OT: Astron linear PS regulation issues
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OT: Astron linear PS regulation issues
 
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Who makes a better linear power supply, especially large ones?
John KK9A Fred Jensen k6dgw wrote: I've given up on Astron despite the fact that many people say they never have troubles. Apparently, Astron does not have a supplier for inside star washers for screw/bolt connectors, I've found almost crumbly, crystallized cold solder joints on the point-to-point wiring terminals [in one case, it wasn't soldered at all], and often the case is not bonded well [or at all] due to paint and/or no star washers. These are all basic steps in quality electronic construction, there's just no excuse for it. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: OT: Astron linear PS regulation issues
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I have a ~30-year old Astron 13.8 VDC 20-amp supply that I got when it was retired from a project at work. I used it for low current applications for a few years, then it went to storage for about 5 years.
One of the two power transistors failed a few months ago and this took out some other components. I had put it back into service in a 5-10 amp application. I figure that the failure was likely just due to age and the fact that the supply had been in storage for a few years. I replaced both of the power transistors, two blown diodes, the electrolytics, and a couple of ICs and other components, and the supply is running fine again. Solid output at 10 amps load. Given its age I am extremely happy with it. The internal quality and components seemed good, but that may have been due to its design/manufacturing era. Not to sound like some old codger, but perhaps designs aren’t as robust as they used to be. Kevin, VE7ZD Sent from my iPad > On Feb 25, 2019, at 17:29, <[hidden email]> <[hidden email]> wrote: > > Who makes a better linear power supply, especially large ones? > > John KK9A > > Fred Jensen k6dgw wrote: > > I've given up on Astron despite the fact that many people say they never > have troubles. Apparently, Astron does not have a supplier for inside > star washers for screw/bolt connectors, I've found almost crumbly, > crystallized cold solder joints on the point-to-point wiring terminals > [in one case, it wasn't soldered at all], and often the case is not > bonded well [or at all] due to paint and/or no star washers. These are > all basic steps in quality electronic construction, there's just no > excuse for it. > > 73, > Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW > Sparks NV DM09dn > Washoe County > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: OT: Astron linear PS regulation issues
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I have two recent vintage Astron RS-35M units. They still use the exact
same 723-based regulator circuit that they have used for thirty years or more, so the design hasn't changed. What **may** have changed is the build quality. I carefully inspected both of mine right after taking delivery. I made sure the green wire from the AC cord was securely bonded to the chassis and checked for obvious soldering problems. I also tied the negative output line to the chassis. They have both been running like trains 24-7 for the last three years or so. The only failures I've had (on both units) are the stupid internal meter lamps. 73... Randy, W8FN On 2/25/2019 8:36 PM, Kevin McQuiggin (SFU) wrote: > I have a ~30-year old Astron 13.8 VDC 20-amp supply that I got when it was retired from a project at work. I used it for low current applications for a few years, then it went to storage for about 5 years. > > One of the two power transistors failed a few months ago and this took out some other components. I had put it back into service in a 5-10 amp application. I figure that the failure was likely just due to age and the fact that the supply had been in storage for a few years. > > I replaced both of the power transistors, two blown diodes, the electrolytics, and a couple of ICs and other components, and the supply is running fine again. Solid output at 10 amps load. > > Given its age I am extremely happy with it. The internal quality and components seemed good, but that may have been due to its design/manufacturing era. Not to sound like some old codger, but perhaps designs aren’t as robust as they used to be. > > Kevin, VE7ZD ______________________________________________________________ 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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I bought a Rackmount 35amp Astron when I started working at my office (the office bought it). We turned it on in 1993 and it is still on today. I have a 50 amp at home that besides the crappy meter lights (they now are illuminated by LEDs!), runs like a champ.
Funny though, when I find a supply with the -VDC tied to chassis ground, I always pull it - some Astrons do and some don't. All of our other linear supplies float (HP, QJE, Acopian). Keeps ground loops at bay! 73, Hank K4HYJ -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Randy Farmer Sent: Monday, February 25, 2019 10:24 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Astron linear PS regulation issues I have two recent vintage Astron RS-35M units. They still use the exact same 723-based regulator circuit that they have used for thirty years or more, so the design hasn't changed. What **may** have changed is the build quality. I carefully inspected both of mine right after taking delivery. I made sure the green wire from the AC cord was securely bonded to the chassis and checked for obvious soldering problems. I also tied the negative output line to the chassis. They have both been running like trains 24-7 for the last three years or so. The only failures I've had (on both units) are the stupid internal meter lamps. 73... Randy, W8FN On 2/25/2019 8:36 PM, Kevin McQuiggin (SFU) wrote: > I have a ~30-year old Astron 13.8 VDC 20-amp supply that I got when it was retired from a project at work. I used it for low current applications for a few years, then it went to storage for about 5 years. > > One of the two power transistors failed a few months ago and this took out some other components. I had put it back into service in a 5-10 amp application. I figure that the failure was likely just due to age and the fact that the supply had been in storage for a few years. > > I replaced both of the power transistors, two blown diodes, the electrolytics, and a couple of ICs and other components, and the supply is running fine again. Solid output at 10 amps load. > > Given its age I am extremely happy with it. The internal quality and components seemed good, but that may have been due to its design/manufacturing era. Not to sound like some old codger, but perhaps designs aren’t as robust as they used to be. > > Kevin, VE7ZD ______________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: OT: Astron linear PS regulation issues
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On 2/25/2019 7:58 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
> Funny though, when I find a supply with the -VDC tied to chassis ground, I always pull it - some Astrons do and some don't. All of our other linear supplies float (HP, QJE, Acopian). RIGHT! 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: OT: Astron linear PS regulation issues
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My Astron 35M has been in use since ~1990. I had to repair it after a
lightning strike that melted the tip of my 2M Ringo Ranger. (The meter lights have been gone so long, I forgot it had meter lights.) A few years ago, I bought a new 35M and it was defective. Returned it for a 2nd one that was also defective. Went to the store and had them fire up a 3rd one that worked properly before I would leave the store with it. Guess they don't make them (QC) like they used to. _____________ 73, Jim - N4ST ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: OT: Astron linear PS regulation issues
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In reply to this post by Kevin McQuiggin (SFU)
On 2/25/2019 6:36 PM, Kevin McQuiggin (SFU) wrote:
> Not to sound like some old codger, but perhaps designs aren’t as robust as they used to be. More marketplace incentive to replace rather than to repair. Then again, no longer having a workshop or good close-up visual acuity any more, replace is the most viable option for me. I'm not getting old - I AM old (first licensed in 1952 as a teenager).-- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Jim - N4ST
I wanted to love a 45A Astron but it was heavy and hummed. Sold for peanuts
at a hamfest. Replaced by Jetstream JTPS32MAB. Probably same as MFJ-4230MV and many others. Small, quiet and cheap. Excellent regulation. If it dies, it is $80. Ignacy, NO9E -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: OT: Astron linear PS regulation issues
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Astron used to make s great supply. I have the same problem with RS-35M less then a year old.
