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Author Topic: Astron switching power supply  (Read 565 times)

KP4CB

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Astron switching power supply
« on: February 04, 2023, 08:22:33 AM »

PLease i need some advice , I just buy a astron switching power supply and the reading in the voltage meter doesnt equla the output voltage, for example the meter reads 15.00 voltage and when i tested with a multimeter the output voltage is 13.8. is there something i missing in this technology.

Please any advice will be helpfull

Kp4cb
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WA3SKN

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #1 on: February 04, 2023, 08:32:21 AM »

Do you have a load on the power supply?
Have you asked Astron?

-Mike.
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KP4CB

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #2 on: February 04, 2023, 08:43:53 AM »

Yes I install my TS-2000 and make test at the output voltage,  and there is no change in both meter reading.

Although send an email to Astron and the seller HRO waiting for reply from both.

I monitored the power supply and the readings doesnt change.

Thanks for your answer very apreciated.

Kp4cb
« Last Edit: February 04, 2023, 08:46:35 AM by KP4CB »
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K8AXW

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #3 on: February 04, 2023, 09:31:04 AM »

Sounds like a simple matter of recalibrating the Astron voltmeter circuit.  Can you find a little pot that calibrates the meter? (stay away from the little pot that actually adjusts the output voltage)

If you load the power supply and the voltage remains steady on either meter (internal/external volt meters) the power supply is performing as advertised. 
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KP4CB

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #4 on: February 04, 2023, 07:21:57 PM »

K8AXW

Thanks for your help, at this point of time, I would void warranty .

On monday I would sent it back to HRO for an exchange, the sad part is that I have to pay for the shipping.

Thanks again

KP4CB
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KH6AQ

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #5 on: February 04, 2023, 10:14:36 PM »

I suspect a measurement error.

1) Is the measurement made at the Astron output terminals?

2) Have you tried another DMM?


https://www.astroncorp.com/_files/ugd/cd8c39_3770413625f740299de5befb8641aa46.pdf
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G3RZP

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #6 on: February 05, 2023, 04:02:38 AM »

When was your DMM last calibrated?
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W6BP

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #7 on: February 05, 2023, 09:51:49 AM »

K8AXW

Thanks for your help, at this point of time, I would void warranty .

On monday I would sent it back to HRO for an exchange, the sad part is that I have to pay for the shipping.

My Astron power supply's front-panel meter read 15V when I first got it, but my Fluke multimeter, which I trust, read 13.8V. So I just turned the little set-screw at the bottom center of the Astron's front-panel meter until the meter read 13.8V. No warranty violation there.

Of course, you have to trust your multimeter.  If you don't, I think your money would be better spent buying one you do trust than on postage to send the Astron back for an exchange.
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K8AXW

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #8 on: February 05, 2023, 10:13:28 AM »

Before I would spend that kind of money to return the power supply for a meter reading error of 1.2v, I'd just ignore it until the warranty ran out. Then I'd open the box and recalibrate the meter.

You've established that the supply is working properly.  Use it and forget the meter.  I never look at the meter since it's separate from the rig. 

I DO have an aftermarket digital voltmeter that monitors the supply, which would be an inexpensive solution for you.

You have no guarantee that your replacement supply won't have the same problem.
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K4HB

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #9 on: February 06, 2023, 09:13:09 AM »

My Astron power supply's front-panel meter read 15V when I first got it, but my Fluke multimeter, which I trust, read 13.8V. So I just turned the little set-screw at the bottom center of the Astron's front-panel meter until the meter read 13.8V. No warranty violation there.

All that set-screw does is adjust the zero setting of the meter, and has no effect on the actual output voltage. Of course adjustments must be made after the filter caps have drained or you drain them. But if it makes you feel better to see the meter on 13.8V then fine.
 
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AA4PB

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #10 on: February 06, 2023, 10:59:59 AM »

He has determined via an external meter that the output voltage is correct thus it is the internal meter calibration that is in error. Using the zero set can be used to set the proper 13.8V reading on the meter, although it will no longer read zero when the supply is turned off. I've done it myself as a temporary measure until I could open up the supply and get to the meter calibration pot. On Astron linear supplies that adjustment pot is hanging off the rear of the meter. I don't know if it is the same with the switchers.
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Bob  AA4PB
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W6BP

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #11 on: February 06, 2023, 12:43:57 PM »

Using the zero set can be used to set the proper 13.8V reading on the meter, although it will no longer read zero when the supply is turned off.

That's right. But I've solved the problem by never turning off the supply.
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W1MOW

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #12 on: February 07, 2023, 09:11:46 AM »

Using the zero set can be used to set the proper 13.8V reading on the meter, although it will no longer read zero when the supply is turned off.

That's right. But I've solved the problem by never turning off the supply.

I was going to suggest 3 days ago that he turns of the supply, lets it sit for a minute, and check to see if it reads zero. If it did not then turn the meter zero screw untill it did.

Gary W1MOW
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N7EKU

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Re: Astron switching power supply
« Reply #13 on: February 14, 2023, 07:22:16 AM »

Note,

In winter, with the dry indoor air, plastic meter faces can become really staticky and mess up both the meter reading and zeroing the meter.  Wipe the face of the meter first with a damp cloth (but wet enough that it will leave droplets behind) and it will remove the static temporarily.

73.
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Mark -- N7EKU/VE3
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