There were 4 participants, including Net Control, and 2 call-ins.
NC introduced the net and proceeded with the topic for the night, which was: managing transceiver temperature in a hot operating environment.
This came about from the experience of a local ham whose transceiver suddenly stopped transmitting mid over during a contest on a hot day. He estimated the temp in the shack to be over 40℃. Testing the transmitter later found there was now no output power on transmit, so it doesn't look good for the finals.
VK3UFO was the first to respond.
Summary: Jim's recommendation was to make sure there is nothing on or around the radio that is blocking airflow. If the radio is still running hot, an external fan can be employed to blow air across the radio's heatsink to provide further cooling. Need to note that when running digital modes the radio's amplifier is working much harder than when running SSB.
Audio of VK3UFO - managing transceiver temperature in a hot operating environment
VK3ZPG then responded from the point of view of valve transmitters.
Summary: Steve said that the best practice with valve transmitters is to use a fan to suck heat out, rather than blow cooler air in as it tends to go to spots that can be damaged.
Audio of VK3ZPG - managing transceiver temperature in a hot operating environment
VK3DFL, Jim, mentioned it is possible to mount a computer muffin fan on the heatsink of your radio.
With no further input about the nights topic, NC then asked if there were any other questions, or information, that anyone would like to provide on any technical topic related to ham radio.
With no responses forthcoming, NC thanked the participants and closed the net.
Listen to complete VK Tech Net 1
From this small beginning, I hope that this net will continue to grow from here.
Participants:
- VK3UA (NC) - Mark
- VK3DFL - Jim
- VK3UFO - Jim
- VK3ZPG - Steve
Call-ins:
- VK3LTA - Trevor
- VK3UCD - David
73
Cambo