Power Supply Features and Recommendations

[TexTAC]

I can't make up my mind on which power supply to buy and could use some advice. I'm looking to power a Yaesu 991A transceiver (requires 13.8 Vdc +/- 15%, 23 Amps max when transmitting at 100 watts) and likely won't be powering anything else (other than a handheld like a FT-60R which requires 11-16 Vdc when operating and charging with a 1.6 amp draw when transmitting at 5 watts). I want something relatively portable to move from the house to back porch or take to other locations occasionally. I am focusing on switching power supplies for that reason but want a brand/model with a reputation for not creating RF interference on amateur radio frequencies. What are your opinions/preferences on various features like:

• meters (volts/amps) - are they really useful on power supplies?
• connectors - some have Anderson power pole connectors others have set screw lugs, etc. any reason one type is preferred over another?
• front versus back connectors - any preferences?
• any other features I overlooked and should be considering?
• I've been looking Astron and Samlex but can't decide which model. Any recommendations for these or other brands?

Thanks.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

I have a couple Astron SS-30M power supplies. They have analog voltage and ammeters. It is very handy to see the current when it fluctuates and that the voltage is steady. I have had no noise problems with these. They are lightweight and quiet. The fan only turns on occasionally for a few minutes. They have overvoltage and overcurrent protection built in. The DC connections are on the rear and on mine are compression screws. My only complaint is that they are flat blade screws and are difficult to tighten reliably. If you can get some grub screws that are Allen type, or better yet, Torx, I would swap them out. I thinl Astron is better than Samlex in that they are targeting Amateur radio which is a market that is more concerned about RF noise.

You might be able to get Anderson PP as an option from Astron, or make up a short pigtail. Astron has a model with LCD or LED metering. I think the analog meters are more desirable from functional and aesthetics.

These of course (SS Models) are switching supplies. The old school linear supplies are very heavy and suprisingly less reliable.

 

[prcguy]

I have lots of Astron SS series power supplies and they are very reliable. I've had some running continuous for so long I can't even remember how longs its been, maybe 25yrs? Astron has models with Anderson Power Poles, which I love, and also with digital voltage and current meters. Meters are not necessary but can come in handy when something isn't working right and it will help pinpoint a problem.

I put Anderson Power Poles on everything I own so it can go from the house on power supplies to the garage on big batteries to the car in seconds, everything here is compatible. If I get a power supply that doesn't have Power Poles I install a short jumper with them.

I think an Astron SS-25 or SS-30 series would complement your new radio nicely, either one is capable of more current than you will need with that radio and a few accessories. Here is some info on the new Astron series with digital meters. Switching Power Supplies | Astron Corporation

Another power supply I've had good luck with is the Powerwerx 30A desktop supply. I originally bought one for travel because they are very small and I ended up installing it at a remote HF radio site where it runs 24/7. After a few years of use I bought another and installed it at a 24/7 remote HF site and have had zero problems. Here is the Powerwerx info. Powerwerx 30 Amp Desktop DC Power Supply with Powerpole Connectors

 

[TexTAC]

Thanks. My local HRO appears to be limited in what they currently have in stock. I expect my radio to arrive on Wednesday so I think I am going with the Astron SS-25 (no meters, no Anderson power poles) since they don’t have the newer models available.

 

[prcguy]

I was in the Plano HRO last month and they were really low on everything. You can order the new version Astrons and Gigaparts has the 25 amp version with digital meters and power poles in stock. Astron SS-25M-AP

Thanks. My local HRO appears to be limited in what they currently have in stock. I expect my radio to arrive on Wednesday so I think I am going with the Astron SS-25 (no meters, no Anderson power poles) since they don’t have the newer models available.

 

[k6cpo]

I recommend the Alinco DM-330MV. It's a switching power supply, which means it will be more compact and lightweight. It's without the RFI noise of some other switchers. It also comes with a 12V lighter receptacle on the front which would be handy for running your FT-60. I can't speak to the newer FT-60s, but my 2012 version will not transmit when plugged into its charger. It will transmit when used with a car chager with the lighter plug.

 

[TexTAC]

I ended up buying the Astron SS-25M-AP that prcguy linked. Unexpectedly, I also got a 10% field day flash sale discount when I placed the order. Should be here a day after I get the transceiver (maybe same day if I am lucky).

 

[MTS2000des]

Buy the biggest (current capability) wise you can afford. Buy once, cry once. This way, if you choose to add more radios, or get something more current hungry, you won't have to replace your supply. I'm not going to spark the switching versus linear debate, but linear supplies are generally more reliable, and don't put out near the RFI (even though modern QUALITY switchers intended for ham radio use are pretty decent), but in 36 of my 46 years on this earth, I've never had a single linear supply fail. I'm running an Astron RS-70M made in the 1990s. Sure, it's a beast and don't ever drop on on your foot or you'll have an amputation, but it WORKS and has been on 24/7 and has plenty of current to power my IC-9700 and two APX7500s without skipping a beat.

Important to note that Astron in particular underrates their supplies. An RS-70 for example, is rated at 70 amps intermittent, 55 continuous. This is important if you plan on running your supply for long periods at high current draw. Radios on receive draw very little, but key down that 991A and 22 amps for example is half of what say, an RS-70 can deliver continuous duty. A 991A on FT8 and say, a 9700 on VHF at full power keyed up will put that RS-70 pretty close to it's 55A max continuous current output rating. Having more current capacity is not a bad thing, not having enough or running a supply to it's limit all the time is.