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Power Supplies for K3

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Peter Chamalian

Power Supplies for K3

I have a big Astron 50A power supply to run my K3, P3 and other small items.
Problem is this big brute generates a ton of heat. I'm considering a
replacement - perhaps a switching supply and would be interested in knowing
what others are using successfully. I'm not looking for cheap, I'm looking
for good, rock solid and no noise or other "crud" that might otherwise
impact my K3.

Thanks!

Pete, W1RM

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Harlan Sherriff

Re: Power Supplies for K3

I use an Astron RS20 and it works fb

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID

Peter Chamalian <[hidden email]> wrote:

>I have a big Astron 50A power supply to run my K3, P3 and other small items.
>Problem is this big brute generates a ton of heat. I'm considering a
>replacement - perhaps a switching supply and would be interested in knowing
>what others are using successfully. I'm not looking for cheap, I'm looking
>for good, rock solid and no noise or other "crud" that might otherwise
>impact my K3.
>
>
>
>Thanks!
>
>
>
>
>
>Pete, W1RM
>
>
>
>______________________________________________________________
>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

K4QE

Re: Power Supplies for K3

In reply to this post by Peter Chamalian

powerwerx.com model SS-30DV. Quiet, no RF hash, small, and light. I have had it for just over a year now, and it has been on one DXpedition.

73, Tony K4QE

________________________________
From: Peter Chamalian <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 9:18 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3

I have a big Astron 50A power supply to run my K3, P3 and other small items.
Problem is this big brute generates a ton of heat. I'm considering a
replacement - perhaps a switching supply and would be interested in knowing
what others are using successfully. I'm not looking for cheap, I'm looking
for good, rock solid and no noise or other "crud" that might otherwise
impact my K3.

Thanks!

Pete, W1RM

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KC6CNN

Re: Power Supplies for K3

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

wb4jfi

Re: Power Supplies for K3

I have used one of the Powerwerx supplies with a K3 for a couple of years now. It works great, with very little problems. When I got mine, they still had a switch set to 220VAC, and the output was low until you changed it to 120VAC. Instructions were included regarding that. Mine also had some sort of non-conductive finish on the binding posts in the back, which I had to remove with sandpaper.

I doubt that you will have these problems, however. This will be the third field day that a local club uses my K3 and Powerwerx supply for the CW position. MUCH better than the monster Astron.

Sent from tfox iPad

On Jun 11, 2013, at 9:31 PM, Gerald Manthey <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I second the powerworxs
> On Jun 11, 2013 8:28 PM, "Anthony Scandurra K4QE" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> powerwerx.com model SS-30DV. Quiet, no RF hash, small, and light. I
>> have had it for just over a year now, and it has been on one DXpedition.
>>
>> 73, Tony K4QE
>>
>>
>> ________________________________
>> From: Peter Chamalian <[hidden email]>
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 9:18 PM
>> Subject: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3
>>
>>
>> I have a big Astron 50A power supply to run my K3, P3 and other small
>> items.
>> Problem is this big brute generates a ton of heat. I'm considering a
>> replacement - perhaps a switching supply and would be interested in knowing
>> what others are using successfully. I'm not looking for cheap, I'm looking
>> for good, rock solid and no noise or other "crud" that might otherwise
>> impact my K3.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Pete, W1RM
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
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>
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Matt Zilmer

Re: Power Supplies for K3

In reply to this post by Peter Chamalian

Samlex 1235, maybe any 12xx. Using 1235 here: No spurs, no hash, no
noise, just reliable to 35A. I also hear the Powerwerx is good
through I've not tried it (yet).

73,
matt W7NIA

On Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:18:10 -0400, you wrote:

Fred Smith-2

Re: Power Supplies for K3

In reply to this post by Peter Chamalian

Astron SS-30 or a Samlex SEC-1235M for a bit less money I have 2 of them one
a 1223 and the 1235 both have running 24/7 for going on 7 yrs. QST voted the
1223 a best buy a year or so ago for performance vs. price both good
supplies'

I know a little about the heat factor I have (2) Astron 70 amp supplies a RM
and a VS on all the time plus an Astron RS-12A along with 3 switchers.
Problem is each is needed for the job it's doing these supplies run from 2
yrs old (bought new) to 30 yrs old bought used.

