DC power supply

[Nashua Area Radio Society]

Hello everyone,

I’m currently shopping for a DC power supply for my new shack.  I have the option of using either 120 or 240V.

Is there any advantage of selecting 240v? DC power supply will be in the 50-60 amp range and ideally rack mountable.

 

Thank you,

Ryan

[Fred Kemmerer]

Hello Ryan,

At this current level, a 240V supply will draw a more reasonable amount of current than a 120V one would. We use an Astron RS-50M here.

https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/asr-rs-50m

 

[Fred Kemmerer]

Just to clarify… The RS-50M is a 120VAC input supply. Astron also makes an RS-70M-220V (70A) version that can be had in 220VAC input.

There is some debate as to whether to use linear supplies (such as the RS-50 or RS-70) vs switching supplies. The switching supplies are more efficient but some can generate quite a bit of RF noise, birdies, etc. that end up in our receivers. These problems tend to become worse with supplies at higher current levels such as those that you are considering.

[Nashua Area Radio Society]

At that power level, there’s a lot of incentive to get a switching power supply. I use a BK Precision 1692, rated 0 to 15 V at 40 amps continuously. It’s a lab supply. A lot of the ones sold on the ham market rely on pretty outdated linear technology. I haven’t found Astron all that reliable. Mine has blown its pass transistors twice.

valuetronics.com carries a wide variety of commercial grade lab instruments. You could take a look at what they have in the 15 V range.

Either way, you’ll probably need a dedicated circuit. That power level is close to a full load for a 120 V 15 A circuit. If you use a 240 V model, you’ll most likely need to install a circuit for it, and that will limit where you can move it to if you want to go portable or relocate.

Jack Carroll W1PK

[Nashua Area Radio Society]

Thanks for the replies guys.

As I’m constructing the shack, this DC supply will have a dedicated circuit. My intention is for it to be a permanent installation. If I need portable power, I’ll invest in a separate unit.

Realistically for now, the DC supply will need to support simultaneous use of a 7300 & 9700, which adds up to a max of 39 amps.

So I figured a supply capable outputting in the range of 50-60amps will allow for enough headroom.

I’ve found an Astron RM-60-220 unit.  It looks promising.  Might help with keeping the room warm in the winter too.  😉

 

 

 

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