[Elecraft] KPA500 Fan Control

[KE8G]

Normally, I don't use my KPA500, as I like to run the low power status
in contests.  BUT, when I do kick in the amplifier, I immediately set
the fan level to 5, if it's going to be an extended period of
operation.

The amp is located about 1 foot above and 4 feet away from my head, I
use RadioSport headphones, and with them on, the fans could be doing a
screaming banshee song and I never hear a thing.

Your mileage may vary, just my observations over a several year period.

73 de Jim - KE8G<div id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2"><br />
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On 11/30/18, Bob McGraw K4TAX <rmcgraw at blomand.net> wrote:
> John et al:
>
> With my KPA500 and SSB rag chews I keep the fan on NORMAL.   It does
> cycle on and up from time to time.   When operating digital modes at 400
> to 500 watts, I set the fan to 1.  It still does move to higher speeds
> during transmissions as the TEMP gets to 60 degrees or so.  Then drops
> back to level 1.    As to operating at 2, other than the amount of added
> noise and a bit of wear, I see little disadvantage or advantage for that
> matter.   At the same time, I agree that heat is the most damaging
> component to solid state devices.
>
> By the way, as my amp fan is about 4" from the wall behind it, adding
> some acoustic material on the wall behind the amp I find soaks up some
> of the noise.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
> On 11/30/2018 9:30 AM, Monkeys wrote:
>> Is there any harm in setting the fan at level 2 and just leaving it
>> there? I would think the fan might wear out a little faster, but how
>> much faster? The reason I ask is that when the fan control is set to
>> NOR I find that the fan eventually...and understandably... kicks into
>> a super high speed whine on extended CW ragchews. But I have found by
>> setting the fan control to 2, the amp seems to like this 'pro-active'
>> cooling. I can ragchew to my heart's content and it never goes into
>> that high speed jet-taking-off or vacuum cleaner level. Has anyone
>> else changed their fan from NOR to 2 as a default and experienced any
>> side effects?
>>
>> John K7FD
>>
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