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Reviews For: Astron RS-35A

Category: Power Supplies

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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
W0EKS Rating: 2006-06-12
Mainstay Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've owned this power supply for almost 20 years. It just doesn't quit. The only problem I've ever had was the lamp in the power switch burning out -- easily replaced.

The output terminals occasionally needed tightening after frequent connects and disconnects, so I now use an MFJ-1118 DC outlet strip (which had two factory defects) and basically run the whole shack with it, except for the linear amp.

I now realize how much I take this mainstay for granted. If it ever becomes unrepairable, I would certainly replace it with the same.

73,
Jack - N0NV
NE0P Rating: 2006-01-31
Mindless PS Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I had one of these back in the 1980s that came with a Kenwood TS130SE in a package deal. It is mindless because you turn it on and never have to think about it again. It will power any HF radio (except maybe the Kenwood TS480HX) with no problem, and will also work on many VHF/UHF amps.

It just keeps going and going, with no problems and no thought. Also cheaper than the matching PS for most rigs.
KI4NX Rating: 2006-01-30
One Great Supply Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Like a Timex, it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. It's been in continuous service from day one for years. When all the electricity goes out in the house is when there's no red light shining back at me. Otherwise, it's always on, dependable and reliable.
N4ARI Rating: 2005-10-13
20 years perfect service Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought this PS in 1985. It has run my ham station (HF radio, 2 meter radio, + accessories) all this time. It has run for years tucked away and left always ON. No trouble what so ever. A real work horse. Can't beat the value.
RADIOBOB92121 Rating: 2005-08-08
The best Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Simply the best power supply I've ever owned.

Bob
K6DXC Rating: 2005-07-23
1989 and still ticking Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I recently purchased a new RS35M (with meters) to put in the shack. I will move my trusty RS35A to my RV. I have nothing but praise for the Astron RS35. It has seen a lot of rigs come in go in the shack and at one time was left on continously for 4 years. Rigs may come and go through this shack but my Astron's will always remain. My new RS35M was purchased off eBay for 129.00. Quite a savings from other sourses and yes it is new not a refurb. I would not consider any other power supply based on the reliablility demostrated by my old RS35A. Get one, you can't go wrong !
WB0UGO Rating: 2005-03-28
Lasts and Lasts Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have one of these that has been on for 18 years under various loads including the maximum.
Just got a RS 70M and it seems to work quite well.
Good gear. 73's Steve
K9XK Rating: 2005-03-28
ROCK Solid Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have used these things for decades, and never had a problem with any Astron, whether it was a 12, 20 or 35 series.


If I needed another 12V supply, it would be an Astron, plain and simple.
W5BFE Rating: 2005-02-18
A damned good power supply. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've owned a RS-35A since 1989 and it has never failed me. It thumps when you crank it up, and sometimes the neon light in the rocker flickers but the power is never lax, or fluctuating. When I was a dumb kid, I twist wired some leads out of VCR control cable to a power jack to power my yaesu FT-411E. About 10 pieces of 2 foot wire in all all kept together with electrical tape. Some of the insulation that I concoted came off, then the two leads shorted one day. First there was smoke, then there was glowing red light like a toaster. The Astron ate the dead short up in a hurry, and burnt out the link. It's still running today, from a kenwood ts440, to a hungry linear. It keeps ticking. I kinda like the whumph when you turn it on. These things are built like tanks, and can take the punishment, the plastic on the linecord will wear out before the elctronics do in this unit. Get yourself one.
N0RQ Rating: 2005-02-01
reliable, does just what it should Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My RS-35A was purchased new in 1995. Since then, it has rarely been turned off. Until recently, it worked flawlessly. Recently, it developed an audible hum/vibration from the case of the unit when it was under a load (50 to 100 watt xmit). Nothing odd was heard over the air, and it still worked.

Near the middle of the bottom of the case, I could feel the vibrations. A quick call to a tech guy at Astron proved satisfactory -- he said one of the two bridge rectifiers were going bad, and that I should replace them both. I ordered the parts from Astron (DB3501, $3.50/each), and after a not-too-difficult install, it is now quietly doing what it should.


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Earlier 5-star review posted by N0RQ on 2003-01-30

I've had mine for over 7 years now -- not a glitch. For the last several years, I just leave it on, as it is under the cabinet. No problems, no glitches, just like it should be!