Power Question

[zguy1243]

I have Finally got my dream receiver, the Icom R8500 and I am looing into a safer power source for it. I would rather not plug a 1000$ plus radio straight into the wall outlet. I was looking into a APC 550VA UPS. I fugure this would provide the radio with "clean" and safe power. What do you guys use?

thanks,
Jody
KG4FVG

 

[Bucko]

UPS's are a good idea indeed, I use APC UPS's on all my electronic's, Scanners, shortwave receivers, computers and right on up to Tv's and recorders. Wow that R 8500 makes my R 75 look like a real low budget receiver.

 

[Declared_Hostile]

Congratulations! You're going to love the 8500. I've had one for several years now and it's definitely one of my “go-to” radios. If it's weak signal work or the real “power” uses for my equipment the Icom is one of the radios that gets called on. A fine piece of gear that is enjoyable to use. Has a great “feel”.

As for running juice to mine I have all of my radios except an Icom R71A running on 12volts. I have APC UPS that feeds AC power to a MFJ 4035MV power supply which in turn powers a pair of West Mountain Radio 4012 Rig Runners which I use to distribute power to all the various radios and accessories throughout the radio room. Makes for a much cleaner radio room too since I got rid of a couple of dozen of those wall warts and the related UPS, power strips and related things to get enough outlet spaces for them. Highly recommended for those with multiple radios by the way.

 

[iMONITOR]

Keep in mind when choosing a UPS, not all are created equal. Some of the less expensive ones do nothing but provide power interruption protection. When you have normal household electrical power available, there is no difference than being plugged directly into a wall outlet. Any circuitry of the UPS is totally bypassed. They do nothing to provide surge protection, low/high voltage regulation, EMI/RFI noise filtering, etc.

Below are a couple links that explain surge protectors, and UPS's. Take time to read them so you know what features to look for, and then you can make better choices on what you're trying to accomplish, and how to choose the best device for your requirements.


How Surge Protectors Work
http://www.howstuffworks.com/surge-protector.htm

How Uninterruptible Power Supplies Work
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question28.htm

 

[jastx]

Years ago I put a scope on several different UPS the company I worked for then was evaluating. One of them actually put out a square, not sine, wave; that removed it from the list of contenders.

I agree with GreatLakes, do your homework before purchasing one.

 

[zguy1243]

in the line of ups's, I have heard very good things about APC. Here is some specs on the one that I plan to run 3-4 radios on:

8 total outlets, all with surge protection and 4 with battery backup

550VA rating with 330 watts of power

890-joule surge energy rating

Battery run time up to 60 minutes


Phone/fax/modem/DSL communication protection ports

USB/serial connectivity

Shutdown software included

CyberPower $75,000 connected-equipment warranty
Product Details


Warranty Terms - Parts 3 years

Warranty Terms - Labor 3 year

Product Height 12"

Product Width 6.5"

Product Weight 14 lbs

Product Depth 3.5"

Number of Outlets 8

Joules 890

What's Included CD software, USB cable

Coax Protection N

Length of Cord 6'

Phone/Fax/Modem Protection Yes

Shutdown Software Yes

Battery Life Up to 3 years

Run Time 15-60 minute

Rechargeable Yes

Volts 100-140V

Equipment Protection Warranty $75,000

This thiing is only 60$ at best buy...a good deal or maybe too cheap?

 

[iMONITOR]

The overall specs look good at a glance, but I went to their web site and I can't confirm it it outputs a pure 60Hz sine wave while under battery power. I'm thinking for that price it does not, and that could result in generating some noise on your scanner radios when operating from the battery back-up during power failures.

The best APC units are called SmartUPS. But they get expensive. My main one for my computer equipment is a SmartUPS 1400. They were going for around $450.00 new at the time. I bought it used with a dead battery, and replaced the battery. Of course this is MUCH larger than you would require.

If you're not real concerned about running during a power failure, you would do fine with just a good quality surge/noise protector. APC makes some of the best.

 

[Thayne]

IMHO, if a radio will run on 12VDC you should just run them off of a Lead-Acid battery and charger arrangement of a suitable amperage. By doing it that way you have an excellent
supply when the power fails, with the added advantage that the battery acts to stabilize and filter the power while being charged.
When you go powering radios that are made to run on 12VDC by using Commercial UPS systems you are adding costly, unnecessary inefficiencies. Most of the UPS systems of less than 1000 watts are built like crap.

 

[Yokoshibu]

yeah ... gel cel battery for the house and a 25 amp switching supply with a rigblaster supercharger work great!

 

[hotdjdave]

Safe and Sound

Not only do you want safe power, but clean power. Clean power is important when operating high-end audio, video, and communications equipment. Clean power comes from power conditioners or line conditioners. This is a step above and beyond just a back up power supply or a surge protector. Clean power will ensure your power is not just safe, but remains at a constant level.


Here are some sources for clean power conditioners:

Panamax
PureAV
APC
Monster Cable


Info sources:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/masterindex_power_conditioners.html
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-power-conditioner.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_conditioner

 

[kb2vxa]

Hi Z and all,

Strange, Z is the symbol for impedance. (;->)

Hey guy, unless you have a problem with lightning hitting the power line or you live with Lisa Douglas and her "electrissical" you have nothing to worry about. What I'm saying is the AC mains are clean, but if you have a room full of vacuum cleaners going you might have some spikes and hash and still the radio will take it all in stride. We hams run some mighty expensive rigs powered by Diesel alternators and the likes on Field Day and we don't think twice about it.

The wind-up is if you have to baby it, it's a POS not worth the money. On the other hand, a backup power source comes in handy so that's what I'd keep in mind, a "power conditioner" is superfluous.

 

[jastx]

A decent power supply will deal with most typical power problems.

I personally do not plug expensive electronics, including TVs and such, straight into the wall. I put a surge supressor in as a minimum. They are inexpensive. Their job it to sacrifice themselves in the event of a lightning strike or other severe surge. I always look for a UL 1449 listing on the unit.

Some units also include protection for telephone and cable TV. Years ago, I lost a modem without this protection. I have also had a few supressors "work" to protect modems since then. I have many more problems with the telephone line, but where I live the "last mile" is barbed wire ;-)

Anything you want to do above that will be a function of your budget and perceived needs and risks.