To be honest, I'd try t find a deal on a brand name like Astron. But between the two you posted, I would take the Pyramid. I've used them before, and they are analog using pass transistors. The other, I know nothing about, and the build looks cheesy, and it is probably a switching supply. If so, and designed for RC charging, it's probably dirty as hell, and it is most likely all you will hear on the receiver. Just my ha' penny.
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Basically, that's what I was thinking, the second one being a switching supply, I was concerned about noise.Originally Posted by K7SGJ
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The one bad thing about the Pyramid, is that they push the rating to the limit. If you try to run up to rated current, the voltage sags a bit, and the current rating is not continuous duty, either. My 706mk2g pulls just under 20 amps on peaks, and the PSU is rated at 25 amps, soooooooooo, it should be okay. Not knowing how old and how much use the supply has had, you might want to throw a scope (or an AC voltmeter) and a dc voltmeter across the B+ line at full transmit to see if the B+ sags much, and if a lot of AC ripple shows up. If so, you may want to change out the caps.
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Properly designed switching supplies don't generate sufficient noise at HF. I've just about done away with all my analog supplies.
See this from August 2009 QST: http://www.centralmiarc.com/docs/Reviews/dj175t.pdf
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I agree that properly designed switchers have come a long way in communication applications. However, the one he has linked to is probably a wideband transmitter covering DC to light.
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That iCharger is just a Louisville Switcher PC power supply, that's been modded.
Wall Warts make noise but, from a completely non-scientific standpoint, I have a number of PC's and when running they haven't interfered with my radio; the real issues are 'Regulation' and risk.
Do *I* want to hook my $900.00 radio up to a $40.00 ebay "deal" or, spend money on a "Name Brand"....decision, decisions......
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Concur. The main problem with the PC power supplies is that they supply 12V, when you really need 13.8V. And, the regulation isn't too good once you get a high current draw, so the V drops to about 10.1-9V, so your radio doesn't work right (If at all).
So buy a new Astron. R & L will sell you one for $112.95 (plus tax/S&H) See http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/pr...ducts_id=29398 . Or shop around, you can find better prices out there if you look around.
The Astron supply is simply, straight forward, long lasting (the one I had that blew had been in continuous duty -- and I mean all the time "on" -- for over 20 years. And I got it used from W3SRL, who bought it new and had it for a few years) and rugged. It's worth the price.
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