[Elecraft] K3 PA Temp

[Joe Planisky]

Hi Fred,

According to the manual, the PA drops out at 84C, so that's clearly the upper limit that Elecraft thought was safe.  I routinely see PA temperatures of 60C - 65C when running 100% modes like RTTY, PSK31, etc. into a well matched load for more than a minute or two.  I have performed the PA temperature calibration procedure with a thermometer that I trust. I am not overly concerned with temps in the mid 60s.

That said, there seems to be some variation in what people experience with regard to PA temperature.  Some folks will swear that they never see anything over 35C - 40C.  Others (like me) will report higher temps.  Of course, ambient air temperature and good air circulation play a large role, but otherwise I don't know the reasons for the variations.

73
--
Joe KB8AP

On Jan 9, 2011, at 11:24 AM, Fred Jensen wrote:

> Playing around in the RTTY RU after a full effort in NAQP CW yesterday. 
>  PA temp @100W gets up to about 56C while CQ'ing, so I backed off to 
> 80W.  Anyone know how hot is too hot?
> 
> 73,
> 
> Fred K6DGW