Elecraft › [HAM]

OT: Popular power supply query

Classic

List

Threaded

18 messages Options

Bill Clarke

OT: Popular power supply query

Time has come to purchase a new power supply - the 33 year old Astron
has passed on. What are the popular and reliable supplies being used
these days? If there are some to seriously stay away from, please so state.

Thanks,

Bill W2BLC

--
IN GOD I TRUST (but, NOT a single politician)
______________________________________________________________
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

w0mu

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

If you are not concerned with weight and size I would go get another
Astron. RS-35 size will handle the rig and other accessories. I use
that one at home and PowerWerx SS30's for travel. Those are small
switchers.

Mike W0MU

W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net:23 or w0mu-1.dnsdynamic.com
Http://www.w0mu.com

On 6/11/2012 5:38 PM, Bill wrote:
> Time has come to purchase a new power supply - the 33 year old Astron
> has passed on. What are the popular and reliable supplies being used
> these days? If there are some to seriously stay away from, please so state.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill W2BLC
>
______________________________________________________________
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

ke9uw

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

I bought an 75 amp MFJ switcher supposed to be quiet but it has many birdies on 80M. They also did not answer my request for a return.
Back to Astron.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 11, 2012, at 6:48 PM, "W0MU Mike Fatchett" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> If you are not concerned with weight and size I would go get another
> Astron. RS-35 size will handle the rig and other accessories. I use
> that one at home and PowerWerx SS30's for travel. Those are small
> switchers.
>
> Mike W0MU
>
> W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net:23 or w0mu-1.dnsdynamic.com
> Http://www.w0mu.com
>
>
> On 6/11/2012 5:38 PM, Bill wrote:
>> Time has come to purchase a new power supply - the 33 year old Astron
>> has passed on. What are the popular and reliable supplies being used
>> these days? If there are some to seriously stay away from, please so state.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Bill W2BLC
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Chuck, KE9UW

Jim N4KH

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

In reply to this post by Bill Clarke

I'm using a fairly new Astron RS-35M here with an Alinco DM-340MV as back
up. I much prefer linear supplies to switching ones.

Both are good supplies in my opinion. I've used the Alinco for 3 or 4 years
with zero problems but got nervous about the Alinco's lack of a overvoltage
protection circuit, and fan noise can be a minor annoyance under heavy duty
cycle.

There is no fan on the Astron to make noise (just heavy heatsinks) and I
like that. The lack of voltage regulation on the Astron meter lighting
circuit causes the lights to vary as a function of load on the supply, why
they designed it that way I'll never know. I plan to either just cut the
wire to the lights or go with regulated LEDs.

Without regard to brand I personally would look for a supply with
overvoltage protection for the load (versus various circuits that might
protect the supply). Otherwise any failure mode in the supply that causes
loss of regulation and significant increase in output voltage could severely
damage/destroy your expensive rig(s). A shorted pass transistor for example.
I believe most all the Astron's have crowbar circuits.

Jim, N4KH

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bill
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2012 6:39 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Popular power supply query

Time has come to purchase a new power supply - the 33 year old Astron has
passed on. What are the popular and reliable supplies being used these days?
If there are some to seriously stay away from, please so state.

Thanks,

Bill W2BLC

--
IN GOD I TRUST (but, NOT a single politician)
______________________________________________________________
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

Eugene Balinski

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

In reply to this post by Bill Clarke

Bill,
You got 33 years from an Astron. That is not awful
service. Can it be saved with a new set of transistors or
maybe a cap or 2 ?

If not, how about another Astron ? Seems like you did ok
by the first one.

73

Gene K1NR

On Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:38:34 -0400
Bill <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Time has come to purchase a new power supply - the 33
> year old Astron
> has passed on. What are the popular and reliable supplies
> being used
> these days? If there are some to seriously stay away
> from, please so state.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill W2BLC
>
> --
> IN GOD I TRUST (but, NOT a single politician)
>

______________________________________________________________
> 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

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Web mail provided by NuNet, Inc. The Premier National provider.
http://www.nni.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

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

In reply to this post by Jim N4KH

The Astron RS-35 is my favorite ... solid (and heavy) linear supply
with enough headroom to handle the K3 at full output and elevated
output voltage (+15.5V). I have a pair ... one for each K3 ... an
25 year old model that's still going strong and a newer version (3
years old +/-).

