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Reviews For: Pyramid PS-36KX

Category: Power Supplies

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Review Summary For : Pyramid PS-36KX
Reviews: 20MSRP: $236.25
Description:
Perfect for Home, Shop and Hobbyist
Built-in Cooling Fan
Input: 115V AC, 60Hz, 600 Watts
Output: 12~15V DC(adjustable)
32 AMP Constant/35 AMP Surge
Powers 12V DC Devices such as Cellular Phones, CB Radios, Scanners, HAM Radios, Autosound Systems,etc.
Screw Terminal Connectors
Crowbar Over Voltage Protection
Short Circuit & Thermal Protection; Fuse Protected
LED Protection Indicators
3 Prong Grounded AC Plug
Heavy Duty Cabinet & Heatsink with Non-Skid Rubber Feet
Dimensions: 14�L x 9.17�W x 4.92�H
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.pyramidcaraudio.com/itempage.asp?model=PS36KX
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
15203.6
KC9FSH Rating: 2022-11-19
Great power supply for a great price Time Owned: more than 12 months.
**2022 Update**
This power supply is still going strong in 2022! The only issue I had was the fan went out but you can find replacements online and it's fairly easy to replace. Overall very happy with this purchase.
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I originally owned a smaller 12 or 14 amp Pyramid supply and had great luck with that supply so when I bought a HF rig and needed a power supply, I didn't even think twice about a Pyramid.

I have owned my PS36KX for the past four or five years.
I've run this thing consistently for most of the time that I have owned it and it just keeps on going. I really don't have any complaints other than the meters not working, but for me that isn't a big issue since the supply is located in an area where I wouldn't be able to see them anyways.

If you are looking for a cheaper power supply to run your HF rig the PS36KX is a great option. I only paid $75 new for mine.
KG5FNU Rating: 2022-03-09
Died in one key up Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought this in 2011 but only used it off and on for about a year then it was shelved until last week used it with my FT DX1200 with no problems, Got a new FT 891 and went to use this PS everything to the radio was hooked up and turned on PS listened in on some radio traffic signals on the 20 meter band then decided to do a my first voice TX keyed the mike and PS died and red light power protection mode came on and that is where it is now. User manual has almost no info on the problem. Disappointed, yeah. Over 10 years old but very little use and it was stored in my house on a shelf. It was was great until it wasn't. Oh well.
VE7REN Rating: 2021-08-29
never again! service non-existant Time Owned: more than 12 months.
update 2021-my astrons and samlex 1235m are still going strong!

pyramid ps36kx-bought one new in 1999. it worked good till 2002 then it crapped out. i had never used it alot,and always ran it with low current draw. i sent it for repair,and was ultimataly told it would cost more then it was worth! pyramid customer service was non existent. i ended up purchasing a astron rs-35a supply instead,along with a samlex 1235m. 2002 till 2021 with no problems! i have......... ran alot of amp draw,radios,acces,etc off this monster. got it quite warm,and never a problem. i would shy away from pyramid!
W5MSV Rating: 2017-10-29
9 yrs worked great Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought the PS-36kx 10 years ago for about $120 and it powered both my Icom 751a and Yaesu 8900r fine for 9 years. Just one day, the red light and alarms went off and it was out of commission. Plan on fixing it soon, its great to have battery back-up for continuo hamming!
KF7PCL Rating: 2015-07-09
Has issues Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought the Pyramid PS-36K used last year. When I turned it on, I found that the voltage and current meters did not work. A quick check with a multimeter found that both meter movements were open. Open meter coils are rather uncommon and suggests either low quality movements or they were abused. There was no other sign of overload so I am guessing the former.

Besides the meters, the 24V DC brushless motor fan is rather noisy and operates all the time and if I don't regularly add oil to the fan motor bearing, it becomes even nosier and eventually seizes up.

The power transformer seems to be very lossy since it heats up a lot. The fan had seized up once before and the transformer got quite hot in a few hours before I caught it. At the time, it was only running one radio in receive mode (~600mA). I don't feel that a 35 amp power supply should need a fan to run a 600mA load when my Astron 20A has no problem running a 1.5 amp load all day without a fan. Don't expect to draw 35 amps continuously from this unit without the transformer and pass transistors overheating. It handles occasional peaks of 35 amps well enough.

There is no nominal voltage detent in the voltage control so it is easy to accidentally change the voltage. Thankfully setting the knob to point straight up is approximately 13.8V

For running a regular 100W HF radio, the PS-36K will do the task as long as the fan noise isn't a problem. Keep in mind it isn't very "hefty" and there are better power supplies available. The 35 amp rating seems to be a stretch.
N0AX Rating: 2012-09-19
Good linear supply, bad power switches Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The regulator part of the supply is solid - no problems. Unfortunately, this is the *second* supply on which the rocker switch broke - I am not abusing it. The first supply's switch broke on the first use. This supply has been in use for about two years, turned on and off about once a month, and the switch broke again.
VE7KNQ Rating: 2012-07-30
Dependable Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned this power supply for about 12 years now and it has never once failed me. It just keeps running strong and dependably. I recommend this power supply.
KJ4DKT Rating: 2012-01-19
POOR FAN S Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Purchased the ps36kx about 4 years ago. Fan began to squeal. Oiled it and began to squeal again. Finally locked up and damaged the regulator and other parts. The only good thing abour it is that it is a LINEAR PS. Astron RS35 is looking good to me for the same or less $.
N9MB Rating: 2011-03-15
Good PS Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought my PS-36KX new in 1995 and it's still running strong. It took a lightning strike about 7 years ago and I had to replace the 2N3771 pass transistors using 2N3773's along with the 723 regulator IC, TIP41C driver transistor and 7812 ovp reference regulator but it was worth the effort. As stated earlier lighted meters would be a plus and the VM is optimistic but all in all a good solid power supply.
WB6SIK Rating: 2009-08-11
Great performer! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have never had a single problems with Pyramid pwoer supplies, including my PS-36KX. This p.s. not only powers my Icom IC-718 without any problem, it powers other rigs in my shack. Quiet, efficient, reliable and at a great price. Most economical and best working power supplies for your money. I also use it to power my drill here in the shack when I am home brewing stuff.