and any
>>>> electrolytic components that may be damaged by extreme low temperatures.
>>>> The LCD screen will also stop working at low temperature, but I've never
>>>> broken one by freezing -- but perhaps I was just lucky!
>>>>
>>>> I think batteries will have issues before most of the electronics. I'd
>>>> suggest building a small insulated (expanded foam?) enclosure to hold
>>>> the
>>>> radio and battery. You could then stick some chemical hand warmers into
>>>> the
>>>> container and keep everything at a reasonable temperature. Look at how
>>>> the
>>>> "space balloon" people do things, they may have some tips. Alternatively
>>>> keep the batteries in an inside pocket of your clothing.
>>>>
>>>> An email to the Elecraft guys may give some guidelines for temperatures
>>>> that may damage components... but apart from those, I'd just give it a
>>>> try!
>>>>
>>>> Good luck and let us know what you find out, so that we can answer  the
>>>> question next time it comes up. (I live in California at the moment and
>>>> our
>>>> harsh winter temperatures barely touch freezing at night!)
>>>>
>>>> - Brendon
>>>> KK6AYI
>>>>
>>>> On Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 9:20 PM, Igor Sokolov <ua9...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
>>>>> operation. Here in Russia we have one funny QRP contest called
>>>>> "Frost-red
>>>>> nose" where extra points are given for low temperature environment
>>>>> during
>>>>> field operation. The contest happens in January when in some places
>>>>> temperatures can be down to minus 30 C. I did not find temperature
>>>>> requirements for K3/KX3 in the specs. Can somebody give me a hint or
>>>>> may
>>>>> be
>>>>> share own experience. What would be the lowest temperature where the
>>>>> rig
>>>>> will still perform adequately?
>>>>>
>>>>> 73, Igor UA9CDC
>>>>>
>>>>> __
>>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qt

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Igor Sokolov]

Thank you Dick. Condensation inside the rig is a known problem. I will sure 
take care not to switch it on before it is dried out inside.




- Original Message - 
From: "Richard Fjeld" <rpfj...@outlook.com>

To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 8:26 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)



Hi Igor,
I would worry about the condensation that forms when the radio is brought 
into the warmth again.


73, Dick, n0ce

On 3/29/2016 11:20 PM, Igor Sokolov wrote:

There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:

I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
operation.


__
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
Message delivered to ua9...@gmail.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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Igor Sokolov]

Barry, what was the lowest temperature you have used your KX3 without 
noticeable deterioration of performance?


73, Igor UA9CDC
- Original Message - 
From: "Barry N1EU" <n1eu.ba...@gmail.com>

To: "Elecraft Reflector Reflector" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 8:23 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)



No, many of SOTA activators have used a KX3 below freezing.  We just
haven't used one at -30C (-22F) like you originally mentioned.

73, Barry N1EU

On Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 11:02 AM, Igor Sokolov <ua9...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks Brendon,Bob and Kevin. I am not worried about batteries. My 
LiFePo4
were tested at minus 20 C and the drop in capacity is insignificant. 
Looks
like nobody tested K3 or KX3 at below freezing temperatures so I will 
have

to be the first :) A bit scary...

73, Igor UA9CDC
- Original Message - From: "Brendon Whateley" <
bren...@whateley.com>
To: "Igor Sokolov" <ua9...@gmail.com>
Cc: "Elecraft Reflector Reflector" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 6:50 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)



Hi Igor,


I think that some have operated at low temperatures in some winter
competitions -- the US North East gets pretty darn cold -- similar to 
what

you are talking about. I looked and easily found similar questions to
yours, but no answers!

The two things I'd be concerned about are the batteries and any
electrolytic components that may be damaged by extreme low temperatures.
The LCD screen will also stop working at low temperature, but I've never
broken one by freezing -- but perhaps I was just lucky!

I think batteries will have issues before most of the electronics. I'd
suggest building a small insulated (expanded foam?) enclosure to hold 
the

radio and battery. You could then stick some chemical hand warmers into
the
container and keep everything at a reasonable temperature. Look at how 
the

"space balloon" people do things, they may have some tips. Alternatively
keep the batteries in an inside pocket of your clothing.

An email to the Elecraft guys may give some guidelines for temperatures
that may damage components... but apart from those, I'd just give it a
try!

Good luck and let us know what you find out, so that we can answer  the
question next time it comes up. (I live in California at the moment and
our
harsh winter temperatures barely touch freezing at night!)

- Brendon
KK6AYI

On Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 9:20 PM, Igor Sokolov <ua9...@gmail.com> wrote:

There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:


I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
operation. Here in Russia we have one funny QRP contest called 
"Frost-red
nose" where extra points are given for low temperature environment 
during

field operation. The contest happens in January when in some places
temperatures can be down to minus 30 C. I did not find temperature
requirements for K3/KX3 in the specs. Can somebody give me a hint or 
may

be
share own experience. What would be the lowest temperature where the 
rig

will still perform adequately?

