Many thanks to Paul (KE4SC) who writes:
Hi Thomas.
I thought I would pass along this idea for your readers.
I was using my KX2 on PSK31(and cw!) this weekend at the lake QTH. I felt the rig getting warm. I remembered that my wife bought several of these battery powered personal fans (Cold Sky) in the attached pics. She bought them from Amazon for less than $15 each including a charging stand [QRPer.com affiliate link].
It took me a few minutes to realize that the fan “head” will pivot which makes it a perfect cooling device for the rig.
I often though about purchasing after-market heat sinks but none are needed with this little device. It has 4 or 5 fan speeds and it really moves air and cools my KX2. With headphones, I could barely hear the fan.
I really enjoy your videos and website. I hope this helps you and others looking for a cheap way to cool the rig.
73 Paul KE4SC
Thank you for the tip, Paul!
Paul, great option to cooling your KX2! I have run into the same overheating issue when running WSPR for hours at a time. Elecraft recommends keeping the rig under 60 Deg C and thankfully you can monitor the temperature. I use a fairly large fan pointed right at the side as you do. I find that the fan can keep the rig about 15 Deg. cooler than not using one.
I like this idea! Some time ago I bought I small USB-powered muffin fan and tried it with my KX2, but it was too small and didn’t move enough air. I need to try something larger like this.
Thank you fir a great idea!
Nice tip Paul.
I picked up a couple of the from amazon today, price was discounted to $10!
Among other applications like keeping radios cool, I will try using it evacuate solder fumes from my work area when building kits and projects.