[Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Igor Sokolov]

Thanks Brendon,Bob and Kevin. I am not worried about batteries. My LiFePo4 
were tested at minus 20 C and the drop in capacity is insignificant. Looks 
like nobody tested K3 or KX3 at below freezing temperatures so I will have 
to be the first :) A bit scary...

73, Igor UA9CDC
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brendon Whateley" <brendon at whateley.com>
To: "Igor Sokolov" <ua9cdc at gmail.com>
Cc: "Elecraft Reflector Reflector" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 6:50 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)


> 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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>