[Elecraft] [KX3] Overheating when portable

[Matt Zilmer]

I've used my KX3 in SoCal for about two years now, so two summers.  To
keep PA / OSC temperature managed, I use two methods in the order
shown:

- Get the KX3 under shade
- Get some airflow going (I use a 12V RV fan)

Note that the fan is useful to keep the op from overheating as well.
:)  The methods above solve 80% of the thermal problems I see here in
the Inland Empire.

An aftermarket heatsink is used by some ops; I don't use it.  

I have also used an odd method that really confused some of my field
day buddies last year.  On field day, cool refreshments are always
needed, so I bring along an ice chest with drinks, etc.  I made a
little shelf that allow the KX3 to rest above the ice but still
maintains a reasonable thermal seal (but not as good as having the top
down on the chest).  Having the cooler air and shelf surface around
the KX3 helps maintain PA/OSC temps.  It doesn't have to be much, just
five deg C helps a lot.

I don't think the ice chest method helps operators when portable
(hiking around, backpack only) but it might be useful for stationary
portables in a campground, picnic area, area.

73,
matt W6NIA


On Mon, 10 Mar 2014 07:45:10 -0700, you wrote:

>Having now used my KX3 on numerous portable SOTA activations, it does 
>seem overheating is going to be an issue when outside temperatures 
>rise.  Yesterday I operated from Monserate Mtn in Southern California.  
>There was no shade on the peak, air temps were probably pushing up into 
>the low eighties and there as little shade or breeze.  After an hour's 
>operation the radio was running very warm and it was no surprise when it 
>started backing it's power down.  Going into summer I see many days of 
>similar conditions and I'm looking for solutions to keep the radio 
>cooler when operating portable.  Any thoughts on heatsinks, shade 
>covers, little fans, third-party add-ons would be greatly appreciated.
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
--
"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will
spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln