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| Reviews Summary for Astron VS-70M |
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Reviews: 4
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Average rating: 4.2/5
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MSRP: $$349
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Description: 57 amp cont. 70amp surge 13.8 vdc power supply w/adjust. current limit, adjust. voltage, volt/amp meters.
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More info: http://www.astroncorp.com
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You can
write your own review of the Astron VS-70M.
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AB4D
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 26, 2007 19:16
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Well Built and Good Value
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I recently obtained another Astron linear DC power supply for my station (model VS-70M) to power all those extra DC powered devices we all have, and I am quite pleased with this supply. The VS-70M's case is heavy duty, and is manufactured out of thick sheet metal, no cheap plastic parts here except for the Volt/Amp meters. The supply is hefty and weighs in at about 48 pounds. The sides and rear of the supply hold the large heat sinks for the pass transistors, in which there are eight 2N3771 transistors, that are rated for a combined 240 amps at 40 volts. The front panel contans a lighted rocker off/on switch, two lighted analog meters (one for amps and one for volts), and two variable adjustment knobs to control amps (on the left) and voltage (on the right) independently (2 to 15 volts/1.5 amps to full load). The variable controls are nice if you have a need to apply controlled current or voltage to a device, such as a gassy tube or suspect transceiver, and the cost was minimal when compared to the Astron fixed DC supply, RS-70M. The rear of the supply features a single set of heavy duty binding posts for conventional use, and a single post if you want to hook a pair of these beasts in parallel. A six inch thermostatically controlled cooling fan is also mounted on the rear to help keep things cool.
When the supply is turned on, the supply comes on silently without any noticable start up thunk or noises. It generates only a minor amount of barely noticable physical hum, which is common for linear supplies, and there is no RF generated noise noticed on HF from this supply. The volt and amp meters appear to be within 5% of accuracy, which are internally adjustable. However, for more exact measurements, I would recommend adding a known accurate digital volt/amp meter or some other type of indicator to monitor the output. I used the supply to test some of my gear, it easily powered everything I had up to a continuous 40 amp load, and never got overly warm. The supply is rated at 57 amps continuous/70 amps ICS @ 13.8v, 34 amps @ 10v, and 16 amps @ 5v.
Astron has been around for a long time, parts are easy to obtain for this classic design of a DC linear power supply, which makes this supply more appealing if you ever have to perform a repair. If you have a need for a heavy duty variable linear supply, I recommend that you give this one serious consideration.
Astron supplies are known to last a long time, you shouldn't ever need another DC supply with this one in the shack. I shopped around on the net and was able to get this one new including delivery for around $305.00 U.S. (10/07)
73, Jim
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K5HSV
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Rating: 2/5
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Jul 24, 2007 21:43
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Two Duds!!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've own two of these linear power in the past two years. Both purchased from HRO. The first one arrived and blew fuses without anything being attached to it or power applied. I sent it back and received another one in a few days. Placed it on the work bench and plugged in my TS-480HX, which requires 40amps to obtain 200watt full out put. It worked flawlessly. I only use it for when I work on my rigs away form the shack.
Now a after the warranty has expired, the power supply will not even put out enough amps to keep the TS-480HX from browning out. I placed the rig to my PS-53 with no such problem. I get the same issue when I plug in my TS-2000.
I called Astron and received a tech that spoke such poor english I just gave up and now I'm going to dig into it my self and see what the problem could be. Astron, this is not your quality that I've heard so much about. I wish I could give the same report others here have. I do realize once in a while you get a dud but two in a row... What is the chance of that?
I'll re-do my review after I find the problem.
Paul - K5HSV
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K4LOG
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 2, 2002 01:36
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Reliable Brute, hard at work since '96
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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What more can I say.. I have worked this supply very hard at times, sometimes to the point I didn't think the cooling fan would ever shut off. I can say other than unplugging it to move location, I never shut it down. It has been a my sole supply in the shack now for quite a few years, I also route the output to my garage workshop. Without a glitch, this BRUTE never disapointed or let me down once!!! Can't say that for the other equipment I've owned.
Hands down Astron will always run my equipment!!
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KE4KVW
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 1, 2002 19:54
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GREAT SUPPLY
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I OWNED THE SUPPLY FOR OVER A YEAR AND USED IT TO RUN A 400 WATT 2 METER AMP AND IT NEVER GAVE ME ANY PROBLEM.I DID RUN IT HARD AND IT TOOK THE HEAT! WONDERFUL PIECE OF GEAR!!!!!
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