73,

... Joe, W4TV

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bill
> Sent: Monday, June 11, 2012 6:39 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Popular power supply query
>
> Time has come to purchase a new power supply - the 33 year old Astron has
> passed on. What are the popular and reliable supplies being used these days?
> If there are some to seriously stay away from, please so state.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill W2BLC
>
> --
> IN GOD I TRUST (but, NOT a single politician)
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Jim Low man

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

In reply to this post by w0mu

I am also a long-time Astron user. I still use my RS-35M.
Recently I bought the Powerwerx SPS-30DM and am pleased with the
small size.

73 de Jim - AD6CW
______________________________________________________________
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

WE5ST

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

In reply to this post by Bill Clarke

Bill,

Just added an Astron VS-35M to the shack after nearly 20 years with a RS-35m
which is still working like new. I went with the variable supply so I could dial
up the output voltage to meet charge requirements for a 12V gel cell.
I wouldn't go to any switchers for fixed service if I could avoid it.
The Astron linear is hard to beat - simple, quiet (in db's and rf) and heavy.
Good switchers are fine I'm sure but when I looked around online I saw a lot
more variability on opinions and experiences with switchers. Astron is highest
rated overall and reasonably priced for a 20+ year service life.

73,

Jack - WE5ST

________________________________
From: Bill <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Mon, June 11, 2012 6:38:34 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Popular power supply query

Time has come to purchase a new power supply - the 33 year old Astron
has passed on. What are the popular and reliable supplies being used
these days? If there are some to seriously stay away from, please so state.

Thanks,

Bill W2BLC

--
IN GOD I TRUST (but, NOT a single politician)
______________________________________________________________
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

Jack - WE5ST

Hisashi T Fujinaka

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

You can rebuild Astron supplies and there's even an article and circuit
boards available.

The article:
http://www.bwcelectronics.com/articles/WP20A190.PDF

The circuit board:
http://www.farcircuits.net
search for PS-15D-122 $5 and don't forget to add $5.50 for shipping.

On Mon, 11 Jun 2012, Jack Berry wrote:

> Bill,
>
> Just added an Astron VS-35M to the shack after nearly 20 years with a RS-35m
> which is still working like new. I went with the variable supply so I could dial
> up the output voltage to meet charge requirements for a 12V gel cell.
> I wouldn't go to any switchers for fixed service if I could avoid it.
> The Astron linear is hard to beat - simple, quiet (in db's and rf) and heavy.
> Good switchers are fine I'm sure but when I looked around online I saw a lot
> more variability on opinions and experiences with switchers. Astron is highest
> rated overall and reasonably priced for a 20+ year service life.
>
> 73,
>
> Jack - WE5ST
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Bill <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Sent: Mon, June 11, 2012 6:38:34 PM
> Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Popular power supply query
>
> Time has come to purchase a new power supply - the 33 year old Astron
> has passed on. What are the popular and reliable supplies being used
> these days? If there are some to seriously stay away from, please so state.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill W2BLC
>
>

--
Hisashi T Fujinaka - [hidden email]
BSEE(6/86) + BSChem(3/95) + BAEnglish(8/95) + MSCS(8/03) + $2.50 = latte
______________________________________________________________
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

N0AZZ

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

I have 2 Astrons in my shack a RS-70M and a VS-70M and 2 Samlex Supplies a
SEC-1223 and a SEC-1235M both are very clean switchers. They have been
running continuous now for over 6 years no problems the Astrons I have only
invested in the last 2 years should have been one of the first things I
bought along with a Quality Manual Tuner. Which by the way I spent 3 times
as much over the years on lesser ones than paying $900 or so the first time
out. Live and learn as with most things.

