[Elecraft] [KPA500] Fan Control from KPA500 Utility?

[W5UXH]

The reason is because then it does sometimes get up to level 5 and I prefer
to keep it below that, if using level 3 as the minimum happens to accomplish
that.  Level 4 with headphones on is fine, level 5 is just a tad too
noticeable.  

My only type of operation is CW, no monologues, sometimes as much as two or
three minutes at a time, maybe as long as 5 minutes, full qsk with "back and
forth" conversation.  When I leave it on NOR, invariably on the longer
transmissions it will eventually get up to level 5.

When I set the minimum to level 3, it never gets above 4.  We typically are
running QRQ (e.g. 60-65 wpm) but the duty cycle is the same as at 30 wpm of
course, and the fan does the same thing at those speeds.

No high SWR, the amp never sees more than 1.5:1, using the KAT500.

As for temps:

Testing in a dummy load with a continuous 60 wpm CW canned message, 400W
out, starting with fan off (NOR):
Start:      36C
11 secs:  40C
50 secs:  50C
2.5 mins: 60C
4.5 mins: 65C

In this test it leveled off at 65C, never kicked up to level 5.  Room
ambient is 79F.  I would guess this rate of temperature rise is probably
normal.  

But since it sometimes kicks up to level 5, when it has started from off,
and never does when I keep the minimum at level 3, I prefer that.  I would
guess for the several minutes at a time when I am listening, it cools back
down further with level 3 than with level 0, don't really know.

My daily sked has had his amp for a year or more and he experiences the same
behavior, he also leaves his at level 3 for the same reason.

Chuck, W5UXH


AG0N-3055 wrote
> But why not let the thermostatic controller do its thing?  And, if it is
> kicking up to high speed in a QSO, you must be doing some very high duty
> cycle QSOs, i.e. talking continuously or working AM with long
> transmissions.    Temps will run higher if you are
> running some reflected power too.
> 
> Gary
> -- 





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