K3/100 power supply

[VK5ABQ]

Dear Group,

I am considering a suitable power supply for the K3/100.

One manufacturer whose supplies are readily available on our Australian market and well documented is XP Power. These supplies are manufactured in China but judging by their datasheets, they seem much better quality than those from our retail stores. Only other alternatives such as Powerbox are twice the price or I could import an Astron switcher (their linear supplies are 110VAC only).

An XP Power model I’m considering is the LCL300PS12, from their LCL series; datasheet is shown at http://www.xppower.com/pdfs/LF_LCL.pdf . They sell for about $180 ea.

I have some questions for readers and Elecraft please -

1. The LCL300PS12 can provide 25A and has an adjustable output range of 11.0 to 13.0V. Is this suitable for the K3/100? XP Power’s 12.5 to 14.5V model isn’t available here.

2. Pages 8 onwards of the data sheet show spectrum plots of the supply’s conducted emissions. I don’t have a feel for dBuV, so are the levels shown a concern? I can’t see any plots for radiated emissions.

3. Has anyone used these supplies and been happy with their emissions and level of audiable noise?

4. Should I consider something else? Found this which looks expensive: http://www.barrettcommunications.com.au/2022.html Also have noticed a lack of mention in Elecraft’s forum of TenTec’s model 941.

Thanks,
Shane
VK5ABQ

[VK5ABQ]

Another interesting power supply -
http://www.amtex.com.au/power_pdf/CCM250.pdf
Switcher without a fan.

[Chris GM3WOJ]

Hello Shane

It is worth considering your future use of the K3/100 before purchasing a power supply.
If you never intend to go Portable, I would purchase a linear power supply.

Generally speaking, transceivers with 12V 100W PAs need very good regulated supplies
and some attention to the detail of the 12V DC wiring - to produce the cleanest TX
signal possible.

I have a 'Watson' Switched-mode PSU here, capable of 22A, but when used with the
K3 the regulation was poor - dropping from +13.6V to about +12.8V at the PSU terminals
and even further at the K3 power connectors. I changed to a linear PSU capable of 25A
and the regulation is much better - dropping from +13.8v to +13.6V.

The power supply you mentioned, with max output of +13.0V, does not sound very
suitable unfortunately.

73
Chris
GM3WOJ / ZL1CT

[Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA]

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

[Jorge Diez - CX6VM]

hello Shane,

here there´s different options  http://www.samlexamerica.com/products/productdescription.asp

the SEC-1223 is a portable option. Or maybe you prefer the 1225

73,
Jorge
CX6VM/CW5W

-----Mensaje original-----
De: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] En nombre de Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF
Enviado el: Martes, 12 de Abril de 2011 09:53 a.m.
Para: VK5ABQ; [hidden email]
Asunto: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 power supply

Hi Shane,
Have a look at these supplies:
http://www.powerwerx.com/batteries-chargers/powerwerx-30-amp-desktop-switching-power-supply-powerpoles.html

I friend of mine uses a couple of those supplies as have others in the group with good success.
The beauty of them is their small footprint, quiet operation (both audially and electrically) and their price, even landed here in Australia they are hard to beat when compared to other brands that have to be imported.

73 de
Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF
Innisfail, QLD, Australia
Elecraft K3 #4257 + PR6 + K144XV = Multiband greatness!
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: VK5ABQ
  To: [hidden email]
  Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 10:14 PM
  Subject: [Elecraft] K3/100 power supply


  Dear Group,

  I am considering a suitable power supply for the K3/100.

  One manufacturer whose supplies are readily available on our Australian
  market and well documented is XP Power. These supplies are manufactured in
  China but judging by their datasheets, they seem much better quality than
  those from our retail stores. Only other alternatives such as Powerbox are
  twice the price or I could import an Astron switcher (their linear supplies
  are 110VAC only).

  An XP Power model Im considering is the LCL300PS12, from their LCL series;
  datasheet is shown at http://www.xppower.com/pdfs/LF_LCL.pdf . They sell for
  about $180 ea.

  I have some questions for readers and Elecraft please -

  1. The LCL300PS12 can provide 25A and has an adjustable output range of 11.0
  to 13.0V. Is this suitable for the K3/100? XP Powers 12.5 to 14.5V model
  isnt available here.

