[Elecraft] K3 Cooling

[Bob Cunnings]

They are exhaust fans, blowing air out. The manual states that the
fans must be oriented so that the manufacturer's label faces outward.
This is correct, since the convention is that the air flows in the
direction of the label on the fan.

Bob NW8L

On Sun, Apr 4, 2010 at 4:16 PM, Jim Harris <w0em at q.com> wrote:
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> Which way is the air flow supposed to be through the fans on the K3?  Mine blows out, pulling air in from the slots in the top above the KPA3.  (My K2 blows in.)  The manual doesn't seem real clear on which way to install them in the K3.
>
> My K3 is nearing eight months old and doesn't seem to have a major cooling problem.  But, I do some heavy RTTY contesting and I've occasionally seen the PA temp at over 60 degrees centigrade.  I'm considering adding a fan on half inch stand offs from the bottom of the shelf above the radio to blow through the slots in the top of the K3.  Will this disturb normal airflow around other components possibly causing them to overheat?
>
> In the past I installed an external fan on two off-shore radios and it seemed to improve cooling.  I want to be sure I have the fans installed correctly and there would not be other problems before proceeding.
>
> Thanks everyone.
>
> CU in the Colorado QSO Party Sept 4th, 2010.
>
> 73,  Jim, W0EM
>
>
>