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Reviews For: Cooler KX TM Heatsink by VE7FMN for Elecraft KX3

Category: QRP Accessories

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Review Summary For : Cooler KX TM Heatsink by VE7FMN for Elecraft KX3
Reviews: 75MSRP: Model dependant
Description:
These hand crafted replacement heatsinks are designed to allow full power use of the KX3. High duty cycle users including digital operators will benefit from reduced incidents of transmitter power roll back due to overheating. Additionally the heatsinks can contribute to overall longer service life from their radios due to reduced internal operating temperatures. Available in two models and in two finishes. Complete information is available on the website.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.ve7fmn.ca
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00755
AL5M Rating: 2014-07-30
Exceptional quality, fit & finish Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The quality, fit & finish are exceptional. Fred's installation instructions made it 'pain free' to install. The Cooler KX enhances the appearance & performance of my KX3 (S/N 1190) and working on digital modes won't be a concern.

Fred includes all the hardware & hex keys you need for installation.

This heat sink should be an option on Elecraft's website. The quality is that good.
K2QY Rating: 2014-07-21
Keeps my KX3 from heat stroke Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I've owned the VE7FMN heat sink for my KX3 for a while now and am pleased with the performance. I spend a considerable time doing digital and portable SSB operating. I try to use as much power as possible (12 Watts) because typically portable means mediocre antennas at best. This heat sink keeps everything cool and efficient. I have recommended VE7FMN to friends who also have a KX3.
NM6E Rating: 2014-07-19
Excellent Addition to a great radio! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've had the Cooler KX Plus on my KX3 for about 2 weeks and it is definitely showing improvement in heat dissipation.

I run my KX3 at high power 10-12 watts driving an amplifier, Tokyo Hy-Power HL-200Bdx, 10 in gives me about 180~200 Watts out.

I've been using my KX3 on CW, rag chewing on SSB and even made some Q's in the NAQP RTTY contest and I can tell the difference.

It stays cooler much longer with no power fold back.

I normally run my KX3 for contests and when I operate remotely with the amplifier and this addition is just what i needed to not worry much about over heating etc.

Javier NM6E/5
K7UTX Rating: 2014-07-17
Excellent Addition to KX3 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The Cooler KX TM Heatsink is a very well machined and finished product that does just as it is advertised to do, namely help dissipate the heat build-up in the KX3. Easy transaction, too, with excellent communication from Fred VE7FMN, super fast shipment and excellent packaging. The product went on easily without any complications (Serial #2077).
VE9KK Rating: 2014-07-13
A must add on for the KX3 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I emailed Fred VE7FMN regarding the Cooler KX plus I wanted to operate the digi modes with my KX3. He as very helpful and emails were prompt and answered my questions and he was very helpful making sure (because of low KX3 serial number)my heat-sink would instal with out any hitches. I ordered the Cooler KX plus and it was at my door in no time. The packaging was great and the product looks very professional and the color match is spot on. The assembly is easy and you would think the heat-sink was right from Elecraft with it's fit and finish. If you want to run a Cooler KX3 then Cooler KX is the way to go.
VE3JSJ Rating: 2014-07-08
A Crowning Jewel for the KX3 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
An excellent product, well thought out and engineered with very good suppport and service from VE7FMN.

As well as excellent heat dissipation, the KX3 looks much better and even more functional with the heatsink attached.

It is as if my KX3 is proud to wear it !
WT0J Rating: 2014-06-19
Excellent KX3 Addition Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The shipping was quick. The product was very well packaged and included all hardware/tools for assembly. The fit and finish is professional. The radio looks much better with the heatsink than without it. Best of all, the KX3 runs much cooler with the heatsink installed. With the increased thermal transfer rate, plus the additional thermal mass, it takes far longer to heat up the KX3 and it cools down more quickly that it did with the factory "heatsink". This product will greatly benefit any of the higher duty cycle modes. I highly recommend the VE7FMN heatsink.
VE5MIK Rating: 2014-06-16
Easy Install Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just finished installing the VE7FMN Heatsink. Easy to follow, clear, well thought out instructions. Finish on product is top grade. A welcome addition to the KX3.
AI4SH Rating: 2014-06-14
Works & Looks Great Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I am very pleased with the VE7FMN “Cooler KX” heat sink. I bought it to keep the components in my KX3 running cooler even though I operate CW only at present. Less internal heat will reduce any mean-time-between-failure concerns. In addition, it just plain looks cool! This heat sink is very well made, nicely finished, and installation is very simple. The power transistor screws have nuts inside, but they have attached washers to make it easy to attach the Cooler KX external screws. Be sure to include the heat sink screws with your order to keep installation simple. I bought my KX3 factory assembled, yet this install only took about 5 minutes. So don’t let this keep you from enjoying this wonderful product. A very satisfied customer here.
KC5CW Rating: 2014-06-04
Better get one before summer gets here! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
If you operate digital modes on your KX3 at more than 3 watts, you won't get far. It will overheat quickly and shutdown. If you operate outdoors in high 90 to 100 degree temps, you will either need to shade your KX3, use 3w max, operate infrequently at 5-12w, or install this heatsink and not worry about overheating issues at all.

Fred is a customer service oriented guy, is easy to communicate with and responsive.

The packing/shipping is very good and it comes with nice long bolts that fit through the pre-drilled fins into the stock holes. It also comes with a hex wrench for installation. All you have to do is take out the stock philips screws, catch the lock nuts on the inside of the KX3 case to use with the new bolts.

I tried making my own heatsink but Fred's is much better. I got the black anodized heatsink and it looks great on the KX3.