[Elecraft] Cold K3

[Richard Fjeld]

On 10/4/2016 7:16 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
I've not tried running my K3 at outside temps,

Hello Ed,

I would caution you against trying your K3 in those temps.  Minus 60 
degrees F. is the coldest on record for Minnesota, and you experience 
far colder that that. The cold may do multiple things to the K3 if it 
has multi-layer circuit boards.  I didn't notice if it does.

Our club left a repeater in an unheated enclosure one winter. I would 
estimate it wasn't much colder than minus 30 degrees F. at that 
location. (To clarify for others, this is 30 degrees F. below zero.)  I 
have seen what the multi-layer circuit board looked like. More 
specifically, the thru-the-hole solder connections from one layer to 
another were cracked. Maybe it was the type of solder used???

I'm sure circuit designs have changed since the first solid state rigs I 
described in the cold.  LCD screens hadn't been heard of yet.  I'm 
surprised they don't freeze and get damaged in your temps.  It is 
interesting to read of your outdoor experiences.

73,
   Dick, n0ce