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Reviews For: Astron RS-35M

Category: Power Supplies

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Review Summary For : Astron RS-35M
Reviews: 174MSRP: 169.95
Description:
Astron 35 amp (ICS), 25 amp (continuous) linear regulated power supply.
Product is in production
More Info: https://www.astroncorp.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
001744.6
KE6MTX Rating: 2008-05-28
Still no problems Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased my RS-35M at the same time I purchased a 2M mobile rig when I was first licensed (around 1994). It now powers my TS-2000 and Z-100Pro. I've used it in the shack, my RV and out in a primative campground (using a 1.5kW generator) and never had a problem. I have had a Tripp Lite PR30 and it was worthless. If and when (key word if) I replace it it will be another RS35M.
AB2YS Rating: 2008-05-16
Another satisfied user Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This unit replaced an inferior MFJ power supply, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. It's well made and theres no hash or fan noise to contend with. I use it daily for SSB and digital modes and it chugs along with no issues.
KW8RQ Rating: 2007-11-23
Best Piece of Equipment I Own Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This may sound strange, but this is my favorite piece of equipment. It is absolutely solid, well-built, works flawlessly. I got it from the son of a SK two years ago now and it's been wonderful. I have no doubt that when all the radios and accessories are gone, this will still be kicking. Clean, quiet, stable, reliable power...what more can you ask for in a power supply? Based on my experiences with Astron in the past, other reviewers, and my 2 years with the RS-35M so far, I am impressed.
KI4YJL Rating: 2007-10-23
Awesome Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I love this power supply. It currently powers my FT-7800R at about 9 amperes, and it is beautiful. This was my first PSU, and I bought it because I knew a bunch of people with them, and they said they lasted a lifetime. P.S. If your going to fly with these, put a copy of you license in the bag, and carry a few with you.

BUY IT! It's great
W6LBV Rating: 2007-07-15
(Reliable) power corrupts, and Astron power corrupts absolutely Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My Astron RS-35M is still just an infant, with only about two years of continuous duty service. Of course no problems have yet arisen, none are expected, and there is no RF noise and no fan noise. Naturally there is the traditional turn-on audible "thunk" (which is probably the transformer core saturating with inrush current) and a very occasional and slight aural hum (probably a loose cover). But these are expected with Astron, and in their own way they are comforting.

The current RS-35M replaced another "life time supply" which was still quite functional but was getting old after at least twenty years' continuous service. This older one was manufactured by IBM, probably in the 1950s, and it was built for company-only use in their main frame computers. It was a transformer-operated linear supply employing multiple germanium pass transistors, and the most desirable of the various IBM models were rated at 12 volts d.c., 20 Amps. (many other voltages and current ranges were also available). It was built into an extruded frame perhaps 30 inches long with about an 8 inch by 8 inch enclosed "shelf" running behind the length of the front heat sink.

We got these IBM supplies literally by the dozens from an electronics surplus store in Los Angeles (now long gone), and they powered many an early transceiver. In today’s dollars they cost us $125 each, close to today's price of an equivalent new Astron. Except for the very occasional loss of a germanium pass transistor (after which the unloaded output voltage shot up to 20 volts, but the transistors were easily replaced with spares kept on hand for the purpose), the IBMs just ran and ran and ran and ran......just like the Astrons now do. One expected that of IBM hardware.

My RS-35M continuously charges a large deep-cycle storage battery, located next to it, that is regulated and switched by a West Mountain Super PWRgate SP-4. Everything is tucked under the station operating table. My entire station is powered (at 12 v.d.c.) from the battery plant through an MFJ-1128 distribution panel. Except for a linear amplifier and several small peripheral pieces, the entire station can be operated from the battery plant during a (short) power outage. A gasoline-powered generator in the back yard provides emergency 120 v.a.c. whole-house electrical back-up.

I have several additional Astron linear supplies for bench-test and portable operation purposes, but the 35M handles the daily chores and it is never powered down. I don't expect to have to buy a replacement for it during my lifetime and it should still be reliably powering the station during the bidders' tour just prior to the estate sale. I have been absolutely corrupted by (reliable) Astron power!
KE5JKC Rating: 2007-05-10
My experience has been different Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Out of the box the volt meter was bad...20K trim pot.

Then when I started to get on HF..I spent a week tracking down a humming sound....guess what ...filter capacitor on the 35M

Running on a Astron 20 right now...need to get another 35 AMP...not sure if I'll buy another Astron or not
KB3RMX Rating: 2007-05-09
Hummmmm! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Works great Wouldn't have anything else, but Astron has to do something about this AC hum. It's very distracting, especially when doing cw. I may have ot move this to the other side of the shack.
WA2DTW Rating: 2007-04-07
Reliable, no complaints Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Like Ole Man River- just keeps rollin' along
KB2FBI Rating: 2007-04-07
Whole Astron Family Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My $.02 worth:

I bought the 25Amp back in 1987 I believe. Failures? Zero, Zip, Nada. I wanted the 35 but couldn't figure a way to use 35 amps. The 25 is a stretch to get if fully maxed out. I also bought the one without the meters. Mistake. We all just love stuff that lights up and wiggles. The plain front is just that, a plain front. I also think, no pontificate, that all hook ups should be in the rear and on the Astron they are. Front connectors are sloppy looking.

I should have bought the 35. Regardless, my 25 is quiet, smooth, cool, plain and simple - everything a PS should be. A 5/5 may be in order but I think the meter-less (alright, I'm cheap already! I'm a Ham.) version should just go away as a needless low-end flavor.

The whole Astron family that I use and my compadres use, is just never discussed because - they always work - all the time - barring the unforeseen or occasional flier. Buy one. Use it and you'll never remember life without one, they are that good.

-.- -.
KG6WLS Rating: 2007-04-07
A Keeper!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have the RS35M and the RS20 supplies. You can't go wrong with these units. The PS125's that came with my IC-746PRO and IC-756PRO are still in the boxes that they came in. Kind of makes you wonder why the cables are so short.

The Astrons are keepers and run my IC-746PRO, IC-756PRO, IC-7000, FT-7800, and a few lighter loads.

If you get a chance, grab one. You'll never let it go.

73
Mike