73, Igor UA9CDC

__
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
Message delivered to bren...@whateley.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
Message delivered to n1eu.ba...@gmail.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
Message delivered to ua9...@gmail.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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[John K7JLT]

I have operated my K1 (after cap modification by Elecraft) & KX1 at - 
40 C & F with only my fingers suffering from the cold.  When I did temp 
compensation on my KX3 I took it down to -10 C.  I know KL7EDK in Fairbanks AK 
may operate on the Yukon Quest with a KX3 which gets very very cold.

John K7JLT

Igor Sokolov  wrote:

>There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:
>
>I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
>operation. Here in Russia we have one funny QRP contest called  "Frost-red
>nose" where extra points are given for low temperature environment during
>field operation. The contest happens in January when in some places
>temperatures can be down to minus 30 C. I did not find temperature
>requirements for K3/KX3 in the specs. Can somebody give me a hint or may be
>share own experience. What would be the lowest temperature where the rig
>will still perform adequately?
>
>73, Igor UA9CDC
>
>__
>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
>Message delivered to k7jltex...@gmail.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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Richard Fjeld]

Hi Igor,

I live in Minnesota and our temps get down similar to yours.  I have not 
tried my
K3 in those temps, but  I have had mobile rigs in early days of solid 
state and when
first turned on, nothing would happen for a few minutes until they 
warmed up.

Newer circuit designs may have changed that.

I would worry about the condensation that forms when the radio is 
brought into the warmth again.


73, Dick, n0ce

On 3/29/2016 11:20 PM, Igor Sokolov wrote:

There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:

I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
operation.


__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Barry N1EU]

No, many of SOTA activators have used a KX3 below freezing.  We just
haven't used one at -30C (-22F) like you originally mentioned.

73, Barry N1EU

On Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 11:02 AM, Igor Sokolov <ua9...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Thanks Brendon,Bob and Kevin. I am not worried about batteries. My LiFePo4
> were tested at minus 20 C and the drop in capacity is insignificant. Looks
> like nobody tested K3 or KX3 at below freezing temperatures so I will have
> to be the first :) A bit scary...
>
> 73, Igor UA9CDC
> - Original Message - From: "Brendon Whateley" <
> bren...@whateley.com>
> To: "Igor Sokolov" <ua9...@gmail.com>
> Cc: "Elecraft Reflector Reflector" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 6:50 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)
>
>
>
> Hi Igor,
>>
>> I think that some have operated at low temperatures in some winter
>> competitions -- the US North East gets pretty darn cold -- similar to what
>> you are talking about. I looked and easily found similar questions to
>> yours, but no answers!
>>
>> The two things I'd be concerned about are the batteries and any
>> electrolytic components that may be damaged by extreme low temperatures.
>> The LCD screen will also stop working at low temperature, but I've never
>> broken one by freezing -- but perhaps I was just lucky!
>>
>> I think batteries will have issues before most of the electronics. I'd
>> suggest building a small insulated (expanded foam?) enclosure to hold the
>> radio and battery. You could then stick some chemical hand warmers into
>> the
>> container and keep everything at a reasonable temperature. Look at how the
>> "space balloon" people do things, they may have some tips. Alternatively
>> keep the batteries in an inside pocket of your clothing.
>>
>> An email to the Elecraft guys may give some guidelines for temperatures
>> that may damage components... but apart from those, I'd just give it a
>> try!
>>
>> Good luck and let us know what you find out, so that we can answer  the
>> question next time it comes up. (I live in California at the moment and
>> our
>> harsh winter temperatures barely touch freezing at night!)
>>
>> - Brendon
>> KK6AYI
>>
>> On Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 9:20 PM, Igor Sokolov <ua9...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:
>>>
>>> I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
>>> operation. Here in Russia we have one funny QRP contest called "Frost-red
>>> nose" where extra points are given for low temperature environment during
>>> field operation. The contest happens in January when in some places
>>> temperatures can be down to minus 30 C. I did not find temperature
>>> requirements for K3/KX3 in the specs. Can somebody give me a hint or may
>>> be
>>> share own experience. What would be the lowest temperature where the rig
>>> will still perform adequately?
>>>
>>> 73, Igor UA9CDC
>>>
>>> __
>>> 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
>>> Message delivered to bren...@whateley.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
> Message delivered to n1eu.ba...@gmail.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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Igor Sokolov]

Thanks Brendon,Bob and Kevin. I am not worried about batteries. My LiFePo4 
were tested at minus 20 C and the drop in capacity is insignificant. Looks 
like nobody tested K3 or KX3 at below freezing temperatures so I will have 
to be the first :) A bit scary...


73, Igor UA9CDC
- Original Message - 
From: "Brendon Whateley" <bren...@whateley.com>

To: "Igor Sokolov" <ua9...@gmail.com>
Cc: "Elecraft Reflector Reflector" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 6:50 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)



Hi Igor,

I think that some have operated at low temperatures in some winter
competitions -- the US North East gets pretty darn cold -- similar to what
you are talking about. I looked and easily found similar questions to
yours, but no answers!

