Pro Audio Engineering KX3 Heatsink Installation Method Comparison

KF5JNU and KF7IJZ compare two Elecraft KX-3s to ascertain a real-world performance level of the Pro Audio Enginering PAE-Kx31 Heat Sink. KF5JNU's radio had the heat sink installed by thermally bonding the PA transistors inside the KX3 case to the case, removing the finish from the outside of the case, and then thermally bonding the heat sink to the outside of the case. The KF7IJZ unit was stock for our first test. For our second test, we install the heat sink without doing any thermal bonding. Our results surprised us!