Buying a Power Supply - Beginner Ham Radio

Buying a Power Supply for Ham Radio - TheSmokinApe
In this video we discuss the topics that should be considered when buying or choosing a Power Supply for your Ham Shack. We discuss Linear vs Switching Power Supplies and cover the most common features.
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TheSmokinApe

[@kellingc]

One thing I want to mention - shack (operations) and bench supplies are different animals. You did say this was targeted for new hams, but it is woth menttioning. A radio power supply used for operating will provide a reliable, steady voltage for your radios. When you want to repair or modify the radio (which is one of the cool things about being a licensed ham - we can open up the radios and play around wifh them), you need a bench supply that has variable voltage, and most likely a dual voltage supply. Primarily why I mention this is two reasons. One, to encourage ham licensees to learn the art of radio. Two, so when looking for a supply, they don't confuse a bench supply for an operations one. A bench supply will cost more, but will not perfirm well as an operations supply. It's purpose is to provide an arbitrary voltage, not a constant 13.9 VDC.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Great post Chris, you do raise a good point 👍

[@chrissewell1608]

True, but I have used an Alinco "Bench Supply" for years on my mobile base station, and it rocks! Need more power? Just crank it up! I have never had any issues with power drawn.

[@N2YTA]

Transformers are used to either “step up” or “step down” AC voltage, it the case of our power supplies the transformer steps down (decrease) the voltage. The rectifier converts the AC to DC.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the info 👍

[@AD6DMDennis]

Very good info. I have had questions about Amp ratings, and yeah, it's what can be pulled from the source, it is not pushed. Great point that people should know. Thanks & 73 ya METER NERD.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Meter nerd is correct! Thanks for the comment Dennis 👍

[@wanderingidiot9742]

No nonsense and to the point! Nice!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks!

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

Buddy! Was planning to do this segment today and thought I would check KZbin first to see if anyone I knew had put together a nice demonstration. You did! I’d like to use the video on today’s show to talk about power supplies. All of course credit your channel in the description section as well as talk about what a great guy you are during the show. This is really well done. I have a few power supplies lying around I was going to use as samples to talk about but I think you covered it pretty well. If you’re not told this enough, thank you for all you produce here. It takes work. It takes a lot of planning and effort. Keep them going buddy! All my best to you my friend, Larry de K7HN

[@TheSmokinApe]

Fell free Larry, I'll be shooting you an email about the collab you mentioned.

[@rayhill1855]

Great Video. Very well thought out.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Ray, glad you liked it!

[@spencerholtaway]

Thank you for this video - really helpful for me in understanding the requirements I’ll need down the line and especially the piece about equipment pulling vs pushing amperage. I needed it explained the way you explained it for it to click

[@TheSmokinApe]

That's great Spencer, glad it was helpful.

[@wd8gnn]

Thanks! I really appreciate you and this channel. I’m a new ham and your information has been really valuable

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks David, glad it’s helpful 👍

[@don_n5skt]

Good video Ape. Has a lot of good info. I have the Samlex. I imagine a great follow on to this video is a video on power distribution units. Everything from the Rig Runners to the Powerwerx PD-4. I also love meters and even my PDU's have meters

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Don. The idea of PDUs is a good one, I'm going to put that on the list. Meters make life more easier!!! lol...

[@KT-ut9zg]

Great information. Many thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it Kilgore 👍

[@30pvfd]

Thanks great video explaining power supply’s A+ for the beginning hammer

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Mack 👍

[@joelschuman1303]

Very good video. You explain things very clearly and understandable. Thanks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Joel, glad you liked it 👍

[@johnbarney2739]

Thanks for your video it was a great help for me to choose a power supply

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it helped John 👍

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Great info!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Scout 👍

[@jonathangutierrez5430]

Very grateful for your video. I'm a new Tech and found the slow-moving explanations with actual examples very underatandable. You are an excellent instructor. Thank you.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful Jonathan, thanks for watching 👍

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Very good information. I have a switching power supply that makes no RF noise at all. Switching power supplies are getting better.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad to hear it David, thanks for sharing!

[@potababe]

Thank you for this video. As a new ham who is currently running my Yaesu FT-891 on a Bioenno battery, I'm researching power supplies for my ham shack. Lots of good info to consider!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shawnp6653]

This helps - I always got linear because that is what I go hooked on 30yrs ago. Will have to consider the switching now - they are bound to be lighter :) Good presentation as you usual Ape, TY!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad younliked it, thanks for watching Shawn 👍

[@RichardWright142]

Thank you for doing this video. I am new, although I got my General in Jan 2020 I am just now starting to get more involved. I have joined a local club, attended a meeting and a POTA event, and am now ready to start building my shack. I have 2 HTs that I use for local nets but want to get on the air and experience 10-40 meters. I was not sure as to what power supply I need but this was immensely helpful. Thanks again!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Welcome to the hobby Richard, glad you liked the video 👍

[@andrewgrundel2199]

Great video! Thank you

[@TheSmokinApe]

Gland you liked it Andrew 👍

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

Good video explaining power supply differences and requirements I have an Astron 35 peak amp linear power supply. Even 30+ years ago it was expensive, but worth it. I like the voltage and amp adjustment with the clear analog meters. I've used Radio shack 5 and 10 amp supplies for years and they work well too. Haven't tried switching ones yet, seems like the better ones don't cause much RF noise now.

