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You can
write your own review of the Astron RS-20A.
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W5AOX
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Rating: 4/5
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Feb 10, 2007 09:32
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Good, with problems
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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My Astron has been in service for around 15 years. I have learned to use Astrons if I want really regulated DC available with no hum, voltage sag, etc, at the rated output.
If left on continuously, and occasionally being called upon to produce close to the 20 amp rating, my RS-20A develops black corrosion around the lock washers and screws attaching the big filter capacitor to the main board. Over the years I've had to disassemble mine several times to replace and/or tighten these screws and washers. It's easy to tell when this happens: Your transmitter will develop a pronounced hum when it normally has none.
I've had to replace the 723 regulator only once in all these years, unlike some of the smaller and earlier Astron supplies.
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KL7AC
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 12, 2006 23:29
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Flawless
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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An absolute transparent part of my shack. Originally purchased in 1989 at AES Las Vegas when I renewed my license as WL7BTL.
Has powered many radios over the years and I have forget it is even there. Now the main load is on two back up batteries with the 20A supplying the charge.
Quite and reliable and will be with me for the next 15 years.
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HR2PAC
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 23, 2005 22:07
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The Best!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought this particular unit new in 1999 here in Honduras and it is great!! this PS has never let me down and I have owned MFJ in the past, no comparison whatsoever. If you are serious and professional about your communications use Astron, I operate a commercial UHF two way radio company in Honduras and all of my customers use Astron with no problems, my repeaters use the SS-18 model. The only thing that bugs me a bit about the RS-20A is the heat although it has one of the biggest heat sink I've seen on a PS it puts it out like a son of a gun!! oh well a small price to pay to the HF Gods I guess. Bottom line: can't go wrong anywhere with Astron Power - worth it.
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K7JBQ
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 23, 2005 09:47
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Update
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Time owned: months
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Update to my post of last July.
Monday the Astron finally acted up. Popping fuses.
Since Astron is local to me, I called the factory. The guy said, "bring it in, and ask for Fred."
Next morning, Fred took it back into the shop and came back out a half hour later. The diodes had shorted. Cause? "Probably just old age," he said. I should mention that this particular RS-20A was built in 1983.
While he had it open, he also replaced the pc board with a new one, just to bring it up to date with the new specs.
Total cost: $15.
Now that's what I consider great customer service! And this puppy is probably good for another 22 years.
73,
Bill
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KC0SDV
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 30, 2005 14:54
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Bought used but it is great
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have no idea how old my unit is or how many owners it has had, but it works great. It has been modified with a light in front and plastic posts in the back. The front says "Astron, Santa Ana,California, so I know it is old, as the newer ones say Irvine. Doesn't matter...it works great. Bought from my local Radio store....he had it on display and was using it to power his radios in the store.
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KC8Y
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 12, 2004 16:47
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greay/reliable power supply
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Have used this PS for about 14-years with all my 2-m rigs & assoc. equipment...Never had any
problem(s) [knock-on-wood]
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WB6Q
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 12, 2004 15:58
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Works Great
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Not much to say except it works great. But then again in 41 years as a ham I have never had a power supply failure so I guess it should.
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K2ROK
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 21, 2004 08:04
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Classic American know-how
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Function over form. Typical American know-how with this power supply -- it is rugged and it works.
I have the 20M. Nary a problem with this baby -- it just sits there and does it's job -- what more could one ask for?
Meters are accurate and the unit is heavy and solidly built. I have confidence to leave it on 24/7, but I don't. I have a friend who has just done that -- for a few years.
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KR4WG
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Rating: 4/5
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Jul 16, 2004 01:21
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Not Lightening Proof
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Well, all I see is great reviews concerning the Astron RS-20A Power Supply. I traded Junk for Junk receiving the power supply in the process. It would not work at all. After trouble shooting I found the two power transistors lost connection with the two legged socket in the rear of the power supply. I dabbled a little solder on the transistor feet and wallah; it worked like a new one! I run it about five years maintenance free except for dust. Somewhere between heaven and earth a lightening bolt found it's way to the power supply along with about everything else in the house. The only thing left was the transformer.
I am now looking through reviews deciding on another Astron power supply.
Long story Short: The RS-20A is NOT Lightening Proof.
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KE4ZHN
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 11, 2004 03:29
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Built like a tank!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I dont have the RS-20, but I do own an RS-50M. All I can say is, these power supplies are built to take it! I bought this beast in the mid 90`s and its performed flawlessly from day 1. If I had to buy another power supply tomorrow,it would be another Astron. In fact, every amateur I know who has one,or ever had one has never had any problems out of it. Some ham friends of mine run theirs 24-7 (repeater use) and never have failures with these supplies. They may not win any beauty prize, but who cares? Solid quality, solid performance. A commercial quality power supply at a resonable price...you cant go wrong.
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