  2. Pages 8 onwards of the data sheet show spectrum plots of the supplys
  conducted emissions. I dont have a feel for dBuV, so are the levels shown a
  concern? I cant see any plots for radiated emissions.

  3. Has anyone used these supplies and been happy with their emissions and
  level of audiable noise?

  4. Should I consider something else? Found this which looks expensive:
  http://www.barrettcommunications.com.au/2022.html Also have noticed a lack
  of mention in Elecrafts forum of TenTecs model 941.

  Thanks,
  Shane
  VK5ABQ

  -----
  Shane
  K3/10: S/N 2127, KBPF3, KFL3B-FM, KFL3A-6K, KFL3A-2.8K, KFL3A-400, KTCXO3-1 & KXV3.
  --
  View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-100-power-supply-tp6264879p6264879.html
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[Pete Smith N4ZR]

There is an excellent review of the Samplex SEC 1235M by AD5X at
<http://www.ad5x.com/images/Presentations/SEC1235M%20Review.pdf>.  He is
right on target with everything including the need for a simple mod to
quiet the on-demand internal fan.  These cost US$140 at US retail, or
about US$120 without the meters.  Mine has been FB for a year, and I
would not hesitate to buy another.

It delivers 13.8 volts (not 13) with 30 amps continuous and 35 amps peak
at out line voltage - 115-120VAC - I have never seen the voltage meter
so much as flicker at full K3 power.

73, Pete N4ZR

The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com
The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com,
spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000



On 4/12/2011 8:14 AM, VK5ABQ wrote:

> Dear Group,
>
> I am considering a suitable power supply for the K3/100.
>
> One manufacturer whose supplies are readily available on our Australian
> market and well documented is XP Power. These supplies are manufactured in
> China but judging by their datasheets, they seem much better quality than
> those from our retail stores. Only other alternatives such as Powerbox are
> twice the price or I could import an Astron switcher (their linear supplies
> are 110VAC only).
>
> An XP Power model I’m considering is the LCL300PS12, from their LCL series;
> datasheet is shown at http://www.xppower.com/pdfs/LF_LCL.pdf . They sell for
> about $180 ea.
>
> I have some questions for readers and Elecraft please -
>
> 1. The LCL300PS12 can provide 25A and has an adjustable output range of 11.0
> to 13.0V. Is this suitable for the K3/100? XP Power’s 12.5 to 14.5V model
> isn’t available here.
>
> 2. Pages 8 onwards of the data sheet show spectrum plots of the supply’s
> conducted emissions. I don’t have a feel for dBuV, so are the levels shown a
> concern? I can’t see any plots for radiated emissions.
>
> 3. Has anyone used these supplies and been happy with their emissions and
> level of audiable noise?
>
> 4. Should I consider something else? Found this which looks expensive:
> http://www.barrettcommunications.com.au/2022.html Also have noticed a lack
> of mention in Elecraft’s forum of TenTec’s model 941.
>
> Thanks,
> Shane
> VK5ABQ
>
> -----
> Shane
> K3/10: S/N 2127, KBPF3, KFL3B-FM, KFL3A-6K, KFL3A-2.8K, KFL3A-400, KTCXO3-1&  KXV3.
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-100-power-supply-tp6264879p6264879.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
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[Bill W4ZV]

VK5ABQ wrote

1. The LCL300PS12 can provide 25A and has an adjustable output range of 11.0 to 13.0V. Is this suitable for the K3/100? XP Power’s 12.5 to 14.5V model isn’t available here.

If you operate SSB at full power, I'd recommend at least 13.8V and preferably higher.  The K3 is specified up to 15V and exhibits better TX IMD performance at higher voltages.  I set my Astron RS-35M for 14.5V at the K3 terminals.

73,  Bill

[Gary Gregory]

Shane,

I use the PowerWerX 13.8vdc/230VAC ( I have two of them) and no issues at
all.

They have a terminal at the rear as well as 2 each Anderson plugs on the
front.

Fan is silent, small footprint, metal enclosure.

