KX3 heatsink question

[k6sdw]

With some expert help from the Elecraft forum, I'm up and running JT65/9 using my new KX3.....


My rig's s/n is 9403, do I still need to consider upgrading to the after-market heatsink or the one that came with my new KX3 (9403) sufficient for most data modes?


tnx and 73


k6sdw


ed

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[rich hurd WC3T]

I have a KX3 with the new heatsink (S/N 7XXX) and although the heatsink
gets warm during ops, I've not had any issues running the high duty cycle
modes with the factory model.   I am not a heavy duty digital mode user, so
YMMV; but I'm avoiding the required surgery that the heatsink would
require.   :)

On Mon, Mar 20, 2017 at 1:17 PM, Eddy Avila <[hidden email]> wrote:

> With some expert help from the Elecraft forum, I'm up and running JT65/9
> using my new KX3.....
>
>
> My rig's s/n is 9403, do I still need to consider upgrading to the
> after-market heatsink or the one that came with my new KX3 (9403)
> sufficient for most data modes?
>
>
> tnx and 73
>
>
> k6sdw
>
>
> ed
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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--
73 (or 72 for the QRP folks),
Rich Hurd / WC3T
Northampton County RACES
EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988  Grid: *FN20is*
40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W
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[Don Wilhelm]

Ed,

The KX3 "wrap-under" heatsink is adequate for most modes.  However if
you are using data modes with long transmit periods at power levels
above 7 or 8 watts, you might want to consider an aftermarket heatsink.

Give it a try and feel the heatsink after several transmission periods.
It will be warm, but you should be able to hold your hand on the
heatsink without discomfort.  That is always a good test for OK vs. Too Hot.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/20/2017 1:17 PM, Eddy Avila wrote:
> With some expert help from the Elecraft forum, I'm up and running JT65/9 using my new KX3.....
>
>
> My rig's s/n is 9403, do I still need to consider upgrading to the after-market heatsink or the one that came with my new KX3 (9403) sufficient for most data modes?
>
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[Edward R Cole]

Look at: http://www.kl7uw.com/KX3.htm

Prices may have changed.  Hopefully links still good.
Combination of after-market heat sink and temp compensation procedure.

73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
   [hidden email]

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[hhoyt]

Hi Rich,

The advantages of a real aftermarket heatsink (not the poorly designed
imports) is rapid thermal recovery after each transmit cycle and less
heat re-radiated into the rig.  The import with the rounded fin root as
well as others have a less optimum volume to surface area ratio and stay
much hotter between transmit cycles. Also a good heatsink will allow
higher power operation in temperatures we sometimes find ourselves when
operating on picnic tables and the like in the summer!

(commercial content) We find most of our customers who are occasional
digital users are satisfied with the smaller of our two heatsinks, model
Kx31, but the JT mode enthusiasts, especially contesters are going for
the slightly larger Kx32 model.  Much more info on our website.  Just
our experience...YMMV

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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[Jerry]

I bought a ProAudio heatsink for my KX# about 3 or 4 years ago and found
that since I could read and handle some relatively simple hand tools,
assembly was easy and straight forth. Using RTTY at full power, it got only
warm - made a nice ham warmer in the colder mountain areas. The price you
pay for ProAudio is well worth it.

Best regards,

Jerry, W1IE


-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Howard
Hoyt
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 3:11 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 heatsink question

Hi Rich,

The advantages of a real aftermarket heatsink (not the poorly designed
imports) is rapid thermal recovery after each transmit cycle and less heat
re-radiated into the rig.  The import with the rounded fin root as well as
others have a less optimum volume to surface area ratio and stay much hotter
between transmit cycles. Also a good heatsink will allow higher power
operation in temperatures we sometimes find ourselves when operating on
picnic tables and the like in the summer!

(commercial content) We find most of our customers who are occasional
digital users are satisfied with the smaller of our two heatsinks, model
Kx31, but the JT mode enthusiasts, especially contesters are going for the
slightly larger Kx32 model.  Much more info on our website.  Just our
experience...YMMV

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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[David Gow]

I have a later serial number with the improved heatsink and find it
completely satisfactory for PSK31 in typical QSO use.  I usually run about
8 watts and do monitor the final amplifier temperature  via the  screen
display.  It never gets anywhere near the shut-down level or "hot" to the
touch.  I do live in Seattle so the ambient temperature in the shack seldom
exceeds 80F and is mostly around the 68F furnace setting and also the
typical spring summer fall 60-75 daytime temperature here in the land of
eternal rain 9 months of the year and drought with sunny mild temperatures
for the other three.

Dave W7VM

On Tue, Mar 21, 2017 at 4:50 AM, Jerry <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I bought a ProAudio heatsink for my KX# about 3 or 4 years ago and found
> that since I could read and handle some relatively simple hand tools,
> assembly was easy and straight forth. Using RTTY at full power, it got only
> warm - made a nice ham warmer in the colder mountain areas. The price you
> pay for ProAudio is well worth it.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Jerry, W1IE
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
> Howard
> Hoyt
> Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 3:11 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 heatsink question
>
> Hi Rich,
>
> The advantages of a real aftermarket heatsink (not the poorly designed
> imports) is rapid thermal recovery after each transmit cycle and less heat
> re-radiated into the rig.  The import with the rounded fin root as well as
> others have a less optimum volume to surface area ratio and stay much
> hotter
> between transmit cycles. Also a good heatsink will allow higher power
> operation in temperatures we sometimes find ourselves when operating on
> picnic tables and the like in the summer!
>
> (commercial content) We find most of our customers who are occasional
> digital users are satisfied with the smaller of our two heatsinks, model
> Kx31, but the JT mode enthusiasts, especially contesters are going for the
> slightly larger Kx32 model.  Much more info on our website.  Just our
> experience...YMMV
>
> Howie - WA4PSC
> www.proaudioeng.com
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message
> delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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