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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
F5VJC Rating: 2014-05-07
Super product ! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is a useful addition to any KX3 and really looks like original equipment. Superb fit and finish. I ordered the Black powder coated version with the SS Allen bolts to fix, perfect fit and very easy to install.
Yes it works! PA temp from 27 to 60C now takes 10 minutes running continuous 10W carrier, before same test PA reached 60C in 3 mins 30 secs.
I'm in Europe, France, and no problems with ordering from Fred. Very prompt and informative communications.
AB7CE Rating: 2014-05-06
High quality item Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Precision made. All necessary hardware and hex wrench provided. Exact fit and finish. Easy install took about 15 minutes.
SM4GRP Rating: 2014-05-06
Great! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Fred's (VE7FMN) heat sink for the KX3 is a very nice piece of metal! I waited and waited for someone to provide a proper heat sink for the KX3. Finally Fred provided this very nice heat sink which I installed a week ago. I put heat compound behind the finals, rubbed the paint away on the other side of the plate, put heat compound on that side too and fitted the heat sink.

A test with CW @ 10W showed the following temperatures:
Start: 30C
After 5min: 53C
After 8min: 57C
After 10min: 58C
Very satisfactory results!

Thanks Fred for providing this. I recommend it!
Kjell-Göran SM4GRP
K7ADD Rating: 2014-05-05
Well constructed, beautiful fit, runs cooler. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
With a tip from the KX3 Yahoo reflector, my expectations were high. Several had raved about the build quality and the difference the heat sink made in PA temp. I contacted Fred directly and got in on his next batch.

The heatsink arrived, as others have noticed, with somewhat funky packaging. My fears were immediately assuaged, as I removed the packaging and saw the build quality. I'm most impressed with the finish, as it looks like an Elecraft part... fantastic.

Installed very quickly and didn't interfere with the SideKX or that poly cover.

Anecdotal and non-scientific results have been quite positive. Running 10W on both PSK31 and Olivia with ~35% duty cycle shows reduced PA temps.

I'm a huge fan of these cottage industry solutions to common problems and Fred made it clear that sometimes the results are better than typical commercial parts.
VK2ACD Rating: 2014-05-05
Excellent Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The most expensive heatsink I have ever bought, about $125 to get to Australia. But it is of excellent quality, absolute technical precision, almost a work of art. It fitted precisely, in place of the original mediocre flat plate. It has a thick base area to distribute the heat quickly from the area where the transistors are attached, finely cast even down to the cut-aways where the mounting screws go, beautiful satin black powder coat. Fred provides great communication, almost too much. No proper field test yet, but 100% buyer satisfaction.
JE0LFI Rating: 2014-05-04
high quality, perfect fit Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Because it is processed in the NC, it just fits in KX3. Special tool is also not necessary, I can be installed in 15 minutes. There is no problem the shipment to the foreign countries. This product is a gem that should be the original option for KX3.
N1JR Rating: 2014-05-04
Easy to install and high quality Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just installed VE7FMN's excellent heatsink on my KX3. Easy to do and looks like it was always there. Crack the KX3 case open and remove 4 screws holding the OEM heatsink plate and use a needle nose pliers on the nuts holding the PA transistors. Then reverse the process with VE7FMN's high quality plate. I used some small amount of compound between the case top and the base of the heatsink. Fit and finish of the heatsink is all you could ask for. Save yourself some work and buy the screws and a hex wrench from Fred when you buy the heatsink. A quality product.
KE5KDT Rating: 2014-05-03
Fred and the Heat Sink, both high quality Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After reading a few comments on overheating and output fold-back with the KX3, I found the solution was the VE7FMN heat sink and I knew I needed one. Fred is an absolute perfectionist with the quality of his product. He is so dedicated to seeing that it works for you that he will stay in contact to insure you are satisfied. I also appreciated that he drives to the States to mail them to keep the postage low. His packaging is nuc proof. Great product, excellent packing and shipping, and outstanding communication with you to insure you are pleased. No wonder he gets all 5 ratings. Thanks Fred, Bob
AG2AA Rating: 2014-05-03
Great idea, perfect fit Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Like many others, I was concerned with the rise in PA temp during high duty cycle use, ie digital and/or contesting. Not anymore! There is nothing like attaching a big hunk of heatsink to the hot part of a radio to make a heat problem go away. Fast shipping, great service, perfect fit & finish. I'll be giving it a good run later today for the New England QSO party.
KK7SS Rating: 2014-05-02
A definite improvement in heat dissipation. Highly recommended Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I was a very early adopter of Fred's heat sink for the KX3. It weighs in at a shade over 8 oz and has a heat dissipating area of over 40 sq ins. I recorded measurements both before and after installing his heat sink.
The results speak for themselves.

Heat Sink Test

Test conditions were:- 13.4V indicated. 50 Ohm dummy load. ATU=Bypass
Ambient air, no fan. Temps as indicated by KX3.

Using the Elecraft supplied back plate.

CW 3w Key Down for for 5 mins
Ambient=18C PA=45C OSC=36C PA temp increase of 27C

CW 5W Key Down for 5 mins
Ambient=18C PA=46C OSC=37C PA temp increase of 28C

CW 10W Key Down for 5 mins
Ambient=18C PA=54C OSC=43C PA temp increase of 36C


With Freds' (VE7FMN) Heat Sink fitted, Micro-bead finish, which I painted Matte Black.

CW 3w Key Down for 5 mins
Ambient=22C PA=34C OSC=32C PA temp increase of 12C

CW 5W Key Down for 5 mins
Ambient=22C PA=37C OSC=34C PA temp increase of 15C

CW 10W Key Down for 5 mins
Ambient=22C PA=50C OSC=39C PA temp increase of 28C

The machining , finish and fit were of a professional standard and is a great addition to my KX3.
Shipping was very fast. I ordered the optional SS hex head bolts and hex wrench so that I did not have to shop around..