Model SS-30DV

73's
Gary

On 13 April 2011 01:02, Bill W4ZV <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> VK5ABQ wrote:
> >
> > 1. The LCL300PS12 can provide 25A and has an adjustable output range of
> > 11.0 to 13.0V. Is this suitable for the K3/100? XP Power’s 12.5 to 14.5V
> > model isn’t available here.
> >
>
> If you operate SSB at full power, I'd recommend at least 13.8V and
> preferably higher.  The K3 is specified up to 15V and exhibits better TX
> IMD
> performance at higher voltages.  I set my Astron RS-35M for 14.5V at the K3
> terminals.
>
> 73,  Bill
>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-100-power-supply-tp6264879p6265496.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
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>

--

*VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!*
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[Julian, G4ILO]

Bill W4ZV wrote

If you operate SSB at full power, I'd recommend at least 13.8V and preferably higher.  The K3 is specified up to 15V and exhibits better TX IMD performance at higher voltages.  I set my Astron RS-35M for 14.5V at the K3 terminals.

73,  Bill

I use a Diamond GSV-3000. It is a transformer based supply and has a variable voltage control with a detent at 13.8V so you can set the voltage to a higher level for better TX performance.

[Randy Cook]

I have had two Samlex 1223 power supplies die in the past couple of years.  First one was replaced under warranty, but they took over 3 weeks to get it to me. The replacement unit died soon after it's warranty ran out. That was enough for me.  

I recently purchased a Powerwerks supply. It is small and silent.  The output is two sets of PowerPoles.   Although not documented, you can adjust the voltage up or down with an internal pot.  Their tech support was very responsive, and provided instructions for the adjustment. So far so good.

73s

Randy K6CRC
K3#2051
[hidden email]

On Apr 12, 2011, at 9:00 AM,VK5ABQ wrote:

> I am considering a suitable power supply for the K3/100.

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[Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy]

Julian, I have been using the same type of PSU for my "12V" rigs this past
nine years with no problems arising (touch wood).

The usual disclaimers apply.

73,
Geoff
GM4ESD


Julian, G4ILO wrote on April 12, 201 at 17:03 +0100:

> I use a Diamond GSV-3000. It is a transformer based supply and has a
> variable voltage control with a detent at 13.8V so you can set the voltage
> to a higher level for better TX performance.


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[VK5ABQ]

Thank you for all your replies but I've found negative comments about most (the power supplies that is....
boom boom)

I found the following complaints/restrictions -
Powerwerx : noisy fan
Diamond 3000: poor reliability on later models
Astron: Linear's are only suitable for 110VAC not 240. Some complain about fan noise and interference on their switchers.
Samlex: poor reliability
Barrett: $700.
Kenwood: generates electrical interference on 80 and 160m.

XP Power's CCM250 (sold by Amtex, http://www.amtex.com.au/power_pdf/CCM250.pdf) still looks interesting as it is convection cooled, weighs 780g and is very small. The 15V model can be trimmed down to 14.55V but I this may still be too high? Also only rated for 16A continuous and 20A peak. Cost is $380 and lead time 7 weeks. Yes, interest has diminished.

Conclusion: I'll put off buying the K3/100 for now until I can bothered to have another look for an electrically and audibly quiet 20A power supply suitable for 240V.

[Brendan Minish]

I have had 2x Samlex 1223's both are running for about 9 years 24/7. one
of these floats 2X 160Ah deep cycle batteries.

replacement cost would be ~ 140 Euro including shipping, at this stage
they owe me nothing.
If you are so worried about reliability, then buy a spare  

On our high-sites (telecomms) we use some expensive 48V DC supplies made
by a 'reputable' telecomms supplier, we regularly have to replace bits
of these

   

On Wed, 2011-04-13 at 16:51 -0700, VK5ABQ wrote:

> Conclusion: I'll put off buying the K3/100 for now until I can bothered to
> have another look for an electrically and audibly quiet 20A power supply
> suitable for 240V.

--
73
Brendan EI6IZ

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[Vic K2VCO]

Astron linear supplies can be ordered for 240v.I have one.

