[Elecraft] [KX3] Portable operation - heating with sun loading

[Matt Zilmer]

Hi Gary,

For the frequency drift issue you noticed, you might want to perform
the temperature compensation procedure.  See
http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/kx3_app_notes.htm for more details.  The
procedure results in much improved freq drift characteristics.  OTOH,
you may already have been through this and know all that.

If your main issue is the PA temperature protection, I'm not sure
there's a lot you can do about that except get the KX3 under shade.
I've had to do that a number of times when operating portable,
especially in the summer season.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Mon, 24 Feb 2014 09:09:18 -0800, you wrote:

>This is just a FYI but when operating portable and the KX3 is subject to 
>warm air temps and being in the sun for a prolonged period of time, 
>internal heating can lead to minor drift in freq (as reported by the 
>radio) and the possibility of powering down it's output.  Obviously, 
>making sure the radio stays out of the sun is one way of mitigating this 
>issue but if there's ever a chance to further improve cooling it might 
>be worth looking at.
>
>The KX3 is proving to be an excellent portable SOTA radio.  I have 
>modified mine to include the Side KX panels and cover 
>(http://gemsproducts.com/) and use it with as Zippy 30C Series 4200mah 
>LifePo battery.  Capacity and voltage stability of this battery allows 
>full power SSB operation of my KX3 for several hours without any need 
>for voltage dropping circuit.
>
>Gary (K6YOA)
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Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
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