[Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Brendon Whateley]

Hi Igor,

I think that some have operated at low temperatures in some winter
competitions -- the US North East gets pretty darn cold -- similar to what
you are talking about. I looked and easily found similar questions to
yours, but no answers!

The two things I'd be concerned about are the batteries and any
electrolytic components that may be damaged by extreme low temperatures.
The LCD screen will also stop working at low temperature, but I've never
broken one by freezing -- but perhaps I was just lucky!

I think batteries will have issues before most of the electronics. I'd
suggest building a small insulated (expanded foam?) enclosure to hold the
radio and battery. You could then stick some chemical hand warmers into the
container and keep everything at a reasonable temperature. Look at how the
"space balloon" people do things, they may have some tips. Alternatively
keep the batteries in an inside pocket of your clothing.

An email to the Elecraft guys may give some guidelines for temperatures
that may damage components... but apart from those, I'd just give it a try!

Good luck and let us know what you find out, so that we can answer  the
question next time it comes up. (I live in California at the moment and our
harsh winter temperatures barely touch freezing at night!)

- Brendon
KK6AYI

On Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 9:20 PM, Igor Sokolov <ua9cdc at gmail.com> wrote:

> There were no responce to the initial message so I post it again:
>
> I have both K3 and KX3 and I sometimes use them outside in a field
> operation. Here in Russia we have one funny QRP contest called  "Frost-red
> nose" where extra points are given for low temperature environment during
> field operation. The contest happens in January when in some places
> temperatures can be down to minus 30 C. I did not find temperature
> requirements for K3/KX3 in the specs. Can somebody give me a hint or may be
> share own experience. What would be the lowest temperature where the rig
> will still perform adequately?
>
> 73, Igor UA9CDC
>
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