[Elecraft] Older K3/100s can be updated to avoid possible

[Bruce Beford]

First off, I have never experienced this problem (yet) with K3 s/n 559.

 

 I have an older PA, as it was ordered with the kit.  Mine is in a
controlled environment in the shack. That said, if I ever encounter this
problem, or simply decide to proactively prevent it, I will most likely
jumper around the connections in question with something more "robust" than
the original style inline pins. 

 

Replacing the existing tin contact connectors with gold plated is all well
and good (assuming it is done across the complete circuit- all connectors
from main board through KPAIO3 board and KPA3. However, in my own
experience, these connectors are not the best choice for handling high
current, regardless of how many are paralleled. I have disassembled a fair
number of the female connectors, and they are often just what looks like a
two-prong fork stamped out of thin material that contacts along two opposite
edges of the male pin. This results in very little surface area to handle
the current. It is not surprising there have been some corrosion problems,
but I suspect some of the deterioration is from plain old overheating, due
to the current flow.

 

If/when the time comes, I will probably bypass this path completely. I may
use a set of Anderson Power Poles or other connector, one more suited to the
current needs of the KPA3.

 

73,

Bruce, N1RX