[Elecraft] Operating temperature range ( second attempt)

[Barry N1EU]

No, many of SOTA activators have used a KX3 below freezing.  We just
haven't used one at -30C (-22F) like you originally mentioned.

73, Barry N1EU

On Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 11:02 AM, Igor Sokolov <ua9cdc at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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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>>
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