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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
KT4EP Rating: 2020-02-07
or RS-35A Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have used my RS-35A since 1993, brand new at the time, only hum is when I first turn it on then it goes away. HUMmmmmmmm.... Solid piece of equipment. Sits on a wood "table" I made that fits under the radio desk.
KE7FD Rating: 2020-02-07
Great workhorse Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had my Astron RS-35M for about as long as I've had teeth, almost. One of the meters died at one point but that was an easy fix. In fact when I contacted their tech support and asked about upgrading the large filter caps inside, I was pleased to learn that these too were an easy fix and since the design had been around since before I had teeth, newer smaller and better filter caps could be put inside with improved results. It's been my main power supply for a very long time.

All in all it's been a keeper. Now, I hope no one expects that anything will last forever without some amount of maintenance. Since this is a linear design, there will be increased Hysteresis loss in the power transformer over time. This is true with anything with a transformer. Pick your poison! Either deal with Hysteresis loss over time or dirty noise from switching supplies. While the design and quality will vary in both designs impacted by wear and tear, heat, time, nothing is perfect, so expect to repair or replace at some point. I've not had to replace the power transformer in the beast but my educated guess is that the cost for that item alone might push me over to a switching supply. Time will tell.
NA6AF Rating: 2020-02-06
HUMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I had read reviews about hums, but had bought other Astron power supplies before and no problems. And I wear hearing aids both ears, but the humming level of this power supply was unacceptable. Returned it. Bought a switching power supply.
KD2JF Rating: 2019-11-12
Too much hum Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have both the RS-35 and the RS-35M and both hum all the time. They are reliable, stable,heavy and will last a long time. But they hummmmmmmmmm all day and drives me crazy. Replaced with a switching supply and will never go back.
W4HWD Rating: 2019-07-17
Everlasting Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I’ve reviewed my RS-35M on here years ago but I must review it again. I just got back on the bands below 30MHz after a 12 year absence. I bought an Icom 718, but did not buy a switching power supply - instead I pulled out my dormant RS-35M that I bought in 1989 and guess what? Fired right up. Yep. 18 years of continuous use, followed by 12 years of storage, and I’m using it again. 30 years. Still running strong. If Astron is still making these the way they used to, get one - it will probably outlast you.
NC6M Rating: 2019-07-07
Hum Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I own this supply for about a month. Since day one it exhibits random bursts of 60 Hz hum (low load of a few amperes). Astron customer support blames variation of the power line frequency and advise to tighten the bolts (!). That does not sound right to me. I am asking for complete refund.
N8FNR Rating: 2019-04-06
Great power supply Time Owned: more than 12 months.
After 15 years my RS-35M failed. I have an external LED power meter on it and it was rocksteady at 13.9v until this week. Suddenly it started flickering between 13.9 and 14 and then the fuse popped. Tried a new fuse and that popped. Tried a new AC cord but the fuse still popped. Well 18 years is not too bad in my book so I ordered a new one from Dx Engineering. With free shipping it was $240 and I got it in two days. The new one is a lot nicer as the meters are now lit with LED's and there are two Powerpole outlets on the front of it.
K6QT Rating: 2018-12-16
Best power supply I've owned! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've owned an RS-35M for a couple years now. It has worked to perfection. Just plug it in, screw the polarized leads to the back, and turn it on. It's ready to go. I had some MFJ (watch out!) switching power supply (can't remember which). I should have read up on different hams' experience with it. Many a ham had cried over the loss of all their radio equipment plugged into the thing. One day I turned it on and even though the voltage was set to 13.5, the voltage went out of control; the meter was just pegged, and 3 radios got fried! Cost me a couple of grand. Then some nice and experienced ham at an HRO in California said if there was any supply he would buy, it would be the Astron RS-35M. I bought it immediately (and bought all new radios, to my chagrin!) and haven't had a problem. Very good workhorse; it can go on for hours and days at a time with reliability.
KB9ERU Rating: 2018-04-15
Illuninated Meters. Sweet!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I retired my trusty old RS-35A with a new RS-35M when I recently upgraded radios.

After unboxing and powering up, I immediately noticed the illuminated (LED backlit) meters.

Astron, just when I think your product couldn't get any better - you go and install LED backlit meters. Nice!

Everyone knows that the RS series are stable and dependable workhorses. I've installed quite a few in the LMR world back in the day. I would expect many years of faithful service from this RS-35M.

...did I mention the illuminated meters? hihi...
WB2LCW Rating: 2018-02-25
Dependable Power supply Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought my RS-35M used from a ham in Queens NY.
It worked very well but once in a while it would oscillate the voltage. I hunted around and found a
solder joint on the circuit board that was not that shinny. I removed the solder from the PCB pad.
I scrapped the component leads with a razor knife to remove any oxidation and re-soldered.
The power supply has been rock solid ever since.
I bought it used and Ive had it five years since.