[Elecraft] K3 Heat, Cooling, Noise, RFI

[turnbull]

I suppose we all like to improve what we have.  This is a road to progrsss   The folks at Elecraft have proven themselves to be first class engineers.   They must have done a worst case design and thermal analysis.   I would put some faith in them.   We can of course install a squirrel cage blower atop the K3 and most of the radio will stay close to ambient temperature but then the noise will rival the QRN on the bands.  Many electronic components are made to run at high temperatures.   A maximum junction temperature of 175C is not out of line.   Of course a heat sink gets hot but if the design is conservative enough then all is okay.   Start opening the sides of the case and RFI screenig will be reduced.   You are also likely to reduce the resale value of your radio.   Not that one would sell a K3.   This is just another take and questioning is part of what we should all do.

                 73 Doug EI2CN