Batboard

I couldn't find the previous thread, but here are my 2 questions (maybe 3+ when I am done typing)

I have the following radios that I may want to xmit with, but at the min, use as test bench power..

900 Spectra - 15watt
900 Spectra - 25watt?
X9000 - 100 Watt
UHF Spectra - 45watt

Will a CrapShack 10 Amp power supply work, or how many amps should be the min?

Also, switching or non-switching powersupply?

Thanks!

I have an x9000 100w. On a Daiwa RS-300 (30 amp from Tucker Electronics) It draws 18 amps on the meter. 17.5amps on an Astron. If that helps...plus it draws 18 amps on a Kenwood 430 (100watt) HF rig.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: radioEd on 2002-01-27 12:28 ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: radioEd on 2002-01-27 23:41 ]</font>

It really depends on how many will be TXing at once.

If they are all for voice, then most likely, you will only be TXing one one at a time.

Most radios (that I know of anyway) will draw 1 Amp on recieve, and .5 Amp on standby. Your milage may vary.

I'm not sure what you use them for, but if you have any for data (aka: packet) then be prepared for the data rig to TX while you are talking on a voice rig. This is a rookie error that your power supply may not like at that moment.

I suggest that you do it right and once. An Astron RS-35A is a decent, reliable power supply. They cost ~$140, but are worth every dime. And, most will sell for only slightly less then their original price used. No need to worry about losing your investment (like in a car.)

I would shy away from a CrapShack power supply, but that is just my opinion showing through.

Anyway, best of luck, no matter what happens.

A 20 amp continuous duty supply will operate any 110 watt solid state radio all day long.

Stay away from the switching type- these are nice because of their light weight and small size, but aren't nearly as reliable as a standard type.

I don't ever recall Crap Shack making a 10 amp, but if it's anything like their smaller ones, the voltage drifts off spec when under load. I like Astron and have never had any problems with them.

Couldn't agree more on the Astron supplies-
bulletproof sorta like the old Motorola stuff. If you want to get dual usage (I use
mine also to power up portables for testing any many M portables are 7.5 volts) get one of the models with variable power and meters.
I bought the Astron VS-20M some 6 yrs. ago
has current and voltage meters as well as variable voltage knob on the front 0-15 v.
with 16A continous, 20A ICS. About $120.

I have some 100 watt UHF Syntor X 9000 radios draw about 24 amps. They are rated in the Motorola service manual for a maximum draw of 31 amps! You will probably not be happy with any 20 amp supply.

Beware, many manufactures (Astron included) promote their intermittent current capability (I have an Astron 20A that is only good for 16 amps continuos duty). You need a 30 amp continuos duty power supply for totally reliable operation with any 100 watt Syntor X 9000 radios. Do not get me wrong, I like Astron power supplies, you just need to be aware of how they are rated. The RatShack 10 amp power supply probably only makes 10 amps for a very short while, if at all?

Do not use any old switcher type power supply. Unless they are specifically designed to suppress their own internal noise they can generate RF noise. The wrong switcher supply can make it impossible to service a radio.

The Astron 35 is rated for 25 amps continuos and 35 amps intermittent. The Astron 50 is rated for 37 amps continuos and 50 amps intermittent. I have an Alinco DM-340MVT adjustable voltage supply that has been working just fine (30 cont., 35 intermittent), but, some people might not like its thermostatically controlled cooling fan noise. There are lots of good non-switching supplies out there. Given that the Syntor X 9000 radios I have seen never come close to their maximum rating you could probably get by with an Astron 35 as a bare minimum capability choice. Even larger current ratings are better, but, the old wallet will start to complain at some point .

Voltage and current meters on the face of the power supply are a nice touch. If the current draw is so large the power supply regulator folds back and reduces the output voltage, you can see it right away. You can see when there is PA problem while testing a transmitter. If the current draw is larger or smaller than normal or suddenly changes you have instant information on the problem.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Mike B on 2002-01-27 18:36 ]</font>

24 amps at 13.8 volts? Darn!!! That's gotta be the most inefficient amplifier built that I've seen.
I run my 100/110 watt lowband Mitrek on a 20 amp supply and it only pulls 14 amps at rated output. Does anyone know why a Syntor needs 10 extra amps of supply to operate and produce the same average output power? There can't be that many support components internally.
Anyway....if it's pulling 24 amps, a 20 amp supply sure isn't going to be happy with it. If your radio's yanking that much current, get a 30 amp unit. We can't stress the fact enough to get one that's rated properly.
Speaking of RF, I once had an Tripp-Lite that would lose regulation (18+ volts) with my HF ham rig on SSB. A pair of ferite beads solved that.

Jim.. Mike B has a UHF radio vs your low bander. The higher in frequency, the more current is required by the PA's for the same P/O.

As for switching power supplies, we have been using ICT units since 1995 and I can remember only 2 failing. These are built for communications use so have the required filtering in them. They also have a couple really nice battery reverting units, 12 and 20 amp.
They are nice and light and run cool as a cumcumber. I've got a 12A unit running a Taxi-cab base with battery backup. The old Astron unit was hot enough could fry eggs, this one is barely warm to the touch.
I just wish they'd get CSA approval on all their units
Just checked their catalogue, There is a 100Amp (thats continous) unit, should be able to power them all for you..
Bruce


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: perthcom on 2002-01-28 17:44 ]</font>