[Elecraft] power issues

[George Thornton]

I did some checking today on my voltage to the K3 using two different routes.

I am using an Astron RS-35m power supply.  It was tuned up to output slightly under 14v.  Normally it mediates through a PG40s backup and switching device, connected to three 140AH backup batteries as well as the power supply.

When I connect the K3 power through the PG40S distribution panel I read 13.3 volts at the K3.  This drops significantly when I transmit, going down to under 12 volts.

I then direct-wired the K3 lead to the Astron using ten gauge wire and a relatively short lead.  Power at the K3 then reads 13.8 and drops only to 13.7 during transmit.

Since I had failures attributed to erratic power supply, my conclusion is the K3 should only be run via a short, large gauge lead direct to a power supply in good order.