Two meter mobile power question (AC/DC)

[ObiHann]

Hey Guys,

So I have been doing a lot of research the past few days as a few friends of mine (and myself) are all thinking in the new year we will get our basic ham licenses. Given the local area we are going to end up getting 2M radios, and we are currently deciding between hand-held and mobile. We have been told by the club that most areas around here, we can connect to there repeaters with a 5W hand-held and transmit which is good news. Our question is really related to power and mobile radios, looking around many of them are DC power, which means they are typically only good in a vehicle. I'm sure there are a lot of people here that run mobile units in there homes, so I am curious how you do this and how much it costs.

Thanks!

 

[KG4INW]

No problem! All you need is a DC power supply capable of handling more current than the transceiver can draw and a suitable base antenna. Mobile antennas can be used in your home but you must have a suitable ground plane for them. As for cost, it depends on what you want/need specifically but see this for some ideas: Amateur Power Supplies

 

[ObiHann]

It seems to me that if I want one that is of any decent quality it may end up costing me $100+, which adds to the investment of a mobile quite a bit. I guess it is still cheaper than a base radio.

 

[KG4INW]

True, there are very few current production 2m only base radios (that I know of) so most radios used as bases are multi-mode, multi-band, more expensive mobile ones that still need power supplies. I have one radio in my truck with a permanently installed power cable but a power supply and extra power cable in my house so I can switch back and forth. Not ideal but the extra power cable was a lot cheaper than an extra radio!

 

[texasemt13]

Obi,

You will find more Astron power supplies in this hobby than any other brand. I recommend one. I bring a mobile rig in to my shack on occasion and connect it to my Astron RS-20A. Used these usually go for less than $100 on eBay. Right now there is one for $59 (these guys are heavy so shipping is quite a bit). I'd suggest looking for a gently used Astron PS.

The power supplies just plug in to a wall socket, and you connect some wire leads (you might have to buy a molex adapter or solder on some eye connectors), but it is a very stable power supply.

 

[kb0nly]

In my opinion the Astron power supplies are overpriced for what they are, i dumped them years ago in favor of others.

I have been using an Iota power supply to run the entire shack now for almost six years i think it has been on. Check out the Iota DLS series of power supplies on eBay, you can get a Iota DLS-30 for $120. It's a 30 amp CONTINUOUS duty power supply. The Astron supplies are always sold by their intermittent rating. For example an Astron RS-20A is only 20a surge rated, 16a continuous rated, and costs about the same with shipping as the 30a Iota. I run a DLS-55 which is a 55a continuous duty rated supply. Eventually i plan on upgrading but havent had to yet in six years. Add the Iota IQ4 module and you can connect a battery for backup supply.

There is many other brand names, just giving an example.

Also don't skimp on the power supply. Sure you could get by with a smaller power supply now, your average 2m or dual band mobile only needs 8-10 amps, but think about future use. Inevitably your going to want to run more at the same time, maybe run some scanners off the same supply, who knows. Buy 2-3 times more than you need on a power supply, always a good investment for the future and then your not taking a 10a supply and working the heck out of it either, the larger supply will be working less which equals longer life.

 

[elk2370bruce]

In the AES or HRO catalog, there are several nice little switching power supplies that can be had for around $ 100.00. SEC and MFJ brands come to mind and you'll only need a 25 amp unit for these mobiles. They are light, easy to hook up and easy to transport. Avoid the monster boat anchors - that's just too much overkill for these rigs and they take up too much room + are hernia makers. Spend your money on a decent outside antenna if you're going to be operating from your home. You can't work em if you can't hear em! Again, if there are repeaters in your area, don't take out a morgage on your first born. G O T A as soon as you can and enjoy our hobby to its fullest.

 

[N1BHH]

I use an Alinco DM-330MV to power my Echolink radio, FT-2900, my FT-8100 used for just a few local frequencies and my IC-3AT 220 rig. I don't run any of the "big" radios at full power and the power supply handles it quite easily. I also have an Astron RS-35A powering my IC-735 loafing along with no problems.

I recommend not going the cheap route because you will get cheap, something you'll throw out much sooner than one of the more popular brand names.

 

[KG4INW]

I agree not to go the cheap route but that doesn't mean you have to be extravagant either. Have you seen the eHam review site yet? Lots of user submitted reviews on many power supplies eHam.net Reviews - Power Supplies