Elecraft: K1 current draw

[Martin.Evans]

snip

I have noted that the current drain is a little higher than the spec says
so
would like to know what other K1’s are drawing in real life

Mine on Rx is Ok at about 70mA with the backlight option fitted and set to
high brightness

On TX it’s a little high ( I think)



40m 5W  @ 14v Supply   Current =1.18Amps

40m 2W @ 14v Supply    Current = 760mA

snip

Paul, the current draw at 5W is a little high but nothing to worry about.
The current on my K1 varies around the one amp mark depending on the exact
supply voltage and the SWR it is "seeing". If you are using the KAT1 and it
matches your wire perfectly ie 1:1 SWR then the current should be 900mA at
14V. I use an external ATU and because I don't always take the trouble to
match my wire perfectly the current creeps up above one amp for 5 Watts
out. For most CW speeds I don't think the output transistor is bothered
about a little more collector current, just don't leave the key down for
long periods. If you just feel the side of the K1 case where the output
transistor is bolted to (the case is the heat sink) you can feel if it is
getting warm, most of the time I can barely sense any change in temp.

One other thing to note is that if using an external tuner and the K1 sees
a high SWR when you are tuning, I think it reduces it's output to protect
itself and often I need to switch it off and on again after tuning to reset
the K1"brain" otherwise it gets confused. It's not a problem.

The K1 is my first and only rig and I love it. Hope you enjoy yours too.
I'm often on 80m around 3558 in the evenings and I'll look out for you.
Don't worry about the cw speed, I'll slow down to whatever you are
comfortable with.

73's

Martin
M0KWV
K1 #1534
Why not take a look at our Web site?
http://www.simoncarves.com

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