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Reviews For: Astron

Category: Power Supplies

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Review Summary For : Astron
Reviews: 49MSRP: varies
Description:
Linear and switching DC power supplies
Product is in production
More Info: http://astroncorp.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00494.5
N4KAS Rating: 2001-10-25
dont push it Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned the RS35-m for several years. It has been quiet and reliable. While contesting and pulling a constant 35 amps, the supply died. I noticed that Astron paralled two 25 amp bridges. This should never be done. I repaired the supply, but after an electrical storm the unit went into crowbar and melted into the floor. I repaired it again but cant get more than 8 amps, and refuse to use it in the house. There are much better built supplies for not much more money. 73
N5PHW Rating: 2001-09-16
Good stuff! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My RS-35A has been in service 24/7 for 11 years.
I would buy another Astron supply in a heartbeat.
W0FM Rating: 2001-06-28
Light up the meters! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had the Astron SS-30M for several years with extremely solid operation. My only complaint is actually a "wish", so I still give it a 5. Has anyone illuminated the meters on this unit? Seems like you could add a couple of white LED's to the edge or back of the meters so they could be seen better in the dark. I sent an email to Astron some time ago asking for suggestions on lighting the meters and suggesting they offer a lighting option, but I received no response. I would like to hear from anyone who has successfully illuminated these meters. 73, Terry, WØFM
WL7M Rating: 2001-06-28
VS-35M - Pink Bunny Material Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've owned my VS-35M for about 10 plus years, and it's way better than the little pink bunny you see advertising DC voltage on TV!! This thing rocks! Has never been turned off in all these years. It runs my Icom 756 Pro and my RFConcepts 4-110 440 MHz amplifier (not at the same time), and has NO hash, hum, or other objectionable vices. I don't even have to pick up the -uh- rabbit "pellets". It's substantial in weight and appearance, and I'm sure it will just keep running and running and running and......73, Joe, WL7M
KH6DC Rating: 2001-06-24
Excellent-Way Cool Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Owned my RS35M for over 8 years now with no problems. Used everynight for transmitting or listening. When at 50 duty cycle (transmitting/monitoring) gets a little warm but not hot. Highly recommend Astron products.
KB0HAE Rating: 2001-05-22
Great, highly reliable supplies! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had my SS-25 for about 2 1/2 years. It has worked flawlessly. I have found no RF noise produced by the supply from 1.8 Mhz to 148 Mhz on my Icom 706MKII. I operate SSB, FM, PSK31, and SSTV and have had no problems at all. I also have an RS-20A (bought used). it also has performed flawlessly for the year or so I have had it.
KF4TUZ Rating: 2001-03-25
Excellent quality and value. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have the Astron RS-20M. It has never failed except when the fuse blew once when a radio failed that I was working on. I noticed it had the incorrect amp fuse in it, which was odd... I replaced it and never have had any problem out of it. It's faily quite, and the meters are very handy... I thought about adding lights to them, but I hardly ever use it in the dark anyways. It is built like a tank for the price you pay. I have worked on many radio's, super long QSO's and run a Icom 706MKII at 200 watts through it without any problems. HIGHLY recommended, though I recommend checking the fuse when you buy it new or used one to make sure it's the correct amp rating.
N9XBJ Rating: 2001-02-04
RS-35M: Solid Performer Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've had the RS-35M for less than 3 months but it has proven to be a solid performer. I labored over the decision to go with a linear supply versus a switching supply and i'm happy with this big PS. The switching one (SS-30M) would be nice for portable use since this one weighs quite a bit, but i don't take it out of the house much so it works fine. This PS is super quiet. If you don't have to haul your PS around, this one is great. Why test your luck with an off-brand?

73, N9XBJ
W3JXP Rating: 2000-11-07
SS-30M supply Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I picked up the SS-30M after looking at the reviews in QST. It preformed as the review said it would. But the fan cycled on and off at strange times, sometimes when the total load was less than 3 amps. I run PSK and RTTY so I put a good load on the supply. After a month, the supply went dead while I was in QSO, the reason was it over heated because the mechicanl thermal switch died cuting off the fan. A secondary thermal switch shut off the supply. I rewired it so the fan is on all the time. Its a bit nosiy but I put it on the floor and forget about it. No sign of noise in the radios so that part is ok. The meter cal. was also off, but is adjustable.
Rating: 2000-11-06
Excellent - it works Time Owned: more than 12 months.
It is an obligation for me to comment on my Astron RS-20A. I used it with my Kenwood 570D and it did what it is supposed to to - work without problems. I switched to an Icom 706 IIG and thought the smaller Icom matching power supply would be a good replacement. During the first contact I was distracted by the fan - not that bad, but, a fan. The Astron is back. No bells, whistles or fans - it just works.