[@TheSmokinApe]

They likely have better filtering, at least the good ones but nothing beats a linear. Thanks for watching Kurt 👍

[@Bernard-John]

Hi,good video well explained, having a 40 and 60 amp switching power supply I found your video very informative, I agree don't buy the cheapest, thanks from Rotterdam 👍..

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the comment John!

[@Evan-tt5kk]

Simple amd easy to understand but explains all the basics well done and thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Evan, glad you liked it 👍

[@TheHamNinja]

Well done.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Christian 👍

[@johnwilson4909]

@TheSmokinApe Last year I went through the ham shack RFI reduction exercise. Established an RF ground buss, ferrite chokes on all the power cords, a Tripp-Lite Isobar 8 socket surge suppressor (each socket has its own filter), and replaced my "economic" switching power supply for an MFJ-4035MV adjustable regulated power supply. When the current surges, the voltage is maintained and the fans kick in for increased cooling. I got a significant reduction (no numbers) in background noise when receiving. The switching power supply went to the bench. So far so good.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad to hear you were able to reduce the noise, a high floor can ruin the fun for sure. Thanks for watching John 👍

[@CWB-RF]

Nicely presented information. I have both switching and a linear power supplies and I think the new switching supplies have gotten a lot better with the RF noise. I will say however that my switching supply is audibly louder with the fan that cycles on and off as needed for cooling. My linear just has a big heat sink and no fan so it might be something to consider for some Hams. For me, my house is rarely quiet anyway so it's not a big deal. If you like to tinker and DIY repairs I do find a linear a bit easier to service. If my switcher fails I'll likely just recycle it and get another. Take care.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the post CWB, I agree with your point about switching PSUs 👍

[@akabacon8374]

My first power supply was a jetstream manual adjust voltage, 30a peak, that thing was noisy in more ways than one. I turned an old cabinet into a faraday cage by lining it with copper meshing. Used emt to wire for receptacles inside the cage, bonded the emt at both ends and bonding jumpers around fittings. I put the power supply and HT charging stations in it, along with chokes on everything. Not sure if it made a difference but it sure felt like it did, the room didn't feel as "heavy".

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for sharing that story, having a noisy supply is the worst

[@glenmartin2437]

Thank you.

[@TheSmokinApe]

You are welcome 👍

[@Tocsin-Bang]

I have several of each. One smps supply will give me 45A @ 13.8V, it is well designed and intended for ham use, produces very little RF noise. I have a couple of others which I can't even switch on in the shack if I am playing radio. I also have a couple of linear supplies, one is ex CB and produces no noise at all @ 5A peak. The other I built myself based on ideas by W1FB, Doug deMaw, it also gives 5A@ 13.8V I use both for QRP.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sounds like you have a packed shack, thanks for sharing Stephen!

[@sdriza]

Astron VS-70 May seem expensive now, but you will likely spend 3×+ (or more) buying smaller, inferior supplies until you end up at the same place....

[@TheSmokinApe]

I picked up an Astron 🤨

[@jbgreer]

Nice work, Ape. Surprised to not see the MFJ-4230 not mentioned, though obviously you're focusing on difference aspects of power supplies and not every one you own.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Jim. You’re correct I was just showing different examples and features not recommending any supply in particular 👍

[@Brewdog2001]

I run an Astron SRM50 which can peak at 50A and is continuous at 40A and has worked well for my IC-7300 and an Icom V8000 2m mobile I run off of it. As long as I am not wanting to transmit on both radios at the same time, then this will also work when I upgrade the Icom V8000 to an Icom IC-9700. I have never had any issues with noise and use a rigrunner 4005 to manage my connections. 73s Ryan - W8PNP

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the info and for watching Ryan!

[@stephenwilliams5201]

Bare knuckle power. Solar only. Good for my lighting. Not for my cw/qrp hf rigs. Though. I came across a answer. (Several heavy-duty) caps. And sense I use about 5 watts (p-p) power . The caps sop up the current. Then they add to the battery supply. Never had a drop out yet. I have powered my vhf/ UHF hand helds. And qrp rigs for 14 years . Good show tks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That’s pretty creative, thanks for sharing Stephen 👍

[@richardpena7275]

Thanks once again for providing honest input to multifaceted hobby. Also thanks for not having your intro to your videos with blaring rock music.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks, glad you liked the video.

