[Elecraft] [K3] PA Temp

[David Woolley]

hank k8dd wrote:

> The main reason I was wondering is because on one of
> my K2/100's you can definitely tell that the KPA-100
> has been run very hot by looking at the solder pads.  
> 
Are you talking about some sort of oxidation effect.  If the solder has 
actually softened, you have exceeded the absolute maximum storage 
temperature outside the device by some 33 degrees C and must have 
exceeded the absolute maximum storage temperature inside the device by 
even more.  As pointed out elsewhere, nowadays commercial specification 
devices are rated for an absolute maximum internal temperature, when 
operating, that is 25 degrees lower that that.  (Tin lead solder softens 
at 183 degrees, absolute maximum storage temperature is 150 degrees and 
absolute maximum operating junction temperature is 125 degrees.

Alternatively, you had a bad solder joint and the joint has heated up 
locally.

-- 
David Woolley
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