The two things I'd be concerned about are the batteries and any
electrolytic components that may be damaged by extreme low temperatures.
The LCD screen will also stop working at low temperature, but I've never
broken one by freezing -- but perhaps I was just lucky!

I think batteries will have issues before most of the electronics. I'd
suggest building a small insulated (expanded foam?) enclosure to hold the
radio and battery. You could then stick some chemical hand warmers into 
the

container and keep everything at a reasonable temperature. Look at how the
"space balloon" people do things, they may have some tips. Alternatively
keep the batteries in an inside pocket of your clothing.

An email to the Elecraft guys may give some guidelines for temperatures
that may damage components... but apart from those, I'd just give it a 
try!


Good luck and let us know what you find out, so that we can answer  the
question next time it comes up. (I live in California at the moment and 
our

harsh winter temperatures barely touch freezing at night!)

- Brendon
KK6AYI

On Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 9:20 PM, Igor Sokolov <ua9...@gmail.com> wrote:


There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:

I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
operation. Here in Russia we have one funny QRP contest called 
"Frost-red

nose" where extra points are given for low temperature environment during
field operation. The contest happens in January when in some places
temperatures can be down to minus 30 C. I did not find temperature
requirements for K3/KX3 in the specs. Can somebody give me a hint or may 
be

share own experience. What would be the lowest temperature where the rig
will still perform adequately?

73, Igor UA9CDC

__
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
Message delivered to bren...@whateley.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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Brendon Whateley]

Hi Igor,

I think that some have operated at low temperatures in some winter
competitions -- the US North East gets pretty darn cold -- similar to what
you are talking about. I looked and easily found similar questions to
yours, but no answers!

The two things I'd be concerned about are the batteries and any
electrolytic components that may be damaged by extreme low temperatures.
The LCD screen will also stop working at low temperature, but I've never
broken one by freezing -- but perhaps I was just lucky!

I think batteries will have issues before most of the electronics. I'd
suggest building a small insulated (expanded foam?) enclosure to hold the
radio and battery. You could then stick some chemical hand warmers into the
container and keep everything at a reasonable temperature. Look at how the
"space balloon" people do things, they may have some tips. Alternatively
keep the batteries in an inside pocket of your clothing.

An email to the Elecraft guys may give some guidelines for temperatures
that may damage components... but apart from those, I'd just give it a try!

Good luck and let us know what you find out, so that we can answer  the
question next time it comes up. (I live in California at the moment and our
harsh winter temperatures barely touch freezing at night!)

- Brendon
KK6AYI

On Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 9:20 PM, Igor Sokolov  wrote:

> There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:
>
> I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
> operation. Here in Russia we have one funny QRP contest called  "Frost-red
> nose" where extra points are given for low temperature environment during
> field operation. The contest happens in January when in some places
> temperatures can be down to minus 30 C. I did not find temperature
> requirements for K3/KX3 in the specs. Can somebody give me a hint or may be
> share own experience. What would be the lowest temperature where the rig
> will still perform adequately?
>
> 73, Igor UA9CDC
>
> __
> 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
> Message delivered to bren...@whateley.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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[kev...@coho.net]

This may not be applicable to the K3 but I have used the K2 below 32 F.  
My K2 has the 100 watt amp with a built in fan.  The fan got confused 
and stayed on.  The algorithm to adjust the fan speed did not understand 
a negative Celsius temperature.  With the fan blowing my fingers got 
pretty numb and kept sending more dits than desired :)

73,
Kevin.  KD5ONS

On 3/29/2016 9:20 PM, Igor Sokolov wrote:

There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:

I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
operation. Here in Russia we have one funny QRP contest called "Frost-red
nose" where extra points are given for low temperature environment during
field operation. The contest happens in January when in some places
temperatures can be down to minus 30 C. I did not find temperature
requirements for K3/KX3 in the specs. Can somebody give me a hint or 
may be

share own experience. What would be the lowest temperature where the rig
will still perform adequately?

73, Igor UA9CDC

__
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
Message delivered to kev...@coho.net



__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Robert Nobis]

You should directly contact the Elecraft factory for this. However, as I 
recall, the K3 and KX3 are designed to operate over an operating temperature 
rating: 0 – 50 °C.

73,


Bob Nobis - N7RJN
n7...@nobis.net


> On Mar 29, 2016, at 21:20, Igor Sokolov  wrote:
> 
> There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:
> 
> I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
> operation. Here in Russia we have one funny QRP contest called  "Frost-red
> nose" where extra points are given for low temperature environment during
> field operation. The contest happens in January when in some places
> temperatures can be down to minus 30 C. I did not find temperature
> requirements for K3/KX3 in the specs. Can somebody give me a hint or may be
> share own experience. What would be the lowest temperature where the rig
> will still perform adequately?
> 
> 73, Igor UA9CDC
> 
> __
> 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
> Message delivered to n7...@nobis.net
> 

__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com