[Elecraft] K3 Transmit current drain

[Phil Hystad]

On my K3, Serial No. 3799, I have the following (two measurements only)...

     --- 30 watts output:    13 amps

     --- 100 watts output:  21 amps

Note that these are measured on my Astron power supply ammeter and I have at least 1.5 to 2 amps of other loads so my actual K3 load is probably closer to 11 amps on 30 watts and 19 amps on 100 watts.


73, phil, K7PEH


On Feb 6, 2012, at 6:14 PM, k6mgo wrote:

> I was playing around with my K3 and MFJ 4225 switching power supply, when I
> noticed a strange thing. As you increase the power output, the input current
> rises very quickly. Example:
> in Receive mode, the K3 was drawing 2 amps. 
> In Transmit mode, CW, SK key down, at 1 watt out, it was drawing 4 amps
> 5 watts out, it was drawing 5 amps 
> 8 watts out, it was drawing >6 amps
> 15 watts out, it jumped to 15 amps
> 30 watts out, it jumped to 20 amps
> 
> Didn't want to increase the power anymore, but, this seems excessive to me,
> anyone else ever notice this?
> 
> Would appreciate any comments on this matter,
> 
> 73, Bill, k6mgo
> 
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