[Elecraft] K3 PA Temp

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

56C is no problem and well within our normal PA temp operating range.

Even the 84C limit is a conservative number with a fair amount of headroom.

73, Eric  WA6HHQ
www.elecraft.com
===

On 1/9/2011 1:22 PM, Joe Planisky wrote:
> 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,
>>