73,
Fred/N0AZZ
K3 Ser #'s 6730/5299--KX3 # 2573--K2/100--KAT100
P3/SVGA--KPA500--KAT500--W2

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Peter Chamalian
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 8:18 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3

I have a big Astron 50A power supply to run my K3, P3 and other small items.
Problem is this big brute generates a ton of heat. I'm considering a
replacement - perhaps a switching supply and would be interested in knowing
what others are using successfully. I'm not looking for cheap, I'm looking
for good, rock solid and no noise or other "crud" that might otherwise
impact my K3.

Thanks!

Pete, W1RM

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-----
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Peter Chamalian

Re: Power Supplies for K3 - Update

In reply to this post by Peter Chamalian

Thanks for all the feedback. I've ordered the powerwerx SS-30.

Pete, W1RM

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Chamalian [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 9:18 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3

I have a big Astron 50A power supply to run my K3, P3 and other small items.
Problem is this big brute generates a ton of heat. I'm considering a
replacement - perhaps a switching supply and would be interested in knowing
what others are using successfully. I'm not looking for cheap, I'm looking
for good, rock solid and no noise or other "crud" that might otherwise
impact my K3.

Thanks!

Pete, W1RM

______________________________________________________________
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Barry

Re: Power Supplies for K3 - Update

Maybe a component in your Astron is aging. I have a 70A Astron that's over 20 years old and it's slightly warm, but that's it.
Barry W2UP

Mike Furrey

Re: Power Supplies for K3

In reply to this post by Matt Zilmer

The Powerwerx is good ... been running one for about 6 months on my K3

73, Mike WA5POK

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Matt Zilmer" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 10:15 PM
To: "Peter Chamalian" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3

> Samlex 1235, maybe any 12xx. Using 1235 here: No spurs, no hash, no
> noise, just reliable to 35A. I also hear the Powerwerx is good
> through I've not tried it (yet).
>
> 73,
> matt W7NIA
>
>
>
> On Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:18:10 -0400, you wrote:
>
>>I have a big Astron 50A power supply to run my K3, P3 and other small
>>items.
>>Problem is this big brute generates a ton of heat. I'm considering a
>>replacement - perhaps a switching supply and would be interested in
>>knowing
>>what others are using successfully. I'm not looking for cheap, I'm
>>looking
>>for good, rock solid and no noise or other "crud" that might otherwise
>>impact my K3.
>>
>>
>>
>>Thanks!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Pete, W1RM
>>
>>
>>
>>______________________________________________________________
>>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

k0wa@swbell.net

Re: Power Supplies for K3

I have been using a Astron SS-30 for about a year now giving up the RM35. Works OK.

Lee

In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine?

Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind. - John W. (Kansas)

Never interfere with anything that isn't bothering you.

________________________________
From: wa5pok <[hidden email]>
To:
Cc: [hidden email]
Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 9:33 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3

The Powerwerx is good ... been running one for about 6 months on my K3

73, Mike WA5POK

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Matt Zilmer" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 10:15 PM
To: "Peter Chamalian" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3

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Keith Heimbold

Re: Power Supplies for K3

I use astron 35 and 70 amp interchangeably. Good power supplies. I have also used the powererx 30 amp. Also very good.

Keith
AK6ZZ

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Jun 12, 2013, at 11:51 AM, "Lee Buller" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I have been using a Astron SS-30 for about a year now giving up the RM35. Works OK.
>
> Lee
>
>
>
>
> In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine?
>
> Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind. - John W. (Kansas)
>
> Never interfere with anything that isn't bothering you.
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: wa5pok <[hidden email]>
> To:
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 9:33 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3
>
>
> The Powerwerx is good ... been running one for about 6 months on my K3
>
> 73, Mike WA5POK
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Matt Zilmer" <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 10:15 PM
> To: "Peter Chamalian" <[hidden email]>
> Cc: <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3
>
>> Samlex 1235, maybe any 12xx. Using 1235 here: No spurs, no hash, no
>> noise, just reliable to 35A. I also hear the Powerwerx is good
>> through I've not tried it (yet).
>>
>> 73,
>> matt W7NIA
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:18:10 -0400, you wrote:
>>
>>> I have a big Astron 50A power supply to run my K3, P3 and other small
>>> items.
>>> Problem is this big brute generates a ton of heat. I'm considering a
>>> replacement - perhaps a switching supply and would be interested in
>>> knowing
>>> what others are using successfully. I'm not looking for cheap, I'm
>>> looking
>>> for good, rock solid and no noise or other "crud" that might otherwise
>>> impact my K3.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Pete, W1RM
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>
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Dave Hachadorian-2

Re: Power Supplies for K3

In reply to this post by k0wa@swbell.net

It was interesting to re-read the ARRL reviews of some of the
switching supplies:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/protected/Group/Members/ProductReview/pdf/pr0001.pdf

The switchers were fairly RF-quiet at low current draw, and then
created more noise as they drew more current. This is fine for
the usual single-transmitter ham station, but could be an issue
in so2r or multiop.