On 4/13/2011 4:51 PM, VK5ABQ wrote:

> Thank you for all your replies but I've found negative comments about most
> (the power supplies that is....
> boom boom)
>
> I found the following complaints/restrictions -
> Powerwerx : noisy fan
> Diamond 3000: poor reliability on later models
> Astron: Linear's are only suitable for 110VAC not 240. Some complain about
> fan noise and interference on their switchers.
> Samlex: poor reliability
> Barrett: $700.
> Kenwood: generates electrical interference on 80 and 160m.
>
> XP Power's CCM250 (sold by Amtex,
> http://www.amtex.com.au/power_pdf/CCM250.pdf) still looks interesting as it
> is convection cooled, weighs 780g and is very small. The 15V model can be
> trimmed down to 14.55V but I this may still be too high? Also only rated for
> 16A continuous and 20A peak. Cost is $380 and lead time 7 weeks. Yes,
> interest has diminished.
>
> Conclusion: I'll put off buying the K3/100 for now until I can bothered to
> have another look for an electrically and audibly quiet 20A power supply
> suitable for 240V.
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-100-power-supply-tp6264879p6271023.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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--
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
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[N5GE]

I use two 100 amp supplies here that are made by Walt Williams W5YUO  They are
quiet and bullet proof, but if you want one you will have to come to Texas, as
he only sells local and only makes them on order.

They are very heavy, so shipping would be a problem...

Tom
N5GE

On Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:51:03 -0700 (PDT), VK5ABQ <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Thank you for all your replies but I've found negative comments about most
>(the power supplies that is....
>boom boom)
>
>I found the following complaints/restrictions -
>Powerwerx : noisy fan
>Diamond 3000: poor reliability on later models
>Astron: Linear's are only suitable for 110VAC not 240. Some complain about
>fan noise and interference on their switchers.
>Samlex: poor reliability
>Barrett: $700.
>Kenwood: generates electrical interference on 80 and 160m.
>
>XP Power's CCM250 (sold by Amtex,
>http://www.amtex.com.au/power_pdf/CCM250.pdf) still looks interesting as it
>is convection cooled, weighs 780g and is very small. The 15V model can be
>trimmed down to 14.55V but I this may still be too high? Also only rated for
>16A continuous and 20A peak. Cost is $380 and lead time 7 weeks. Yes,
>interest has diminished.
>
>Conclusion: I'll put off buying the K3/100 for now until I can bothered to
>have another look for an electrically and audibly quiet 20A power supply
>suitable for 240V.

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[Doug Person-3]

Samlex are not reliable?  They are sold re-labled by Kenwood.  My two
have been around for 2 decades, in constant use nearly every day.  They
power everything in my shack.  If you look hard enough, you can find
people with complaints about everything ever manufactured.  I guess if
my Samlex failed, I would just fix it.  They aren't really that
complicated.  The Powerex is well made, but I don't find the fan to be
that bad.  The smaller the supply the more critical it is to cool.  The
Powerex fan is just above the background noise.  The bottom line is that
nothing is 100% reliable.  Even stuff installed on spacecraft.

Doug -- K0DXV

On 4/14/2011 8:40 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

> I use two 100 amp supplies here that are made by Walt Williams W5YUO  They are
> quiet and bullet proof, but if you want one you will have to come to Texas, as
> he only sells local and only makes them on order.
>
> They are very heavy, so shipping would be a problem...
>
> Tom
> N5GE
>
> On Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:51:03 -0700 (PDT), VK5ABQ<[hidden email]>  wrote:
>
>> Thank you for all your replies but I've found negative comments about most
>> (the power supplies that is....
>> boom boom)
>>
>> I found the following complaints/restrictions -
>> Powerwerx : noisy fan
>> Diamond 3000: poor reliability on later models
>> Astron: Linear's are only suitable for 110VAC not 240. Some complain about
>> fan noise and interference on their switchers.
>> Samlex: poor reliability
>> Barrett: $700.
>> Kenwood: generates electrical interference on 80 and 160m.
>>
>> XP Power's CCM250 (sold by Amtex,
>> http://www.amtex.com.au/power_pdf/CCM250.pdf) still looks interesting as it
>> is convection cooled, weighs 780g and is very small. The 15V model can be
>> trimmed down to 14.55V but I this may still be too high? Also only rated for
>> 16A continuous and 20A peak. Cost is $380 and lead time 7 weeks. Yes,
>> interest has diminished.
>>
>> Conclusion: I'll put off buying the K3/100 for now until I can bothered to
>> have another look for an electrically and audibly quiet 20A power supply
>> suitable for 240V.
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>

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[w0mu]

I have been running my K3's on a Samlex SEC 1223's for quite some time
.  I have never had any issues with fan noise or switching noise.

I just purchased a Powerwerx  SS-30DV.  While someone said that
Powerwerx has said that you could turn up the voltage, I submitted a
ticket asking for the information to do this and they responded that
this was not an option.  I bought it for our upcoming trip to J6 for the
size and extra current capability.  I like the binding post on the back
and the powerpole connectors on the front.

