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New Astron Switching PS RFI?

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Tony-3

New Astron Switching PS RFI?

All:

Has anyone tested the latest Astron switching power supplies for noise?
The reviews I've read say that they produce no RFI.

Thinking about the Astron SS-30M for the K3S which is rated at 25 amps
continuous duty.

Tony

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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: New Astron Switching PS RFI?

I have 2 of the Astron SS-30M supplies on my desk for my 2 stations. I
have observed no evidence of RFI issues. I find them to be very
reliable power supplies.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 5/17/2020 4:23 PM, Tony wrote:

> All:
>
> Has anyone tested the latest Astron switching power supplies for
> noise? The reviews I've read say that they produce no RFI.
>
> Thinking about the Astron SS-30M for the K3S which is rated at 25 amps
> continuous duty.
>
> Tony
>
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Phil Kane-2

Re: New Astron Switching PS RFI?

On 5/17/2020 2:27 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:

> I have 2 of the Astron SS-30M supplies on my desk for my 2 stations. I
> have observed no evidence of RFI issues. I find them to be very
> reliable power supplies.

I have an Astron SS-50M and the only noise is the fan - no RFI.

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
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Josh Fiden

Re: New Astron Switching PS RFI?

In reply to this post by Tony-3

Have there been any design changes to SS-30M?

I have a pair that I’ve been using for 15+ years. Running 6m EME, a demanding application, I’ve seen no RFI. Unlike some laptop adapters & monitors that have come and gone. If they haven’t changed them, I’ve had good success.

73
Josh W6XU

Sent from my mobile device

> On May 17, 2020, at 2:24 PM, Tony <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> the latest Astron switching power supplies

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Michael Walker

Re: New Astron Switching PS RFI?

I had 2 of them and they both went noisy after 15 years.

I suspect they have a re-capping in their future, but right now, they are
in my electronics junk pile.

Mike va3mw

On Sun, May 17, 2020 at 6:50 PM Josh Fiden <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Have there been any design changes to SS-30M?
>
> I have a pair that I’ve been using for 15+ years. Running 6m EME, a
> demanding application, I’ve seen no RFI. Unlike some laptop adapters &
> monitors that have come and gone. If they haven’t changed them, I’ve had
> good success.
>
> 73
> Josh W6XU
>
> Sent from my mobile device
>
> > On May 17, 2020, at 2:24 PM, Tony <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > the latest Astron switching power supplies
>
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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: New Astron Switching PS RFI?

Almost nothing lasts or works forever. Usually electrolytic caps dry out, their MFD value decreases. Very easy and inexpensive repair.

Bob, K4TAX

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 17, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Michael Walker <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I had 2 of them and they both went noisy after 15 years.
>
> I suspect they have a re-capping in their future, but right now, they are
> in my electronics junk pile.
>
> Mike va3mw
>
>
>> On Sun, May 17, 2020 at 6:50 PM Josh Fiden <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Have there been any design changes to SS-30M?
>>
>> I have a pair that I’ve been using for 15+ years. Running 6m EME, a
>> demanding application, I’ve seen no RFI. Unlike some laptop adapters &
>> monitors that have come and gone. If they haven’t changed them, I’ve had
>> good success.
>>
>> 73
>> Josh W6XU
>>
>> Sent from my mobile device
>>
>>>> On May 17, 2020, at 2:24 PM, Tony <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> the latest Astron switching power supplies
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>>
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>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
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Jim Brown-10

Re: New Astron Switching PS RFI?

In reply to this post by Josh Fiden

On 5/17/2020 3:48 PM, Josh Fiden wrote:
> Running 6m EME, a demanding application, I’ve seen no RFI.

Does your EME array point at the shack?

73, Jim K9YC
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Josh Fiden

Re: New Astron Switching PS RFI?

Only when the moon’s at the same heading!

Shack is E of array which is on about 25’ of Rohn 45, so bottom antennas are quite low.

House is SE and I have to turn off fluorescent lights and washing machine.

73
Josh W6XU

Sent from my mobile device

> On May 17, 2020, at 7:43 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> On 5/17/2020 3:48 PM, Josh Fiden wrote:
>> Running 6m EME, a demanding application, I’ve seen no RFI.
>
> Does your EME array point at the shack?
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
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Jim Brown-10

Re: New Astron Switching PS RFI?

Sounds like it's quiet on the bands where you do EME. What bands are
those? Anything on HF?

73, Jim K9YC

On 5/17/2020 9:47 PM, Josh Fiden wrote:
> Only when the moon’s at the same heading!
>
> Shack is E of array which is on about 25’ of Rohn 45, so bottom antennas are quite low.
>
> House is SE and I have to turn off fluorescent lights and washing machine.

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Josh Fiden

Re: New Astron Switching PS RFI?

EME on 6m, terrestrial on 2 & 432 with antennas directly above the shack. Noise floor very low (usually) so anything added very apparent. I haven’t noticed anything at HF.

The only problems I’ve had at HF were a particular model of Samsung monitor, and PGE powerlines where HV ran on the old ceramic insulators. K6TU’s recommendation to file complaints with PUC was effective in getting those replaced.

These SS-30M supplies have been around a long time. Do others report RFI problems?

