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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
VE6EI Rating: 2014-05-25
Simple and elegant! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Fred was really easy to work with. His website has recently been updated to make it easier to buy his products. I received a quick reply to my email, and when Fred realized I have added the SideKX handles and cover, he suggested I try his "T" model heat sink which is brand-new and specifically designed to accomodate the SideKX.

After placing my order I received the package in just a few days. The installation process was very simple, though Fred has created a very good set of instructions that should ensure nobody makes a mistake. He does not feel it necessary to use heat sink compound, but I did add just a little between the rig and heat sink anyway.

Make sure you READ the instructions. You DO need to open the rig to fit the heat sink, but just to get a grip on the PA transistor nuts while removing the old screws and replacing them with those supplied in Fred's kit.

The Cooler KX-T heat sink installed easily, looks good, and doesn't add much weight to the rig. I'm sure it will help significantly to keep the rig's temperature down during heavy use.

W0CZ Rating: 2014-05-22
Just what I wanted Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I like to rag chew with all modes. The KX3 ran too hot on PSK31 and RTTY. I was able to use a fan but that made a lot of noise and took up desk space. This COOLER KX heat sink works as well as the fan did. Fred went way beyond normal effort for me as I don't have a membership in PAY PALL. I sent him a money order and received the COOLER KX the day he said it would come. The installation was easy and I did use Thermal Grease as I did that for 35 years on my job doing keeping microwave transmitters going for the phone company. Once again this is top notch and I highly recommend the COOLER KX.
73 Ken W0CZ
W2RN Rating: 2014-05-22
Makes a great radio better! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Easy installation but if you didn't build your KX-3 it's a good idea to look at the online assembly manual before you start this project. I'm surprised how well the tiny OEM heatsink worked at 3 - 5 Watts on digital modes. I'm looking forward now to some QRO 10 Watt digital contacts!
K6VWE Rating: 2014-05-22
Extremely well packaged Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I received Fred’s “Cooler KX3” heat sink a few days ago and it arrived in perfect condition. Fred has a very clever packaging technique for the heat sink so that it fits in a US Priority Mail box on the diagonal. I was pleased with his creativity to ensure that the heat sink came through the mail without a blemish.

Others have commented on the ease of installation and performance, and I am experiencing similar results so will not repeat that here.

NA1DX Rating: 2014-05-21
Oh So Cool! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I received my “Cooler KX by VE7FMN” heatsink from Fred VE7FMN (fsmeier@telus.net) yesterday.

This morning over morning coffee before work, I installed the heatsink. I removed the KX3 top plate and replaced it with the heatsink. Perfect fit and very easy to do. It had a nice finish, too.


JT65-HF MODE BEFORE HEATSINK INSTALLATION

I have been operating JT65-HF with the KX3 the last few weeks. Prior to installation, running JT65-HF at 10w the KX3 would give me a high temp warning and throttle back to 5w about 75-80% of the way through the transmission. The TX last 45 seconds +/- usually. So, just 30 sec or so, the KX3 would throttle back. In fact, most times going over 6+ watts would result in a high-temp warning and the TX would throttle back. Using Mom’s old standard of checking the forehead of the child to see if the child was running a temperature, the KX3 was very warm to hot to touch during this operation.


JT65-HF MODE AFTER HEATSINK INSTALLATION

This morning after installing the heatsink, the KX3 stayed at 10w during the full transmission of JT65-HF contacts and never gave me a high temperature warning. In addition, the little one did not feel like it was even warm to touch. I operated JT65-HF on 40m at 10w in the normal operating mode of TX/RX for close to an hour with no issues.

Thanks Fred! I can use the KX3 to drive my Heathkit SB-200 to 100+w using just 10w input if I want.
N1CVX Rating: 2014-05-18
Quality product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The heat sink arrived carefully packaged and did not disappoint. The quality of construction and materials is top-rate and Fred has been a pleasure to both communicate and deal with. Highly recommended.

Bob Brown, N1CVX
W6ELA Rating: 2014-05-17
Excellent add on Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
In a nutshell: with this heatsink, I can now work every usual digital mode through the whole power range of the KX3.

Beyond the fact that it works great, this heatsink also looks really good, with excellent workmanship, and is super easy to install. Fred, VE7FMN is a friendly guy who went out his way to create a really nice addition to the KX3. So if you often work digital like I do and were frustrated with having to stay under 5W for any QSO lasting longer than 30 seconds, this is a great solution.
WA7U Rating: 2014-05-12
Testing results of heat sink addition to my KX3 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
My first test with the stock KX3 at 10 watts output without any additional heat sink cut back the output power to 5 watts at 4 minutes and 55 seconds (nearly 5 minutes).
I installed your heat sink Fred and after letting everything cool to ambient temps again I went key down at 10 watts output again. I got 9 minutes and 20 seconds at full 10 watts output before the KX3 cut output power to 5 watts. This is nearly double the time to power cut back with the stock KX3.
I did try the thermal pad Fred wanted me to test and it added about 1 minute (10 minutes 15 seconds) before power cut back to 5 watts. I'm not really sure the pad is
worth the effort. If they can be precut, holes punched, and applied in your shop it might be worth it but it was pretty time consuming for me to apply it for the overall gain.

Your heat sink really does help with extending operating times and is very nicely done.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by WA7U on 2014-05-07

Fred's heatsink has really made a difference for data modes on the KX3. It is really well machined and installation was a 5 minutes job. Once screw was a bit short and Fred sent me one of proper length. Very positive addition to the KX3. Thanks
DC0ED Rating: 2014-05-11
Excellent option for KX3 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Excellent manufactured and very good looking option for my KX3.

I need the additional cooling for the coming vacation in Croatia working in digital modes..

73 Attila DC0ED
SE5X Rating: 2014-05-08
Exactly what I have been looking for! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Problem solved. No more heating problem when running my KX3 in digi modes.

Easy ordering via PayPal and fast delivery to Sweden - only 4 days! Perfectly and heedful packed.

Upon all that nice mail exchange with Fred.

I recommend this product for all KX3-users. It gives also the radio a 'raw' look :-)