[Elecraft] [K2] Safely running 100% key-down modes (K1FFX)

[Fred Jensen]

FWIW:  I used to run RTTY on my K2/100 [AFSK into mic jack and from 
headphone jack].  I put a little square of sticky-back velcro on top of 
the heat sink over the part that got the warmest and used it to stick a 
12VDC muffin fan down, blowing down into the heat sink.  I found I could 
run RTTY at 100W and the heat sink stayed cool to the touch.  The fan 
was almost silent, totally silent with headphones on, and the only 
anomaly was on 15 if the beam was pointed across the shack [toward 
VK/ZL].  Then, when I was transmitting, the fan would slow way down. :-)

I use the K3 now, usually driving the KPA500 to 500W, and I sold the 
KPA100 and KAT100 ... my K2 is my field rig.

I really don't think anyone need worry about Elecraft gear needing to be 
derated very much.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
- www.cqp.org

On 12/27/2013 1:21 PM, Bob wrote:
> Hi Bruce,
>
> I haven't tried JT-65 but I've been running PSK-31 on my K2 with the KPA100
> power set at 50% (i.e., 50 watts) or less without any problems. Although my
> transmissions are not longer than several minutes each, I understand that at
> the power level, you could have much longer transmissions without problems.