[Elecraft] KPA100 heat removal.

[Ron Willcocks]

Seasons Greetings to all,
                                     Today being New Year's Day and trapped
at home, I decided to make up a "heat removal" gizmo for the KPA100, seeing
as our Field Day is around the corner (Feb 22/23) and the temperatures are
in the mid 20c region at present.
In the large junk box here I found a 2" low profile 12v fan, and the perspex
lid off an old stereo system that was about 1/4" thick. I cut the perspex to
fit the top of the KPA100 so it overlapped the rear slightly and butted
against the end of the heatsink fins at the front...and of course level with
the sides.
I then cut a 2" hole above the power transistors and another over the
speaker.  I glued the fan over the appropriate hole, and glued four small
strips of perspex under the outer edges of the panel to key into the fins of
the heatsink. This holds the panel in place nicely,and allows it to sit
flush on the heatsink. The fan is arranged to pull air out of the K2.
Initial trials seem to indicate the system works fine. I just have to
regulate the speed of fan, and the current thinking is that I will make up a
variable arrangement using a transistor and variable pot. Possibly overkill,
but it will allow me to adjust the speed should it be required.
Anyway, if I need it, the "Heat sucker" is readily available and is quickly
deployed.
How does that stack up against other setups???  With  current "in shack" use
the panel won't be needed, but I would rather have it available on FD and
not need it, than need it and not have it!!
Perhaps heat is not a problem in the North at the moment??
73......Ron ZL1TW