Batboard

Hi Folks,

I'm considering picking up a UHF and VHF MCS2000 110W radio for amateur use. I will not be transmitting simultaneously on both transceivers, however one of the transceivers will remain in standby mode while the other transmits. Does anyone know what the current draw is for these radios? In standby and during transmit?

I have heard around 25 amps. Given that and standby for the other radio, I suspect I'd have to upgrade my Astron RS-20A to a RS-35 or RS-50A.

Thanks so much,
Nick
KB1GZN
New York, NY

From the service manual, power requirements for VHF units:

Power Supply:
Nominal Voltage: 13.6 V
Operating Voltage: 10.8-16.3 V

Current Drain, maximum values:

Stand-by: 0.45 A

Receive:
1.7 A with 7.5 W speaker
2.5 A with 13 W speaker
1.5 A with 4 W speaker

Transmit (25-50W): 15 A
Transmit (110W): 27 A

Off: 35 mA

For the UHF units:
Nominal Voltage: 13.6 V
Operating Voltage: 10.8-16.3 V

Current Drain, maximum values:

Stand-by: 0.5 A

Receive:
1.7 A with 7.5 W speaker
2.5 A with 13 W speaker

Transmit (25-40W): 13.0 A
Transmit (50-110W): 31.0 A

Off: 35 mA

The Astron 35 amp PS is rated at 25 amps constant. So get the 50 amp supply if you're long winded. Also run a few cooling fans on the heat sinks. These radios were not designed for hams to discuss the weather. They were designed for a plumber to say "what's my next stop"? Since you'll be using them indoors, I would suggest 50 watt front mount radios, instead of 100 watt trunk mount radios which are a cabling nightmare, especially in a house. I've used both.

Thanks everyone. This clears everything up!

KB1GZN