73
Josh W6XU

Sent from my mobile device

> On May 18, 2020, at 10:30 AM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Sounds like it's quiet on the bands where you do EME. What bands are those? Anything on HF?
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
>> On 5/17/2020 9:47 PM, Josh Fiden wrote:
>> Only when the moon’s at the same heading!
>> Shack is E of array which is on about 25’ of Rohn 45, so bottom antennas are quite low.
>> House is SE and I have to turn off fluorescent lights and washing machine.
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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K9FD

Re: New Astron Switching PS RFI?

I had two of them and both had RFI, on 12 meter band, it was a
broadband noise of
S2 or so. If your noise level is higher than S3 then you may not even
notice it as it
was noise similar to the noise floor, as wide as the band.
Had other "spots" on other bands that had hash but not too bad.
Have tried many switchers and every one I have had put noise someplace,
if you mention
that on this reflector all you get is a tirade of people with S5 to S6
band noise levels
screaming they hear nothing, they are correct they hear nothing.
Elecraft even admits the switcher they sell has noise.
I have a very very low external noise level at this QTH, so linear
supplies are the only way
I am sure to be free of noise, birdies, and crap internally. YMMV
Merv K9FD

> EME on 6m, terrestrial on 2 & 432 with antennas directly above the shack. Noise floor very low (usually) so anything added very apparent. I haven’t noticed anything at HF.
>
> The only problems I’ve had at HF were a particular model of Samsung monitor, and PGE powerlines where HV ran on the old ceramic insulators. K6TU’s recommendation to file complaints with PUC was effective in getting those replaced.
>
> These SS-30M supplies have been around a long time. Do others report RFI problems?
>
> 73
> Josh W6XU
>
> Sent from my mobile device
>
>> On May 18, 2020, at 10:30 AM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Sounds like it's quiet on the bands where you do EME. What bands are those? Anything on HF?
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>
>>> On 5/17/2020 9:47 PM, Josh Fiden wrote:
>>> Only when the moon’s at the same heading!
>>> Shack is E of array which is on about 25’ of Rohn 45, so bottom antennas are quite low.
>>> House is SE and I have to turn off fluorescent lights and washing machine.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
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stengrevics

Re: New Astron Switching PS RFI?

Has anyone encountered noise on 50 MHz with the Elecraft/Powerwerx power supply for the K3S?

Thanks & 73,

John
WA1EAZ

> On May 18, 2020, at 2:51 PM, K9FD <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I had two of them and both had RFI, on 12 meter band, it was a broadband noise of
> S2 or so. If your noise level is higher than S3 then you may not even notice it as it
> was noise similar to the noise floor, as wide as the band.
> Had other "spots" on other bands that had hash but not too bad.
> Have tried many switchers and every one I have had put noise someplace, if you mention
> that on this reflector all you get is a tirade of people with S5 to S6 band noise levels
> screaming they hear nothing, they are correct they hear nothing.
> Elecraft even admits the switcher they sell has noise.
> I have a very very low external noise level at this QTH, so linear supplies are the only way
> I am sure to be free of noise, birdies, and crap internally. YMMV
> Merv K9FD
>> EME on 6m, terrestrial on 2 & 432 with antennas directly above the shack. Noise floor very low (usually) so anything added very apparent. I haven’t noticed anything at HF.
>>
>> The only problems I’ve had at HF were a particular model of Samsung monitor, and PGE powerlines where HV ran on the old ceramic insulators. K6TU’s recommendation to file complaints with PUC was effective in getting those replaced.
>>
>> These SS-30M supplies have been around a long time. Do others report RFI problems?
>>
>> 73
>> Josh W6XU
>>
>> Sent from my mobile device
>>
>>> On May 18, 2020, at 10:30 AM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> Sounds like it's quiet on the bands where you do EME. What bands are those? Anything on HF?
>>>
>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>>
>>>> On 5/17/2020 9:47 PM, Josh Fiden wrote:
>>>> Only when the moon’s at the same heading!
>>>> Shack is E of array which is on about 25’ of Rohn 45, so bottom antennas are quite low.
>>>> House is SE and I have to turn off fluorescent lights and washing machine.
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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Jim Brown-10

Re: New Astron Switching PS RFI?

In reply to this post by Josh Fiden

On 5/18/2020 11:38 AM, Josh Fiden wrote:
> These SS-30M supplies have been around a long time. Do others report RFI problems?

Josh, Bob, and all,

I have no experience with Astron SMPS, and have seen nothing. I do,
however, own several no-name switchers advertised as quiet that are
quite noisy.

My question was techie-rhetorical. We should not trust ANY reports that
xxx product is RF quiet unless we know a LOT about proximity of noise
source to antennas, the sum all of the other noise that could be
obscuring it in the observer's receiver, and that info for ALL ham bands.

A meaningful test would be waterfall plots from an SDR with a small loop
antenna that can be placed in proximity to the potential noise source.
This doesn't require lab-quality testing, simply a waterfall covering
the frequency range of interest. Prior to the availability of
inexpensive SDR RX, I've used (and still do for some applications) the
broad coverage RX in my VHF/UHF talkie.

73, Jim K9YC

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