The 2 large Astrons power a total of 6 radios, 2 VHF amps a 160w and a 350w,
2 scanners and 6 small draw accessories and still have plenty of head room
if needed. I never transmit on over 2 radios at a time and one of them being
a QRP digital unit.

73,

Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2012 9:09 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Popular power supply query

The Astron RS-35 is my favorite ... solid (and heavy) linear supply with
enough headroom to handle the K3 at full output and elevated output voltage
(+15.5V). I have a pair ... one for each K3 ... an
25 year old model that's still going strong and a newer version (3 years old
+/-).

73,

... Joe, W4TV

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bill
> Sent: Monday, June 11, 2012 6:39 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Popular power supply query
>
> Time has come to purchase a new power supply - the 33 year old Astron
> has passed on. What are the popular and reliable supplies being used these
days?

> If there are some to seriously stay away from, please so state.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill W2BLC
>
> --
> IN GOD I TRUST (but, NOT a single politician)
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

______________________________________________________________
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
-----
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2433/5063 - Release Date: 06/11/12

______________________________________________________________
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

Bill W4ZV

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

In reply to this post by Bill Clarke

Odds are the problem is either the LM723CN controller or 2N5886G pass
transistors (or both). The controller is even socket mounted for easy
replacement. When I had a failure in my RS-35M a few years ago I
ordered spares for both. I often wonder how many things wind up in
our landfills that need nothing more than a simple component!

73, Bill W4ZV

You can rebuild Astron supplies and there's even an article and circuit
boards available.

The article:
<http://www.bwcelectronics.com/articles/WP20A190.PDF>http://www.bwcelectronics.com/articles/WP20A190.PDF

The circuit board:
<http://www.farcircuits.net>http://www.farcircuits.net
search for PS-15D-122 $5 and don't forget to add $5.50 for shipping.

On Mon, 11 Jun 2012, Jack Berry wrote:

> Bill,
>
> Just added an Astron VS-35M to the shack after nearly 20 years with a RS-35m
> which is still working like new. I went with the variable supply so I could
> dial
> up the output voltage to meet charge requirements for a 12V gel cell.
> I wouldn't go to any switchers for fixed service if I could avoid it.
> The Astron linear is hard to beat - simple, quiet (in db's and rf)
and heavy.
> Good switchers are fine I'm sure but when I looked around online I saw a lot
> more variability on opinions and experiences with switchers.
Astron is highest
> rated overall and reasonably priced for a 20+ year service life.
>
> 73,
>
> Jack - WE5ST
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Bill <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Sent: Mon, June 11, 2012 6:38:34 PM
> Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Popular power supply query
>
> Time has come to purchase a new power supply - the 33 year old Astron
> has passed on. What are the popular and reliable supplies being used
> these days? If there are some to seriously stay away from, please so state.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill W2BLC
>
>

______________________________________________________________
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

Mark n2qt

more on Astrons

In reply to this post by Hisashi T Fujinaka

Astrons were also heavily used in 2 way commercial market. Lots of good
information at

http://www.repeater-builder.com/astron/astron-index.html

If you don't take their specs as gospel and derate them a bit, they last
forever (or at least
till the next lightning strike). Even then the parts are easy to get and
the supplies easy to
fix.

Mark n2qt

______________________________________________________________
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

Eugene Balinski

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

In reply to this post by Hisashi T Fujinaka

Hisashi,

That is great info. I have an old 12A Astron that needs a
"refresh"

73 and thanks,

Gene K1NR

PS my 35A Astron and 20 Astron just go on and on.

