[Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks)

[Dennis Griffin]

OK, thanks Gary.

On several occasions, I've seen mention, relative to heat sink color, of a black coating absorbing direct sunlight, causing warming of the object. Living in the Phoenix area, I fail to understand why anyone would operate, at least for any length of time, in direct sunlight. I'm not going to subject my equipment, whether it be my KX3, any other electronic device, or the leather seat on my Vespa, to solar exposure that I wouldn't expose my head to. I most always wear a hat or helmet if I'm out in it, and I show my equipment the same consideration of being shaded whenever possible. Maybe only desert dwellers think this way, hi.

73 de Dennis KD7CAC
Scottsdale, AZ

On Sep 2, 2014, at 11:35 AM, Gary W. Hvizdak <gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com> wrote:

> Dennis (KD7CAC) recently posted ...
> 
> "I find it curious that there was no mention ... of what surface coating or
> surface finishing process the tested heat sinks had been subjected to. ...
> I'm also curious if Fred's lower cost version is still the original size
> ..."
> 
> --- - - - ---
> 
> Hi Dennis,
> 
>    The details regarding finish were omitted from his report for the sake
> of brevity.  In fact, Adrian evaluated four Cooler KX(TM) configurations,
> one each painted and unpainted Lite and Plus model.  The reason this
> information wasn't included, is that the coating had no discernable impact
> on performance.
> 
>    Addressing your questions about size ... Fred offers two models:  his
> original (Lite) model is 1.25 inches deep and his newer Plus model (which
> was introduced back in April as "Tropical") was originally 1.5" deep.
> However, in July he increased its depth by 7% to 1.59 inches.  And yes,
> Fred's Matte Black finish is electrostatically applied / heat cured power
> coat paint, although the entire bottom (heat transfer) surface is unpainted.
> 
>    Fred also offers two choices of unpainted finish:  a premium Clear
> Chromate Conversion undercoat; and raw aluminum (straight from the mill).
> 
> 73,
> Gary  KI4GGX
> webmaster  http://www.ve7fmn.ca/
> 
> P.S.  I encouraged Fred to rebrand his Tropical model as Plus, after one
> reviewer (on the eHam website) seemed to imply that the heatsink could be
> operated in direct sunlight without concern.  Intuition suggests that an
> unpainted finish would be preferable for operating under intense tropical
> sun, although even that should be avoided (IMHO).
> 
>