Power supply question

[Mikesuper26]

Hello all,

I have two Vertex VX 4207 mobiles that I would like to power using one Samlex SEC-1223-VX3 23 amp power supply (25 amp surge). My question is, can I simply plug the leads from both radios into the positive and negative terminals in the power supply? That is to say, can I have two wires from two separate radios in each terminal?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[ko6jw_2]

Yes. The caveat is not to exceed the capacity of the power supply by, for example, transmitting with both radios at the same time. Otherwise, there should be no problem. Be sure to ground all equipment to a common point. This means a chassis ground on the radios and the power supply, not the negative leads to the power supply. The ground should be an actual earth ground, not the building's electrical ground.

 

[Mikesuper26]

Thanks for the quick reply. With my current set-up (one radio) I have the ground wire connected to the negative terminal. So you are saying when I want to power two radios, I should not plug it into the negative terminal, but rather ground it somewhere? Sorry, I am a bit new to this.

Thanks

 

[ko6jw_2]

Connect the positive and negative leads to the power supply. The ground connection is usually a separate terminal on the back of the radio. This is the RF ground as opposed to the DC ground. It is important to ground all equipment to a common point. This eliminates the possibility of different radios being at different ground potentials.

 

[Mikesuper26]

Thanks for all your continued help. Maybe I was mistaken, there doesn't seem to be enough room in the two terminals to fit another wire. Do I need some type of splitter, or am I doing something wrong?

Thanks

 

[WA0CBW]

What connectors are used on the power supply? 5-way posts? Anderson Power Poles? or a hole with a set screw? You may have to make a "Y" adapter for the leads.
BB

 

[Mikesuper26]

Here is an image of the terminals of the power supply:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yffc6aswfy5my0o/20141005_173837.jpg?dl=0

Thanks

 

[w2xq]

Your power supply looks like the terminals are springloaded clips intended to take one wire. If that's the case, you might need a high current DC power distribution strip. Something akin to the functionally of a http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-1118 could be a solution.

In addition to the comments above, the usual precautions about wire gauge selection and meeting or exceeding current requirements apply.

Note that I am -not- endorsing MFJ or other manufacturers' products. (My power supplies have heavy duty studs that accept multiple open and closed terminal lugs.)

YMMV. HTH.

 

[Mikesuper26]

I understand, thank you all for the advice and prompt response.