I use a single Astron RS-35A analog supply for so2r with two
K3's. It works great, and it is a fail-safe way to ensure that
both K3's can not transmit at the same time. The supply will
simply groan and give up!

Astron linear supplies also have a simple (internal) voltage
adjustment, so you can pump the voltage up to 14.5 for reduced
IMD.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, Arizona

.

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Mike Maloney

Re: Power Supplies for K3

In reply to this post by Peter Chamalian

Pete, I have had great results with a marine starting battery (Optima yellow
top) for past 4.5 years.

It stays on floor in battery case with 10A circuit breaker in series at positive
terminal. A 2 stage 2A charger maintains the battery during receive and off
time.
Setup is quiet, no heat, and isolated from ac power surges. I can operate rig
for several hours a day and have had no problems with high/low voltage.
73
Mike/AC5P

________________________________
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Reinaldo Leandro

Re: Power Supplies for K3

In reply to this post by Dave Hachadorian-2

The July 2006 issue of QST carries an updated article reviewing power
supplies:
Switching Power Supplies:
DAIWA SS-330W
KENWOOD KPS-15
MFJ-4125
TEN-TEC 963

Do not forget the Gamma Research HPS-1a Switching Power Supply, reviewed in
Sep 2007.
I use it when operating away from home. Nothing can beat the small size and
weight.
73

Reinaldo, YV5AM

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Hachadorian [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: miércoles, 12 de junio de 2013 15:28
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3

It was interesting to re-read the ARRL reviews of some of the switching
supplies:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/protected/Group/Members/ProductReview/pdf/pr0
001.pdf

The switchers were fairly RF-quiet at low current draw, and then created
more noise as they drew more current. This is fine for the usual
single-transmitter ham station, but could be an issue in so2r or multiop.

I use a single Astron RS-35A analog supply for so2r with two K3's. It works
great, and it is a fail-safe way to ensure that both K3's can not transmit
at the same time. The supply will simply groan and give up!

Astron linear supplies also have a simple (internal) voltage adjustment, so
you can pump the voltage up to 14.5 for reduced IMD.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, Arizona

.

______________________________________________________________
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Ross Primrose

Re: Power Supplies for K3

And, the Feb. 2012 QST reviews:

Jetstream JTPS30M
Powerwerx SS-30DV
QJE DX PS30SWII
Ten-Tec 941

73, Ross N4RP

On 6/13/2013 2:16 PM, Reinaldo Leandro, YV5AM wrote:

> The July 2006 issue of QST carries an updated article reviewing power
> supplies:
> Switching Power Supplies:
> • DAIWA SS-330W
> • KENWOOD KPS-15
> • MFJ-4125
> • TEN-TEC 963
>
> Do not forget the Gamma Research HPS-1a Switching Power Supply, reviewed in
> Sep 2007.
> I use it when operating away from home. Nothing can beat the small size and
> weight.
> 73
>
> Reinaldo, YV5AM
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dave Hachadorian [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: miércoles, 12 de junio de 2013 15:28
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3
>
> It was interesting to re-read the ARRL reviews of some of the switching
> supplies:
> http://www.arrl.org/files/file/protected/Group/Members/ProductReview/pdf/pr0
> 001.pdf
>
> The switchers were fairly RF-quiet at low current draw, and then created
> more noise as they drew more current. This is fine for the usual
> single-transmitter ham station, but could be an issue in so2r or multiop.
>
> I use a single Astron RS-35A analog supply for so2r with two K3's. It works
> great, and it is a fail-safe way to ensure that both K3's can not transmit
> at the same time. The supply will simply groan and give up!
>
> Astron linear supplies also have a simple (internal) voltage adjustment, so
> you can pump the voltage up to 14.5 for reduced IMD.
>
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Yuma, Arizona
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> .
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

--
FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.”