On Mon, 11 Jun 2012 22:05:23 -0700 (PDT)
Hisashi T Fujinaka <[hidden email]> wrote:

> You can rebuild Astron supplies and there's even an
> article and circuit
> boards available.
>
> The article:
> http://www.bwcelectronics.com/articles/WP20A190.PDF
>
> The circuit board:
> http://www.farcircuits.net
> search for PS-15D-122 $5 and don't forget to add $5.50
> for shipping.
>
>
> On Mon, 11 Jun 2012, Jack Berry wrote:
>
> > Bill,
> >
> > Just added an Astron VS-35M to the shack after nearly
> 20 years with a RS-35m
> > which is still working like new. I went with the
> variable supply so I could dial
> > up the output voltage to meet charge requirements for a
> 12V gel cell.
> > I wouldn't go to any switchers for fixed service if I
> could avoid it.
> > The Astron linear is hard to beat - simple, quiet (in
> db's and rf) and heavy.
> > Good switchers are fine I'm sure but when I looked
> around online I saw a lot
> > more variability on opinions and experiences with
> switchers. Astron is highest
> > rated overall and reasonably priced for a 20+ year
> service life.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Jack - WE5ST
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: Bill <[hidden email]>
> > To: [hidden email]
> > Sent: Mon, June 11, 2012 6:38:34 PM
> > Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Popular power supply query
> >
> > Time has come to purchase a new power supply - the 33
> year old Astron
> > has passed on. What are the popular and reliable
> supplies being used
> > these days? If there are some to seriously stay away
> from, please so state.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Bill W2BLC
> >
> >
>
> --
> Hisashi T Fujinaka - [hidden email]
> BSEE(6/86) + BSChem(3/95) + BAEnglish(8/95) + MSCS(8/03)
> + $2.50 = latte
>

Bill Clarke

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

In reply to this post by Bill W4ZV

Transformer let go - not worth fixing. I'll just replace it with another
Astron - 33 years of use is cheap at what they cost new. I am currently
using an MFJ switcher as a make do patch - but, I still believe in
weight = quality. Hence, the reason to buy another Astron 35 amp job.

Thanks,

Bill W2BLC

--
IN GOD I TRUST (but, NOT a single politician)
______________________________________________________________
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

DaveL G3TJP

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

In reply to this post by Bill Clarke

After many years of service, I would be inclined to replace all the
electrolytics with modern components. They are the most common cause of
integral switchmode supplies in brown goods letting out their smoke. If I
was refurbishing a dead linear supply of that vintage, I would ask myself
"What could have caused this failure?" and I'd look very accusingly at the
electrolytics.

73 Dave G3TJP

______________________________________________________________
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

Nr4c

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

In reply to this post by Bill Clarke

I know it seems daunting, but a call to Astron might change your mind.
A few caps and I have heard that the transformers aren't that expensive
(<$50)so you might re-think a refresh.

...bill nr4c

On Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:21:23 -0400, Bill wrote:

> Transformer let go - not worth fixing. I'll just replace it with
> another
> Astron - 33 years of use is cheap at what they cost new. I am
> currently
> using an MFJ switcher as a make do patch - but, I still believe in
> weight = quality. Hence, the reason to buy another Astron 35 amp job.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill W2BLC

Jim Brown-10

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

For nearly 8 years, I've powered all my 12VDC ham gear from the biggest
Costco battery, float-charged by a little 10A switcher that I bought for
$10 at a hamfest. When I started doing SO2R several years ago, I added
a second battery and a second power supply from the same hamfest
purchase. Those little switchers were very noisy until I cleaned them
up with caps and ferrites. A few years ago, I bought a little PowerWerx
SS30DV 20A switcher to travel with, and fired it up for a while in the
shack looking for RF trash. I didn't hear any, although my testing was
not exhaustive. The batteries cost about $75, and have lasted about
three years in this service.

I currently own three vintage Astron linear supplies, all of which have
been reliable, but which I no longer need. I should sell them. :)

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

Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: OT: Popular power supply query

Administrator

Let's end this thread for now.

Lots of good responses, and also there are several similar threads on
this -exact- subject in the list archives that one can search for.

To search - see: http://www.elecraft.com/elist.html and search the
Nabble archive.

73,

Eric
List moderator
---
www.elecraft.com

On 6/12/2012 9:25 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
> For nearly 8 years, I've powered all my 12VDC ham gear from the biggest
> Costco battery, float-charged by a little 10A switcher that I bought for
> $10 at a hamfest.
______________________________________________________________
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