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write your own review of the Astron RS-7A.
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KS4HY
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Rating: 5/5
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May 25, 2008 17:38
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I can't say enough good things about the Astron RS-7a
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I just can't say enough good things about the Astron RS-7a power supply. I bought mine used back in either 1984 or 1985. It has seen countless hours of use, and it has never failed. The protection circuit trips so fast that an external fuse in the B+ wire never gets a chance to blow.
If this one ever fails I will surely fix it. If it could not be fixed I would buy another one in a heartbeat. I had two Radio Shack power supplies prior to owning the RS-7a, and those power supplies are not even in the same league as the Astron RS-7a. You could not ask for a better power supply, and I could not be happier with my 20+ year old purchase.
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KG6WOU
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 23, 2007 22:49
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Excellent supply
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I really don't know how to evaluate something that works so well. Mine is used as an idle-current power supply for the shack, providing radio idle current plus a bit to keep the 100 amp hour AGM battery topped off. The battery then makes up the difference when I transmit. If I feel long winded, then the bigger supply comes on - maybe once a month or so. Since it is diode isolated, I appreciate being able to adjust the voltage to deliver a true 13.8 volts at the battery terminal.
I currently have three Astron PS, two conventional and one switching. No complaints.
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N4GG
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Rating: 5/5
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May 25, 2007 10:34
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Excellent
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Bought mine new over 20 years ago and have had it on more than 50% of the time since. Never fails, never does anything except churn out the power. Numerous shorts and other abuse have not bothered it at all. I'd buy another in a second if this one ever goes - which it shows no sign of doing.
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KN0V
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Rating: 5/5
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May 20, 2007 19:39
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No fail power supply ...
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought the RS7-A power supply along with an Azden PS-2000 2M radio over 10 years ago. The power supply has never failed once during this period of time. It has powered the 2M radio and the MFJ ARB-701. I never turn it off and it has been subject to a few home power outages.
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W5AOX
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Rating: 1/5
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Feb 10, 2007 09:25
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Fails Often
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I bought my rs-7a used at a hamfest, and it was then in working condition. Age is a factor, but it EATS 723's when I try to leave it on continuously. It will not tolerate a continuous load of a mere amp or so. Evidently designed only for intermittent use. The output pass transistor never fails but the 723 does. My homebrew regulated supply does not suffer this ailment.....
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K3NG
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 15, 2006 20:34
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Great supply
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I own three of these. One blew the 723 chip a couple years ago; it was easy to troubleshoot and repair. The design of these supplies is rather simple and a joy to work on.
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K4IDX
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 12, 2005 18:29
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Great PS
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've owned this little power supply for a few years now and use it to power various items around the shack. Previous review shares the details on the rearend, but I am very pleased with the overall build and power switch. Would definitely buy another one. No noise or interference.
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KC5ZRQ
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 12, 2005 12:58
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Good performer and a good econical choice
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I purchased one new at Hamcom in Arlington for $30. I'm guessing that is about 1/2 price of retail. It is heavy for a 5 amp power supply so if you buy one online, check the shipping price first. The "7", in RS-7A, refers to the amperage it can supply for a short period of time. I am using this with an APRS station with a transceiver operating at the low or middle power range. I don't plan to use the radio at the high (50 watts) power level. The power leads on the back are the banana plug type. There is also an exposed screw for grounding. The fuse is built into the AC plug receptacle, which uses a standard power cable, like you would find on a personal computer. The only part I didn't like was the power switch, which seemed flimsy compared to the rest of the construction. If you plan to operate a full power FM transceiver, I would recommend you upgrade to a 12 to 15 amp power supply. If you don't mind running at lower power levels, then the RS-7A is a good performer, and even at retail price, can be an good economical choice.
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