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Author Topic: 120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed  (Read 8030 times)

FLAUXCOMBOB

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« on: June 04, 2007, 12:17:51 PM »

Hi all,
I almost have my USCG AuxCom base station set up and am looking for a power converter for my Horizon ECLIPSE + 25 watt marine radio.  I am setting up a 70' rohn tower and will need some info on that also.
Passed all the tests and doing my 8 hrs required watch standing now.

I live on Anastasia Island so will have a clear range to the Gulf Stream 22 miles offshore, and will be working under Station Mayport in JAX, FL.

Any ideas for an inexpensive converte, and is 10 amps what I need?

Thanks!
Bob
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KE4DRN

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2007, 04:43:22 PM »

hi bob,

page 27 of the owner manual indicates
the radio requires 6 amps for hi power transmit,
1.7 for low power and .7 for receive
at 13.8 VDC +/- 20%

Yes, 10 amp power supply is fine.
Most powersupplies are ICAS
(intermittent commercial and amateur service)
and are less expensive then
CCS (continuous commercial service)

Go ahead and post the tower question to the
towertalk forum.

regards,

james
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FLAUXCOMBOB

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2007, 05:38:49 PM »

Thanks KE4DRN,

I appreciate the feedback as I don't have a manual for this unit...it's a hand-me-down!

Do you some ideas for where to pick an inexpensive power supply?

Bob
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K2GW

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2007, 05:48:29 AM »

Bob:

Check the reviews right here on eham for reviews of 12 VDC power supplies.  Hams call them power supplies; RV'ers refer to the same circuitry as a "convertor".  

BTW, if you're ever planning to get a ham license and operate on HF, it might pay to get one capable of providing 30 Amps.  That's more than you need now, but you could then also use it with the most common HF transceivers.  These can be had for $120 or so.  Astron is one well known brands.

Once you've picked a brand and model, check out Ham Radio Outlet, Amateur Electronic Supply and Gigagparts for online quotes.  Those are the big three suppliers; other boutique ones are available as well.

For your tower, get help from local hams.  One thing to consider is getting very good feedline.  At 156 MHz, you don't want most of your signal lost before it even gets to the antenna.

73

Gary, K2GW
(part time sailor)
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FLAUXCOMBOB

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2007, 07:04:10 AM »

Hey gary,

Thanks for the info!!

I noticed some of the power sources are rated 13.5V....I should stay away from these and stick to the 12V models?

Bob
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FLAUXCOMBOB

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #5 on: June 05, 2007, 07:15:43 AM »

Hey Gary,

I found an ASTRON SS-10 POWER SUPPLY 110/220VA-12VDC 10A CONVERTER,  they are asking $81, normally $130

What do you think?

bob

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AA4PB

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2007, 07:36:07 AM »

The ideal voltage for the radio is 13.8V but 13.5 is well within tolorance. Personally, for your application I would not use an "SS" series power supply. These are switching supplies which are small and light but more complex and can generate RF noise. I'd stick with a "linear" power supply for your application where size and weight are not a big issue.

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Bob  AA4PB
Garrisonville, VA

AA4PB

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2007, 07:40:49 AM »

I'd suggest an Astron RS-12A supply. It is rated for 9A continuous which will give you a nice margin over your 6A requirement. It's a linear supply.
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Bob  AA4PB
Garrisonville, VA

KE4DRN

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K2GW

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #9 on: June 06, 2007, 05:47:45 AM »

>>I found an ASTRON SS-10 POWER SUPPLY 110/220VA-12VDC 10A CONVERTER, they are asking $81

That would be fine for your present needs, but is too small for a future HF station.
 
>>Personally, for your application I would not use an "SS" series power supply. These are switching supplies which are small and light but more complex and can generate RF noise. I'd stick with a "linear" power supply for your application where size and weight are not a big issue.

Somewhat true, but only as a sweeping generality.  I have both Astron linear (RS-35) and switching supplies (SS-30).  From my own experience and QST reviews, both are very quiet in the HF and VHF spectrum.  In addition, he will be currently working VHF-FM marine communications, so with FM it's not that much of an issue anyway.  

That said, one advantage of the Astron Linears is the ability to easily modify them to float a gelcel battery across them to provide standby power if AC power is lost.  My article on it is in the October 2004 Hints and Kinks column of QST (and the recent book).

73

Gary, K2GW


 
 
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AA4PB

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #10 on: June 06, 2007, 05:29:28 PM »

Other issues asside, I don't think anyone can argue against the fact that linear supplies are much simpler and easier to repair than a switching supply. I don't think Astron will even provide you with a schematic for one of their switchers. Linear schematics are available and many of the parts are standard items that are available from local electronic suppliers.

If you need small and light weight then by all means buy a switching supply. If you don't need small and light then I fail to see any benefit in a switcher but a few possible negatives.

By the way, I used an SS30 for several years on my station. The only real complaint I had was the annoying fan noise as it would cycle on and off.
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Bob  AA4PB
Garrisonville, VA

NA0AA

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #11 on: June 07, 2007, 09:37:27 AM »

I'm going to chime in here as well in favor of a linear power supply due to the battery float issue [simple to do].

13.5 is more like what the radio sees in vehicle/marine use so it's not an issue.

Regarding the capacity:  If you think you are going to add on to your station, buy more amps now, it's cheaper than buying a second later.

That being said, unless you decide get amplifiers, you are unlikely to need much over 30 amps since it's generally hard to talk on more than one radio at a time.

I don't think you can go wrong with Astron linear power supplies, I now have 2 of them and and one switcher [for portable use] they are one item in my shack that I rarely ever give a second thought to except as to their stone like reliablity.
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FLAUXCOMBOB

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #12 on: June 07, 2007, 11:43:29 AM »

Appreciate all you guys jumping in like this and giving me the straight talk!!

I will look into both types and get what I can (afford)...lol...as all this is comming out of my posket.  I am setting up a new non-profit on the Island here to generate donations for the units radio needs so maybe when I get some funds available I can create a nice system.

Is there anything I should be doing as far as grounding, such as around the radio and its' peripheral equipement for static buildup? So far it's hardwood flooring in the area so no rugs are involved.  

Appreciated!
Bob



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AA4PB

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #13 on: June 07, 2007, 12:26:30 PM »

Certainly your tower/mast should be well grounded as well as the coax shields just before entering the building. This provides lightning protection. The power supply already has a safety ground via the power cord. Other than that you shouldn't need any grounding for VHF/UHF equipment.

Take a look at the Polyphaser web site for some good lightning protection information.
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Bob  AA4PB
Garrisonville, VA

FLAUXCOMBOB

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120 ac 12 dc 10 amp converter needed
« Reply #14 on: June 07, 2007, 12:34:07 PM »

Thanks for the info AA4PB!

When you say grounding the coax shields at the building entry point, do you mean adding shielding around the antenna cable at the point of entry of my house?

thanks,

Bob
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