[Elecraft] Supplemental K3 Cooling

[Jim Cary]

I recently burned up the finals in my K3.  I believe the problem was operating too high a power in FT8 mode for a sustained period on six meters.  I’ve learned a few lessons (expensive ones too!) as a result, especially about monitoring the PA temperature.  

I was also advised by the service technician that the original KPA3 finals were bi-polar and fairly robust.  However, they are no longer made so they replace them with newer MOSFETS which are more delicate.  

Given that the newer finals appear to be more delicate I’d like to see if there is a way to increase the PA cooling.  The K3 operates in a uncooled garage in the tropics, so the ambient temperature is well into the 80’s already.

I seem to remember comments years ago about either a replacement for the stock fans, or other ways to increase the airflow.

I’d appreciate it if anyone has any suggestions.

Thanks,

Jim
W2SM
JimLCary at gmail.com