Power supply...

[K9CCH]

Back in the day, when we were 13 or 14, the group of neighborhood kids all got CB radios. I assume it was because one kids dad is a ham, and he had his dads CB set up in his room. Anyway, I bought this with lawn mowing money, and hooked up my dads old Uniden that he had installed in the 1979 Chevy Monte Carlo. It currently has cigarette lighter adapters hooked up, but I'm going to pull those off.

Can I use it to power the FTM-350 that I picked up? I'm assuming that because its 40w max, I won't be able to use the radio at full power, correct?

[KJ3N]

Can I use it to power the FTM-350 that I picked up? I'm assuming that because its 40w max, I won't be able to use the radio at full power, correct?

You'll be lucky to be able to use the FTM-350 at its lowest power setting. That power supply only delivers 1.75 amps. The radio is going to draw at least half that just sitting there.

The 40w rating is what is draws from the AC line. It's not what the power supply can supply to the radio.

[K9CCH]

So I should junk this then?

[KJ3N]

So I should junk this then?

You can run an HT with it. That's up to you.

An FTM-350 draws about 12 amps at full output. I'd suggest a supply rated for at least 15 amps.

[KC2UGV]

Don't junk it. It's useful for something, just not powering your rig.

You can look at converting an old PC power supply into a temp power supply for your rig. It should handle 10A on the 12V rails. Play it nice, and keep and eye on things, but it should work until you get a proper unit.

[K9CCH]

I'll order this when I order my mobile antenna then...

http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-009793

[K7SGJ]

I'll order this when I order my mobile antenna then...

http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-009793

I'd take Fred up on the Astron offer. I have several, and they are pretty much bomb proof. But if one should ever go TU on you, they are a cinch to fix.

[K9CCH]

I'd take Fred up on the Astron offer. I have several, and they are pretty much bomb proof. But if one should ever go TU on you, they are a cinch to fix.

Price is going to be key... I'm pretty much on a non-existent budget.

[K7SGJ]

Price is going to be key... I'm pretty much on a non-existent budget.

I hope it works out for you. One other thing to consider; some switching power supplies can generate a fair amount of noise do to the nature of the design. I think most of the ones designed to power radio equipment is pretty well filtered and suppressed. Also, at VHF/UHF, and especially FM, it may not be as much of a consideration as it would be at HF frequencies, and other modes. I have no knowledge about the one you were looking at, but maybe someone else has some direct knowledge they can pass along. You might even see if there are any equipment reviews, you might try to Google it or try Eham. The Astron is not a switching type supply, and that problem is non-existent. Just something to be aware of, and it might even be a non-issue. Just a heads up for you.

[W3WN]

I'd take Fred up on the Astron offer. I have several, and they are pretty much bomb proof. But if one should ever go TU on you, they are a cinch to fix.

Fred is a good guy, he'll make you a fair offer.

FWIW, a couple of years ago, I bought a working RS-35A at a hamfest for $35; it powered my TS-480SAT for a couple of years before that got traded for the Omni VI+. At present, the Astron is the backup to the Omni & Corsair power supplies...

I should be getting my 10 meter rig back fairly soon, and I should have a spare RS-7 once that happens. I suspect that won't be enough power for you, though.