Internal Fan Modification
Basic Information
This modification augments the internal cooling facilities of the Jupiter by adding an internal fan, and some heat sinks.
Contact Brad W9GOD directly for any information about this modification that isn't covered
in the information and photographs below.
y2kbrad@hotmail.com
Brad's Notes
Who says you can't have fun modifying these high tech radios? Attached are some results of improving and reducing the internal heat of the FABULOUS TenTec Jupiter Model 538.
After installing Jerry's KO4CH 150 watts pwr output modification an external cooling kit was added to the PA heat sink, but what about internal temps? The bottom board has no way to vent the heat given off by the heat sinks. The internal heat sinks @ 13.8 volts were running @ 138 degrees Fahrenheit/56 degrees Centigrade. So I added finned heat sinks with thermo grease to all the Juipter's internal heat sinks(bottom and top boards.
Note: if you have the AAT-Automatic Antenna Turner installed you will have to remove it for access to the bottom board).
A 40mm very quiet computer fan was attached to the bottom corner. The power cable for the fan was ran external through the rear and attached to the 13.8 volt input pwr cable. Because the fan is attached upside down I used Velcro and yes that is a strip of duct tape attached to the fan on one end and the other end is attached to Jupiter, as a safety measure if the Velcro fails. This modification dropped the heat sink temps 40 degrees.
Plans are to go back in and attach a filter to the cooling fan, but this now becomes a maintenance item keeping the filter cleaned. I have NOT noticed ANY adverse problems with this mod.
Please share this information with other Jupiter owners. This will make a very nice project for those cold winter nights that will soon be upon us (smile)!!
NOTE: the way I have the fan attached to the pwr input to the Jupiter, albeit the Jupiter is powered off, if the pwr supply to the Jupiter is still on, the internal fan is running(!!).
With appreciation(!!)
Very truly yours,
Brad Bradford
Photographs
NOTE: These photos are full size ... I have no larger versions, sorry.
