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AU-510 Blowing Blue Smoke on FT8

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Mark_WS7M
Mark_WS7M Member ✭✭✭
in Aurora

Ok, had my AU-510 for a few weeks since getting it I have definitely run full power FT8 at times, and for sure been running long FT8 sessions at 400w.

Today we are at our soon to be Field Day site in WY. I have a 20m vertical that is about 1.8:1. The AU-510 tuner tuned it basically instantly.

So we cranked the power up to full and run some FT8 for a while. The radio was in the sun a few times as it moved but I checked it over and over and it was never hot.

Suddenly my buddy was like I smell burning plastic we look over and see blue smoke coming out of the back of the AT-510. We stopped transmit, checked the PA temp and it was low, like 90F. Unfortunately I don't have the exact number. We let it sit for a short while and then ran again at about 125 watts and the radio worked just fine. I felt the case during this time and it was stone cold.

We are at 8000 feet or so here and the OAT is about 70F. Is there any chance the fan is not effective at high altitude?

So no idea what is going but I think after field day this will probably need to go back to see what smoked. Anyone have any thoughts?

Comments

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator
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    Hi Mark, I would definitely submit a help desk ticket. Blue smoke, but it still works sounds to me like a power supply transformer.

  • Mark_WS7M
    Mark_WS7M Member ✭✭✭
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    Created a ticket Len. Thanks. Sad this happens right before FD but luckily Aurora is a bonus radio so we have what we need.

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator
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    Always the way... I have used my 6400 for Field Day in past years and it was really good. The only downside is that it really wants a little over 14 Volts for full output. As the batteries come off full charge, the output drops a bit. Not disastrous, but noticeable. With the Aurora, that will not be an issue.

    The upside is SmartSDR with an integrated logger (N3FJP in my case) makes it really fun and easy to use.

    This year, I will use my POTA rig - a Hermes Lite 2+ and a Micro PA 100 amp to an ATU 130 tuner with a 150 foot twin-lead fed doublet up 40 ish ft. Not a Flex, but ok for FD.

    Have fun in WY. I will be camped near Deckers with my buddy Simon, NV0E.

  • Mark_WS7M
    Mark_WS7M Member ✭✭✭
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    Hi Len, where is Deckers?

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator
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    Hi Mark, in the mountains west of Castle Rock, South of Pine Junction off US 285. It is in POTA US-4404, Pike National Forest.

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