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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
N6OSB Rating: 2012-04-24
5 Years - Zero problems Time Owned: more than 12 months.
PS works great!
-No added noise on ham bands
-Works flawlessly
WB0BBC Rating: 2011-10-11
Very Dependable Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had 2 of these fine power supplies over the past 20 years. I've used them with various HF 100 watt transceivers and had absolutely no problem.

One of the supplies was previously owned by Gary, N4KVE as described below. I haven't had any need to do maintenance on these supplies, and I would very likely purchase them again.

No switching power supplies are in use at my QTH. I'm happy with the heavier and larger power supply.
N4PY Rating: 2011-10-11
Great long term reliablility Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My Astron 35M has been on continuously since March, 1994 except for when thunderstorms are in the area. I've never even had the covers off this supply. I run 6 radios from this supply and it's always ready for use. It's a fantastic work horse for my station.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by N4PY on 2009-01-19

I have been running my Astron 35M 24/7 since 1994. That's 15 years of absolutely trouble free service. What more can I say.
K4FX Rating: 2011-10-11
Review Update Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Well, now this 35M is going into the random shutdown issue, I am going through it again. As soon as I get a new different brand supply, I will be offering this one for free, just pay shipping, so Astron lovers keep your eyes open. It managed to run about 3 years after I re-built it. But now the common issue of random shutdown has started. This is the most unreliable piece of gear I have ever owned in 33 years of hamming.

So many people think these things are good supplies, and if you don't put any stress on them they may get you by. Try contesting, or run RTTY/SSTV and see what happens. I too bragged on the pieces of junk until I got into RTTY some years back.

See this web site and see what the hams in the know have to say about Astron power supplies.
http://www.repeater-builder.com/astron/astron-intro-stuff.html
If you are looking to buy a supply, keep looking, save yourself some grief.


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Earlier 3-star review posted by K4FX on 2009-01-18

Well we live and we learn or so the saying goes, like a lot of hams I thought the Astron power supplies were the cats pajamas, all those years with no issues, well I had an issue and man did I ever learn a lot about Astron power supplies. Turns out most of the praise heaped upon Astrons is given by lucky hams, lucky enough to not have been bitten by some of the Astron problems. My problem with my 35amp metered power supply was a failed pass transistor, but while I was in there I made several mods to the unit, mainly replacing the dual rectifiers with one 50amp unit, and installing a cooling fan, along with 50% heavier pass transistors, NOW I have a nice power supply, 48 hours of RTTY and she's cool to the touch,

Anyone who thinks I am wrong on my negative comments needs to go to this web site and enlighten themselves, I can honestly say these guys helped me to rebuild this basket case into a truly heavy duty power supply, http://www.repeater-builder.com/astron/astron-index.html Excellent reading guys and gals!!
N4KVE Rating: 2011-06-14
GREAT POWER SUPPLY Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had a couple of these since the mid 80's. Been on 24/7. Back in 92 we had a hurricane, & after a power surge, both units died. Went to the "Shack" & picked up a couple of regulator chips for $2 each & that fixed them. Both units have been fine since then. A real workhorse. Switching supplies have their place for VHF/UHF radios, but HF radios need these big heavy units with huge transformers. The birdies stay away. GARY N4KVE
KI0Z Rating: 2011-06-14
Excellent Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I Have 2 RS-35m Power Supplies for about 21 years. They have never had a problem, They just preform as required. Never a problem! I would highly Recommend these linear supplies.NO switching Noise !
W2BLC Rating: 2011-06-14
Long life Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Mine has been running since the early 1980s. Only time it is off is during power outages and for vacations. Wish more equipment would last as long.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by W2BLC on 2007-12-09

It was turned in the late 80s and has only been off a few times since. It is the power for my entire station. Have taken the cover off a couple of times just to make sure things are clean.

I have a 20 amp that has been doing the same for just as many years also.
N4FDG Rating: 2011-06-14
Works great, lasts a long time Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Had one for 17 years. Its never missed a beat and except for power outages, never gets turned off.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by N4FDG on 2008-03-19

Solid 24/7/365. Never quits and never let me down.
KI6OSH Rating: 2011-06-13
No complaints Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Had this about six months now and did have to send it in for repair, something about a grounding negative terminal. Works like a charm now and no questions asked about the quick repair service under warranty. I like the look and solid feel of this unit, should last a long time hopefully.
VE2LX Rating: 2011-06-13
costumer quality service Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I own RS35-M and start to have little problem with it, about 6 mounths after the waranty time.
I got in touch with Astron and they help me many times to fixe the problem.
Astron really put all possible efforts to help costumers.That is professionnal costumer service care so rare now.
The unit is very stable and strong like a thank.
Gilles VE2LX