[@immunitycorrupts3641]

I use this exact power supply runs both my 2m and 450D no problems

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome, it is a popular PSU 👍

[@manoffaith2501]

I always buy a switching power supply that supplies a continuous 30 amp. This will be good for just about any transceiver out there.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Solid advice 👍

[@timholtzclaw8930]

This is what I wanted to know. Thanks, KO4HEK

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome, thanks for watching Tim!

[@MartinJDavidson]

20210215-Mo.2018, 😎 Nicely done. Good presentation.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Martin 👍

[@chrissewell1608]

This was great info for new and veteran hams. I have an Alinco (Analog, bench type) power supply, that I use to power 2 mobile "Base Station" radios. (Similar to that last model, you showed) It has always worked great, and supplies clean, clear power. And If / when the need arises, I can take it to the work bench for use on other repairs / project testing. I love it. Yes, it was not cheap when purchased. But the price has not changed allot since then. It was worth the money! I'd buy another, or similar (cheaper) model, if I need another. I recently tried a (Amazon purchased) Pyramid 15 Amp, power supply. It made a terrible "HUM", when the mobile units were tried, individually. It went back, the same day! (P.O.S.!)

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the comment Chris, I always like hearing positive stories about gear / accessories.

[@chadvandam7179]

Is your HF rig, also a Linco? I am blind, and the radios looks simple enough! No I wish, I could find one that would talk to me and read me the screens!

[@chrissewell1608]

@@chadvandam7179 Maybe you should call HRO, or GigaParts, and ask a sales person, if anyone offers an speech menu.

[@itperdition]

Started on switching PS as a tech. Moved to linear as a general and never looked back. IMHO, switchers are good for field day or starting out where portability and price is priority. Linear is best for shack and provides stable and clean DC power, e.g. with no noise or ripple, best for chasing that weak DX.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the post Jason, good information 👍

[@farmerwayne1404]

Agree! Ive worked in recording studios, and some very budget and some top of the line. They use Shure mics at $99.00 and Neumann at $5,000.0 and up. Both do a great job, and the price to performance is very high, for very subtle rewards. But each one is incredible for its applications.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching FW 👍

[@andyschrack4466]

I have used PC power supplies for years. If you do the same get the right one, and make good connections, etc. There are several websites showing how to convert a quality PC power supply to a lab grade power supply.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, I do know folks who have successfully done that. Thanks for the comment Andy 👍

[@Cr0cket20]

Man I'm just burning through your vids. Thinking ahead of a possible (highly likely) next step into the ham radio black hole, getting a FTM-400XDR and using it for home use (possibly followed by a second for mobile in the truck). Great input from your vid regarding the power supply standpoint as I'm learning all this. That said if you have any suggestions for a good power supply that pairs nicely with the FTM-400XDR it would be appreciated.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I've been really happy with the MFJ-4230DMP

[@douglaswilliams6834]

You can put me firmly in the Linear power supply camp. I've been using an Astron RS-35M since the early 1990s and it still works just as well as the day I took it out of the box. Just this week I upgraded to an Astron RS-70M, and man, that thing is a BEAST. Now, if you are going portable, or going to operate from a vacation home somewhere, and will still have access to AC, then yea, take along a switching supply. They are much smaller and lighter. 73 de WB4DW

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the perspective Douglas, seems that once you try a linear you are hooked 👍

[@douglaswilliams6834]

@@TheSmokinApe Once you go linear, you never go back. 🙂

[@Team-fabulous]

I had three switch mode psu and had nothing but trouble.. Big noise generators.. So I went back to linear without issue. I'm sure switch mode has maybe got better but I'm happy with what I'm using...

[@TheSmokinApe]

These days I’m always mixing it up between switching, linear and batteries. Thanks for watching TF 👍

[@fullwaverecked]

Great video! Informative and concise. I'm learning electronics, so the first thing I did was go out and buy every bit of vintage kit I could get my paws on for next to nothing cost wise. So now I have several radios and several beefy, and heavy, power supplies. As all of the radios are corded for AC mains (even the 1954 NC-300), I'm left wondering why I would want to use the 50lb 13.8v Gem... Any information regarding this would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry I can't help on this one, corded AC is before my time. Join our TOADS Discord, I am sure someone there can help: discord.gg/Fu5ZYVfeww

[@fullwaverecked]

@@TheSmokinApe Thanks!

