Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes
Reviews Home

Reviews For: Astron RS-35A

Category: Power Supplies

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Astron RS-35A
Reviews: 103MSRP: 150.00
Description:
13.8 volt 25 amp continuous 35 amp peak rated DC Power Supply
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.astroncorp.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
121034.8
N0TONE Rating: 2003-03-28
DANGER WILL ROBINSON Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just went down to HRO to buy one. Took one look and ran as fast as I could away from it. In terms of performance, OK, it's not too noisy, nice that it's not a switcher. BUT - as I transmitted using the store's IC-746, which should not be loading it much, the voltmeter bounced around, suggesting that regulation is poor.

But what really drove me away is the safety hazard. The pass transistors are mounted on the back, fully exposed! The store's DVM read 22 volts on them, just waiting to come in contact with a stray cable end in your shack. That would be an instant fire, because the voltage on those collectors is UNFUSED. And the 13.8V output is on a pair of studs - again, with no covers or anything. If you were sliding the power supply around on your desk, and accidentally bumped your keyer paddle with those studs, you'd blow a whole bunch of things.

I've never seen a power supply, no matter how cheap, that didn't put those 10 cent plastic caps on the pass transistors, and didn't use insulated banana jacks for the output.

Sorry, my shack is worth enough money to avoid this kind of safety hazard. I won't own this one. (RS-35A reviewed)

AM
WK9L Rating: 2003-02-24
Plug it and forget it ! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had mine since Sept. of 1987, Never a problem, If the radio companys could build like this it would be sweet. If the need ever cames around { And I do not think it will} I will buy another one !
N6SMR Rating: 2003-01-23
Never a problem Time Owned: more than 12 months.

Ive had this supply for many years and its never ever gave me any probs/failures. Its the red headed stepchild in the shack ( overlooked and forgotten about ). The RS 35A supply sits under my desk and i just expect it to be working...which it has. Its built like a tank and stays fairly cool, especially since there are no fans! These are the best in this price range. Tech Support? No idea never needed it.