Worked fine for 8 or 9 months then developed a bad hum or buzz. I got tired of listening to it and pulled out a 35 Amp switching supply. Haven’t had the time to pull it apart yet. Ron Genovesi N3ETA Sent from my iPhone > On Feb 26, 2019, at 8:12 AM, Ignacy <[hidden email]> wrote: > > I wanted to love a 45A Astron but it was heavy and hummed. Sold for peanuts > at a hamfest. > > Replaced by Jetstream JTPS32MAB. Probably same as MFJ-4230MV and many > others. Small, quiet and cheap. Excellent regulation. If it dies, it is $80. > > Ignacy, NO9E > > > > -- > Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 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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In reply to this post by Jim - N4ST
On 2/26/2019 07:37, Jim - N4ST wrote:
> (The meter > lights have been gone so long, I forgot it had meter lights.) Speaking of meter lights: Those #47 bulbs never lasted long at 6 V, so I used to put a resistor in series with them. Nowadays, a white LED, rectifier, and a resistor would work fine, and you would never have to replace it again. 73, Scott K9MA -- Scott K9MA [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Phil Kane-2
The nice thing about those linear power supplies, though, was that you
COULD repair them. 73, Scott K9MA On 2/26/2019 09:52, Phil Kane wrote: > On 2/25/2019 6:36 PM, Kevin McQuiggin (SFU) wrote: > >> Not to sound like some old codger, but perhaps designs aren’t as robust as they used to be. > More marketplace incentive to replace rather than to repair. Then > again, no longer having a workshop or good close-up visual acuity any > more, replace is the most viable option for me. > > I'm not getting old - I AM old (first licensed in 1952 as a teenager).-- > > 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane > Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 > > From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest > Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 -- Scott K9MA [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: OT: Astron linear PS regulation issues
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In reply to this post by Ron Genovesi
I picked up a RS-50 from a SK estate, it had a terrible hum. Took the
cover off and tightened all the hardware, hum went away. 73, Dennis NJ6G On 2/26/2019 09:17, Ron Genovesi wrote: > Astron used to make s great supply. I have the same problem with RS-35M less then a year old. > Worked fine for 8 or 9 months then developed a bad hum or buzz. I got tired of listening to it and pulled out a 35 Amp switching supply. Haven’t had the time to pull it apart yet. > > Ron Genovesi > N3ETA ______________________________________________________________ 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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A little piece of cork between the TX and the front of the case fixed my 50's hum! There was something similar from the factory that had fallen out over time. Hank K4HYJ -----Original Message----- > From: "Dennis Moore" <[hidden email]> > Cc: [hidden email] > Date: 02/26/19 12:54 > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Astron linear PS regulation issues > > I picked up a RS-50 from a SK estate, it had a terrible hum. Took the > cover off and tightened all the hardware, hum went away. > > 73, Dennis NJ6G > > On 2/26/2019 09:17, Ron Genovesi wrote: > > Astron used to make s great supply. I have the same problem with RS-35M less then a year old. > > Worked fine for 8 or 9 months then developed a bad hum or buzz. I got tired of listening to it and pulled out a 35 Amp switching supply. Haven’t had the time to pull it apart yet. > > > > Ron Genovesi > > N3ETA > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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 |
Re: OT: Astron linear PS regulation issues
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In reply to this post by Dennis Moore
Thanks
I’ll give it a try. Ron Genovesi N3ETA Sent from my iPhone > On Feb 26, 2019, at 9:54 AM, Dennis Moore <[hidden email]> wrote: > > I picked up a RS-50 from a SK estate, it had a terrible hum. Took the cover off and tightened all the hardware, hum went away. > > 73, Dennis NJ6G > >> On 2/26/2019 09:17, Ron Genovesi wrote: >> Astron used to make s great supply. I have the same problem with RS-35M less then a year old. >> Worked fine for 8 or 9 months then developed a bad hum or buzz. I got tired of listening to it and pulled out a 35 Amp switching supply. Haven’t had the time to pull it apart yet. >> >> Ron Genovesi >> N3ETA > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 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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