[Elecraft] K3 Suddenly died

[Jim Brown]

Nonsense alert!

73, Jim K9YC

On 10/6/2013 10:22 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:
> When we think of wire gauge requirements for amperage needs, we need to
> remember the amperage rating for wire is given for house voltage, 
> typically
> ~117 volts AC (in the US).  For lower voltage at 13.8 VDC, we need 
> larger wire
> size (smaller gauge number).  What often saves us is short lead lengths.
> Still, if one measures the voltage drop of a conductor under load by 
> using
> a DMM with a test lead at each end of the wire, a drop will be seen if 
> the
> wire size is not adequate for the load.   (Emphasis on 'under load'.)
>
> The voltage drop across a resistance (in this case a conductor) is 
> directly
> proportional to the amount of current flow through the resistance.  At 
> idle
> current, very little voltage drop will be measured in the resistance 
> of the
> conductor.
>
> The 12V jack on the back of the radio cannot be used to accurately 
> measure
> voltage drop in the power cable, but the voltage measured during key-down
> will be approximately 1.4 volts less than the PS voltage if the cable 
> is good.
> An RCA plug can be wired to make the test connections safely.