I have an Astron switching supply that would shut down on 20m from what
I can only suspect is rf yet non of the other switchers have done this.

On 4/14/2011 9:40 PM, Doug Person wrote:

> Samlex are not reliable?  They are sold re-labled by Kenwood.  My two
> have been around for 2 decades, in constant use nearly every day.  They
> power everything in my shack.  If you look hard enough, you can find
> people with complaints about everything ever manufactured.  I guess if
> my Samlex failed, I would just fix it.  They aren't really that
> complicated.  The Powerex is well made, but I don't find the fan to be
> that bad.  The smaller the supply the more critical it is to cool.  The
> Powerex fan is just above the background noise.  The bottom line is that
> nothing is 100% reliable.  Even stuff installed on spacecraft.
>
> Doug -- K0DXV
>
> On 4/14/2011 8:40 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>> I use two 100 amp supplies here that are made by Walt Williams W5YUO  They are
>> quiet and bullet proof, but if you want one you will have to come to Texas, as
>> he only sells local and only makes them on order.
>>
>> They are very heavy, so shipping would be a problem...
>>
>> Tom
>> N5GE
>>
>> On Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:51:03 -0700 (PDT), VK5ABQ<[hidden email]>   wrote:
>>
>>> Thank you for all your replies but I've found negative comments about most
>>> (the power supplies that is....
>>> boom boom)
>>>
>>> I found the following complaints/restrictions -
>>> Powerwerx : noisy fan
>>> Diamond 3000: poor reliability on later models
>>> Astron: Linear's are only suitable for 110VAC not 240. Some complain about
>>> fan noise and interference on their switchers.
>>> Samlex: poor reliability
>>> Barrett: $700.
>>> Kenwood: generates electrical interference on 80 and 160m.
>>>
>>> XP Power's CCM250 (sold by Amtex,
>>> http://www.amtex.com.au/power_pdf/CCM250.pdf) still looks interesting as it
>>> is convection cooled, weighs 780g and is very small. The 15V model can be
>>> trimmed down to 14.55V but I this may still be too high? Also only rated for
>>> 16A continuous and 20A peak. Cost is $380 and lead time 7 weeks. Yes,
>>> interest has diminished.
>>>
>>> Conclusion: I'll put off buying the K3/100 for now until I can bothered to
>>> have another look for an electrically and audibly quiet 20A power supply
>>> suitable for 240V.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
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[Alexander Sack]

On Fri, Apr 15, 2011 at 9:06 AM, Mike Fatchett W0MU <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I have been running my K3's on a Samlex SEC 1223's for quite some time
> .  I have never had any issues with fan noise or switching noise.
>
> I just purchased a Powerwerx  SS-30DV.  While someone said that
> Powerwerx has said that you could turn up the voltage, I submitted a
> ticket asking for the information to do this and they responded that
> this was not an option.  I bought it for our upcoming trip to J6 for the
> size and extra current capability.  I like the binding post on the back
> and the powerpole connectors on the front.
>
> I have an Astron switching supply that would shut down on 20m from what
> I can only suspect is rf yet non of the other switchers have done this.
>
> On 4/14/2011 9:40 PM, Doug Person wrote:
>> Samlex are not reliable?  They are sold re-labled by Kenwood.  My two
>> have been around for 2 decades, in constant use nearly every day.  They
>> power everything in my shack.  If you look hard enough, you can find
>> people with complaints about everything ever manufactured.  I guess if
>> my Samlex failed, I would just fix it.  They aren't really that
>> complicated.  The Powerex is well made, but I don't find the fan to be
>> that bad.  The smaller the supply the more critical it is to cool.  The
>> Powerex fan is just above the background noise.  The bottom line is that
>> nothing is 100% reliable.  Even stuff installed on spacecraft.
>>
>> Doug -- K0DXV
>>
>> On 4/14/2011 8:40 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>> I use two 100 amp supplies here that are made by Walt Williams W5YUO  They are
>>> quiet and bullet proof, but if you want one you will have to come to Texas, as
>>> he only sells local and only makes them on order.
>>>
>>> They are very heavy, so shipping would be a problem...
>>>
>>> Tom
>>> N5GE
>>>
>>> On Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:51:03 -0700 (PDT), VK5ABQ<[hidden email]>   wrote:
>>>
>>>> Thank you for all your replies but I've found negative comments about most
>>>> (the power supplies that is....
>>>> boom boom)
>>>>
>>>> I found the following complaints/restrictions -
>>>> Powerwerx : noisy fan
>>>> Diamond 3000: poor reliability on later models
>>>> Astron: Linear's are only suitable for 110VAC not 240. Some complain about
>>>> fan noise and interference on their switchers.
>>>> Samlex: poor reliability
>>>> Barrett: $700.
>>>> Kenwood: generates electrical interference on 80 and 160m.
>>>>
>>>> XP Power's CCM250 (sold by Amtex,
>>>> http://www.amtex.com.au/power_pdf/CCM250.pdf) still looks interesting as it
>>>> is convection cooled, weighs 780g and is very small. The 15V model can be
>>>> trimmed down to 14.55V but I this may still be too high? Also only rated for
>>>> 16A continuous and 20A peak. Cost is $380 and lead time 7 weeks. Yes,
>>>> interest has diminished.
>>>>
>>>> Conclusion: I'll put off buying the K3/100 for now until I can bothered to
>>>> have another look for an electrically and audibly quiet 20A power supply
>>>> suitable for 240V.
>

