[Elecraft] Operating in cold weather

[Bob Nielsen]

On Fri, Jan 14, 2005 at 08:57:08PM -0600, Joe Ford wrote:
> 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. 

My shack is in my unheated garage, which often gets to <50F this time of
year. I use an Alinco supply for my K2, TS-570 (not at the same time)
and packet station and have never had any problems with the voltage
being temperature sensitive.  I keep the voltage control on the detent.

Bob, N7XY