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| Reviews Summary for Astron |
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Reviews: 41
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Average rating: 4.5/5
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MSRP: $varies
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Description: Linear and switching DC power supplies
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More info: http://astroncorp.com/
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You can
write your own review of the Astron.
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KI4EYO
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 23, 2006 06:39
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Great!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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These are great power supplies, all around. They put out great power, and last a long time. I bought one used, and it has never given me one bit of trouble. It has stayed on for years now and has survived many hurricaned too and still keeps on ticking.
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N1OFZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 2, 2005 12:33
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Own many Astrons
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have 3 Astron Power supplies 20A, 35A and 70A. The 20 and 70 are about 10 years old and the 35 is about 5 years old. Never a problem with them that I didn't cause. I did pull too much from the 20A once and blew the bridge rectifier. A few $ and 20 minutes and I was back in business. Last year I broke the volt meter on the 70A. I called for a replacement which was to be paid COD. After two weeks it did not arrive. Astron then sent me one for free. I think the Customer Service was very good!
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KE7DSR
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Rating: 2/5
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Jun 2, 2005 09:06
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Good supply, bad after sales support
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I purchased a new 25Amp switching supply based on the reviews on this site. I would say that I am happy with the electrical performance of the unit, but the second time that I used the rear mounted cable clamps the screw broke inside the connector, making it useless.
The store that I purchased the supply from will not take units back after 10 days and this hapenned within the first month.
I sent an email to Astron and also a letter explaining the problem, and it would be silly for us to pay $20 postage for a part that must only cost a couple of bucks. I can fit the replacement screw or connector myself.
Have I heard anything, NO. They could not even be bothered to reply to my email, and how much effort does that take.
I know that people slate MFJ, but their customer service is fantastic. I wish i had brought one of their supplies.
Do not buy one of these supplies and expect after sales support.
Martin
KE7DSR
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W8ATT
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 28, 2005 21:32
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Solid PS/Well Built
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have had 5 Astron power supplies of either the 20 amp model or the 35 amp model. One is a 20 variable and 2-35 amp models I currently run. I have NO complaints of all the Astrons I have owned and have used them very much with NO problems. One thing I would recommend to people who don't need the variable is not to buy one for general use as the adjustment knobs can get bumped. These are some of the most well built, American made PS I have seen or used. Good price too for what you get.
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W2PTH
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Rating: 5/5
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May 8, 2003 03:45
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Excellent Power Supply
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I recently purchased a Samlex 1223 and kept it for around for 1 week before returning it because of RF hash problems.I am now using an Astron SS-25 and the difference is like night and day,especially on 10 meters.I do not find the fan noise objectionable simply because it just does'nt run that often and when it does it's only for a minute or two.Besides,with all of the other fans running on the computer,linear,and HF rig,it's no big thing! As far as the connections for the DC out,there is a VERY SIMPLE solution that everyone seems to be missing. My connections to the supply involve 4 wires,2 on the negative and 2 on the positive side.I simply used a 1 inch long #6 screw with washers and a lock washer on each and just put them into their respective binding posts and tighten the set screw on the side,END OF PROBLEM! Astron also includes an internal EMI filter,something not found on most of the others. With the Samlex,I had to play around with snap on RF filters on the power cord to reduce the RF hash on 75.
This power supply,and the others in the other in the Astron line are the only way to go when using a switching supply.
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K3YD
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 1, 2003 07:04
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Solid, dependable RS-12
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've owned my RS-12 for over 20 years. In that time it has variously powered my TenTec Argosy & Icom IC-735 (50 W. setting), numerous VHF radios and has even been used as a battery charger for a car. I had the top cover off only once, to do a visual inspection and voltage check of the supply when I purchased it.
The supply puts out a solid 13.8 V. with negligible "sag" within the 12A. current rating.
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K6USN
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 5, 2003 19:16
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A nice little switching supply
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I've owned Astrons for many years and never had one fail me.
My newest Astron is is the SS 18(18 Amps ICS) switching supply.
This is very small, light weight (3.5lbs) and complements my IC706MKII and my FT 817. (With the '706 I don't run more than 60 watts out). This seems to be the smallest
PS in this power range, and works flawlessly for me. The light weight and small size is a major plus when traveling, as I can fit the entire 'station' in my computer case as carry on.
Like other reviewers, I'd really like to see either a lighted ON/OFF switch or a small LED power light. With no meter, just the very quiet fan tells me it is running.
Only because of the no powerlight knit pick, I'd give it a 4.9 if that were an option,but I don't want to skewer the overall ratings with anything less than the 5 it deserves.
Allen
K6USN/VK4DSN
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K4JQL
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 29, 2002 06:47
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VS-35M Great PS
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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My Astron has powered my shack for a couple of years now. I run it 24/7. It powers an IC-746 and TMG-707 without getting more than just a little warm. I'd buy another one and recommend it to you.
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W8ASI
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 3, 2002 11:46
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RS-50M Great Power supply!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've owned a Astron RS-50M power supply now for about 6 years or so. The unit has been on 24hrs/7days/365days a year and only turned off when disconnecting radios power leads or if there is a power outage. The supply has never let me down and can handle extreme loads without problems. The ONLY thing about the supply is the amp meter sometimes gets stuck or doesnt work until over 10 amps is being used. I hear this is common because the meters are pretty cheap. No real problem with that because I dont sit and watch amp meters all day!! I've run many different radios and amplifiers off this supply and it is defintely rock solid! I think I'll be getting the RS-70M next. 73's!
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W2DTC
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 7, 2002 00:21
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excellent supply
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've owned an RS-35 for about 10 years, a RS-70M for about 8 years and another RS-70M for about 5 years. All three working flawlessly, no breakdowns, no glitches.
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