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NZ0T

Re: Power Supplies for K3

I currently use an Astron RS-35M in my home shack. Yes it's big and hot but it works well, puts out no RF hash and is easy to repair if something goes wrong with it. I also have an MFJ-4125 switcher for backup that I've had for years and it works great with no RF hash. It does have a noisy fan but there are mods to fix that. I almost always wear headphones so the fan has never bothered me. I tried a JetStream switcher from CheapHam last year but it put S9+ out all over the HF bands so back it went! I also have a Pyramid 35 amp linear supply I use at our lake cabin but it has needed repair several times so I would advise staying away from that brand.

73 Bill NZ0T

Richard Fjeld

Re: Power Supplies for K3

People have mentioned the Astron SS-30A switcher. I have one and noticed when the fan came on, I could hear a high pitched squeal in the audio. Also on Tx.

I read other reports of this. Some people put ferrites on the fan wires. If I remember correctly, I re-heated the solder joints on the fan wires. Problem solved. I like the supply because of it's small size and light weight. I use it when portable.

Dick, n0ce

----- Original Message -----
From: NZ0T
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2013 1:59 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3

I currently use an Astron RS-35M in my home shack. Yes it's big and hot but
it works well, puts out no RF hash and is easy to repair if something goes
wrong with it. I also have an MFJ-4125 switcher for backup that I've had
for years and it works great with no RF hash. It does have a noisy fan but
there are mods to fix that. I almost always wear headphones so the fan has
never bothered me. I tried a JetStream switcher from CheapHam last year but
it put S9+ out all over the HF bands so back it went! I also have a Pyramid
35 amp linear supply I use at our lake cabin but it has needed repair
several times so I would advise staying away from that brand.

73 Bill NZ0T

--
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Josh Fiden

Re: Power Supplies for K3

I have 2 of the SS-30M and have never seen this problem (fan noise).
They are very quiet whether the fan is running or not. I like the "M"
version with meters. They are powering 3 radios including the K-3 and 2
brick amps. I find it helpful to have the ammeters. For example, this
past weekend I had a feedline connector problem which resulted in the
brick dropping power output. It was immediately apparent via the ammeter
that there was a problem. The only issue I've had was a failed rocker
switch which was easily replaced since it snapped in and the wiring used
Faston terminals. The older one I've been running for 12 years now and
going strong!

73,
Josh W6XU

On 6/13/2013 2:49 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:
> People have mentioned the Astron SS-30A switcher. I have one and noticed when the fan came on, I could hear a high pitched squeal in the audio. Also on Tx.
>
> I read other reports of this. Some people put ferrites on the fan wires. If I remember correctly, I re-heated the solder joints on the fan wires. Problem solved. I like the supply because of it's small size and light weight. I use it when portable.
>
> Dick, n0ce
>

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Fred Smith-2

Re: Power Supplies for K3

In reply to this post by Reinaldo Leandro

There is a much newer one in QST in the last 18 mo or so don't remember any
of those on it but maybe the Daiwa maybe a different model.

73,
Fred/N0AZZ
K3 Ser #'s 6730/5299--KX3 # 2573--K2/100--KAT100
P3/SVGA--KPA500--KAT500--W2

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Reinaldo Leandro,
YV5AM
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2013 1:17 PM
To: 'Elecraft Reflector'
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3

The July 2006 issue of QST carries an updated article reviewing power
supplies:
Switching Power Supplies:
DAIWA SS-330W
KENWOOD KPS-15
MFJ-4125
TEN-TEC 963

Do not forget the Gamma Research HPS-1a Switching Power Supply, reviewed in
Sep 2007.
I use it when operating away from home. Nothing can beat the small size and
weight.
73

Reinaldo, YV5AM

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Hachadorian [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: miércoles, 12 de junio de 2013 15:28
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies for K3

It was interesting to re-read the ARRL reviews of some of the switching
supplies:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/protected/Group/Members/ProductReview/pdf/pr0
001.pdf

The switchers were fairly RF-quiet at low current draw, and then created
more noise as they drew more current. This is fine for the usual
single-transmitter ham station, but could be an issue in so2r or multiop.

I use a single Astron RS-35A analog supply for so2r with two K3's. It works
great, and it is a fail-safe way to ensure that both K3's can not transmit
at the same time. The supply will simply groan and give up!

Astron linear supplies also have a simple (internal) voltage adjustment, so
you can pump the voltage up to 14.5 for reduced IMD.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, Arizona

.

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