[Elecraft] Operating in cold weather

[Joe Ford]

Hello Elecrafters, I have a little problem and would appreciate some
advice.

My ham shack is in a room which is separated from the main house.
Consequently, it does not receive heat from the main house and during
this cold weather is only heated when I am in the room and even then I
don't get it very warm. I normally only have an hour or so in the
evenings for operating. I dress warm, and, fortunately I'm in Alabama
where winters are relatively mild.

Well I have almost completed construction of the KPA100 and planned to
power it with an Alinco  switching supply. I was using this supply with
my K2 on a cold morning recently and almost as soon as I powered up it
notified me my battery was low (not on battery). I looked at the
Alinco's meter and the voltage was showing just over 10V when it should
have been 13.8. 

First question: Am I correct in attributing this drop in voltage to the
cold? I think it was about 45 degrees in the room at that time. I also
have an Astron RS-20 which did not show a similar voltage drop, leading
me to this conclusion. I can use the Astron to power the KPA100 but will
need another supply for the K2. Second question: Can someone suggest a
smaller supply to use with the K2 which will not suffer in the cold
(most of the small ones seem to be switchers)? Or, final question, Is it
really necessary to use separate supplies for the K2 and KPA or
could/would the Astron power both. 

Thanks in advance for any assistance. 

Joe
K4NVJ
K2#4155
K1#764

"LONG LIVE ELECRAFT'