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You can
write your own review of the Astron RS-20A.
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KJ6MSG
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 6, 2011 17:57
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Solid as a rock.
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I've used the Astron RS-20A to power both a FT-7900R and a FT-450D. I have not turned up the FT-450D to full 100W, but otherwise it is a solid power supply.
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W1EL
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 11, 2011 14:45
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Excellent linear supply
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Used it for years! Rock solid when used within the specifications. In spite of the model number, this is about a 17 amp supply. Most 100 watt radios need a 22 amp (or so) supply. Need to keep the Astron on the floor, away from the RF, and it stays happy.
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K4FX
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Rating: 0/5
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Oct 11, 2011 12:47
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Junk
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This one is junk just like all the rest of the Astrons.
It is not stout enough to run a 100w radio. A 25w rig is about the top of it's limit.
See this web page for useful information on fixing your Astron and removing some of the problems built into them at the factory.
http://www.repeater-builder.com/astron/astron-intro-stuff.html
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WD5NOT
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 9, 2011 20:27
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My first Astron
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I got this power supply dirt cheap and it has fufilled my expectations only as a linear power supply will do. Most but not all switching power supply have some sort of RF hash. It is quiet hopefully I will have it for a long time. I highly recommend the RS-20A. I will revisit this review in a few months for an update.
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RADIO_RANDY
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 18, 2010 16:18
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Possibly the Best power supply in the world!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have owned this model of supply since I was first licensed in 1981. I've used a number of Astron units, RS-35s, 12s, 7s, and even an RS-50M. Every one of them has been 99.8% reliable in my opinion.
The reason I only gave a 99.8% reliability number is due to the very infrequent habit an Astron has of killing its output after a brief power surge. This problem is easily corrected by powering down the supply for 60 seconds, then turning it back on.
Here are a couple hints when using these supplies. First, don't EVER replace the output transistors with 2N3055s. They will NOT work correctly and your regulation will suffer severely because of it. The circuit is simply not designed to drive these transistors. Second, NEVER replace a blown fuse with a much larger one. I repaired a supply that had blown the fuse following a thunderstorm. The owner replaced the 5 amp fuse with a 20 amp item. In doing so, he fried the crowbar circuit which was trying to protect his radio when the pass transistors shorted. Instead of spending $10 on parts, he spent $30 all because he didn't have a 75 cent fuse.
Finally, the Astron is the easiest power supply I have ever had to repair. You can keep your Pyramids and such. Hopefully yours won't catch fire as did one belonging to a fellow ham I knew. After that, she bought an Astron.
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WA8MEA
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Rating: 0/5
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Apr 21, 2009 08:28
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Sent it back....
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Hummed worse than an apple tree full of hummingbirds! Irritating as heck. Sent it back to AES. They graciously replaced it with one that hummed TWICE AS BAD!
Two strikes and your out in my book. Never again. Pyramids and Tripp-Lites have been my staple for DECADES. No problems....
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K4FX
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Rating: 2/5
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Apr 11, 2009 12:08
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Just OK at best
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Well this one died on me just before the WPX SSB contest last month. I had already rebuilt my 35M Astron and have been delighted with the performance of that unit. So I had planned on changing the 20A's pass transistors eventually. I ordered a pair from Mouser and popped them in, turned it on and the 2 meter rig it runs would not come on, hmm, checking the output I saw only 2.5 volts, the LM-723 regulator! I remembered that I had purchased a regulator for the 35M that I had not used, so after diggin in the junk box I located it and the old 20A was purring again with her new LM723 and pair of 2N5302 pass transistors (50 watts more dissipation each than the stock 3771's).
Like a lot of hams I had used Astrons for years with no issues and "thought" they were bullet-proof, WRONG! When I got into RTTY and contesting, that all changed. Everyone should bookmark this page http://www.repeater-builder.com/astron/astron-index.html I assure you that when the problems hit your Astron, you will find all the info you need to rebuild your power supply in short order!
K4FX
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WB7TXG
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 24, 2009 14:18
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Still Works FB
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought this new back in 1981 or so.. I think. It has been turned on pretty much non stop for almost 30 years. I have never had an issue with this power supply and it just keeps ticking adn ticking.
I did finally buy a powper supply break out strip with multiple points of connection and also has a meter and a red LED light so that I can see that the power supply is working.
I have ran sever HF rigs that needed 12vdc with no issues. Last rig ran on it was an Icom 706 and the rig ran fine, full power and no drop in supplied power to all the other 12vdc acessories I have in the shack.
Would I buy it again? Yes, without question. I figure over 30 + years is proof enough.
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AB4ZT
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 18, 2009 10:58
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A Real Workhorse
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Nearly 20 years of service and never a single problem. A very solid piece of equipment.
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K8DK
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Rating: 5/5
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May 18, 2008 18:16
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Excellent
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Purchased 35M in 1981 and it has been on almost continuous. Great power suppply.
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