I use an Astron SS-30M switcher which I have had ZERO issues at 100W
on sideband, digital, cw, etc..  I mean zero.  Its quiet and very very
rarely in a long QSO the fan will turn on (no big deal for me).  Well
built and easy to carry.

73

-aps (KC2ZSX)
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[Gary K9GS]

So...If I were to tweak the power supply voltage should I use the K3
internal voltmeter or an external one?  If an external one, I assume
connected at the DC input to the K3 to compensate for any voltage drop.

Also, should I set the voltage under load/while transmitting?  I guess
that would depend on how good the voltage regulation is?

On 4/12/2011 10:02 AM, Bill W4ZV wrote:

> VK5ABQ wrote:
>> 1. The LCL300PS12 can provide 25A and has an adjustable output range of
>> 11.0 to 13.0V. Is this suitable for the K3/100? XP Power’s 12.5 to 14.5V
>> model isn’t available here.
>>
> If you operate SSB at full power, I'd recommend at least 13.8V and
> preferably higher.  The K3 is specified up to 15V and exhibits better TX IMD
> performance at higher voltages.  I set my Astron RS-35M for 14.5V at the K3
> terminals.
>
> 73,  Bill
>
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-100-power-supply-tp6264879p6265496.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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--


73,

Gary K9GS

Check out K9NS on the web:  http://www.k9ns.com
Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com

************************************************

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[Matt Zilmer]

Set it under TX full power load at the K3 APP terminals, measured
using an external voltmeter known to be accurate.  Just probe into the
APP backshells with the DVM probes.

I use 14.2 at full load.  RX voltage is then 14.5V.  This provides
some margin for the power supply going bat$#!+.  The situation here,
though, is safer than most because it's solar-powered going through a
separate charge controller into a battery.  The battery feeds the K3
through a TGE boost regulator.

Recommend the TGE regulator for K3 ops.  It is extremely robust.

matt W6NIA
K3 #24

==

On Sat, 16 Apr 2011 22:40:47 -0500, you wrote:

>So...If I were to tweak the power supply voltage should I use the K3
>internal voltmeter or an external one?  If an external one, I assume
>connected at the DC input to the K3 to compensate for any voltage drop.
>
>Also, should I set the voltage under load/while transmitting?  I guess
>that would depend on how good the voltage regulation is?
>
>On 4/12/2011 10:02 AM, Bill W4ZV wrote:
>> VK5ABQ wrote:
>>> 1. The LCL300PS12 can provide 25A and has an adjustable output range of
>>> 11.0 to 13.0V. Is this suitable for the K3/100? XP Power’s 12.5 to 14.5V
>>> model isn’t available here.
>>>
>> If you operate SSB at full power, I'd recommend at least 13.8V and
>> preferably higher.  The K3 is specified up to 15V and exhibits better TX IMD
>> performance at higher voltages.  I set my Astron RS-35M for 14.5V at the K3
>> terminals.
>>
>> 73,  Bill
>>
>>
>> --
>> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-100-power-supply-tp6264879p6265496.html
>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
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