[Elecraft] K3 #4407 - dead

[Pete Smith]

Just FYI, Tripp Lite says their DB9R uses avalanche diodes.  From Wikipedia:

"A common application is protecting electronic circuits 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_circuit> against damaging high 
voltages <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overvoltage>. The avalanche diode 
is connected to the circuit so that it is reverse-biased. In other 
words, its cathode <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode> is positive 
with respect to its anode <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anode>. In this 
configuration, the diode is non-conducting and does not interfere with 
the circuit. If the voltage increases beyond the design limit, the diode 
suffers avalanche breakdown 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalanche_breakdown>, causing the harmful 
voltage to be conducted to earth. When used in this fashion they are 
often referred to as clamper diodes 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Clamper_diodes&action=edit&redlink=1> 
or Transient voltage suppression diode 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transient_voltage_suppression_diode> 
because they "clamp" the maximum voltage to a predetermined level. 
Avalanche diodes are normally specified for this role by their clamping 
voltage /V/_BR and the maximum size of transient they can absorb, 
specified by either energy (in joules 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joule>) or /i/^2 /t/. Avalanche breakdown 
is not destructive, as long as the diode is not allowed to overheat."

73, Pete N4ZR

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On 8/12/2010 8:58 AM, Jim McDonald wrote:
> I moved the internet unit off my tower and made other improvements,
> including adding a Tripp-Lite DB9 surge protector (MOVs, I assume) at the
> K3.  My new computer is connected to the router via RF instead of Ethernet
> even though it's only a few feet away.
>
>