[@andrewperry605]

I didn't even know i needed one. Bought a flea bay special, no worries on fm, but major noise on hf. Neighbour to the rescue. He found an old linear power supply in a garage sale for $10, fixed it and gave it to me. As quiet as a battery.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad to hear the neighbor was able to help. Thanks for watching the video Andrew 👍

[@johnnorth9355]

I use a simple 7A power supply for my CB and a 30A dual meter for the ham side. Both are rugged and up to their respective jobs but I have come to realise that the meters and controls on the twice the price unit offers very little extra advantage over the simpler unit. Lesson - get the right power rating for your requirements first and foremost.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the insight John 👍

[@albert7ii]

S.Ape..... one thing might be worth mentioning here. Some supplies WILL NOT start up under a heavy load. Mine here... and old linear, specifically states the maximum load it can handle when being powered on is 5 Amp. No more. A far cry from the 35 Amp it can deliver constantly and the 40A peak it can handle for a short while. Mind you, at 35A, the internal fans would do a 747 on take-off proud ! Most of us have limited (sometimes very limited) funds for our hobby, but a decent power supply, bought with an eye to the future ,is to be seen as an investment in your future Ham station. Your point on always ending up with more kit in your shack than you ever imagined is so very very very true !!! ( I started with a handheld... added a 2m/70cm, packet radio, Yeasu FT900, Yeasu FT1000D, big linear, 130ft twr, Hy-Gain TH7, a Create wormdrive rotator (that must have been used to turn the rudder on the Titanic and other stuff, it would shear your fingers off without any trouble !), and God knows whatever else found its way into the shack. No, not in a million years would I have seen that coming. Albert

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good point about startup Albert, thanks for mentioning it. I am right there with you on "shack stuff" I have a serious junk pile!

[@WR3ND]

Current is pushed by voltage; it does push it to the radio, but the radio only lets so much through at a given voltage. Of course this can change as the circuit in a radio changes, letting more or less through. If we take a very simple circuit, the current increases as the voltage increases, because the higher voltage is able to push more through... up to a point of course. The circuit can only take so much before it itself is altered by it.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the info

[@WR3ND]

Thanks. Just some clarification for my fellow newbies out there. You're of course right that a power supply doesn't necessarily push it's full amperage rating through the radio, just that it means it should be capable of that much. Cheers.

[@W3OY-RAY]

Now I’m wondering about my power supply. I bought it when I was clueless about anything radio the day after my tech test. No problems but never really thought about it much.

[@TheSmokinApe]

If it’s not a problem, run it until it is 👍

[@W3OY-RAY]

@@TheSmokinApe haha... someday there'll be a Hamfest and I can pick up a replacement. At least I knew enough not to buy something from China.

[@DonzLockz]

Darn it, more stuff to buy!👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

Isn't that always the case?

[@DonzLockz]

@TheSmokinApe yup... I need a stash of cash, just for my radio stuff, or the CFO will really find out how much I spend. Haha

[@TheSmokinApe]

Getting past the CFO is key...

[@2EOGIY]

10:23 Who is looking for digital meters when looking for low noise?

[@RobertMacCready]

Perfect timing. Just bought an Icom 7300 and need a power supply. The switching part I did not understand. GREAT VIDEO! What power supplies do you like for the 7300?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Robert, right now I am using the MFJ-4230DMP without any issues.

[@RobertMacCready]

@@TheSmokinApe Thanks!!

[@johnbauman4005]

Hi Ape! I must say the quality and usefulness of your presentations are superb! Just read through all the comments on this vid - many of those helpful also. Need a PSU for new fixed site IC-7300. Am pretty much sold on linear over switching, possibly an Astron. Did you ever switch to a linear? Do you have a video on power management hardware like powerwerx? Am unclear how they fit in and what they offer. 73, John - KK7JBZ Edit: Found your videos on power distribution units. Got it. Thx.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks John. I never did make the switch to linear. Good luck with you project and thanks for watching 👍

[@joewilson2258]

I recommend at least a 30 amp power supply if not a 40 amp unit as then you can add extra equipment and not over draw the current output of the power supply . Yes a 23 to 25 amp unit will power you radio with a couple of low amp draw pieces of external equipment but then your limited to what you can use to draw the current .

[@TheSmokinApe]

Great point Joe, thanks for the comment 👍

[@LanceSheppard]

🤯 I just ordered my first power supply this morning. Now I wish I'd had got this one....

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’m sure you will be fine 👍

[@LanceSheppard]

@@TheSmokinApe I go for my tech test on the 21st. I'm new to this and really appreciate the ham KZbin community. Yall ha e helped me so much! I also ordered the btech uv50x2! And a tram antenna

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@LanceSheppard that’s awesome, good luck with the test 👍

[@LanceSheppard]

@@TheSmokinApe thank you!

[@davidbrennan5]

mic sounds great.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks David

[@defend223]

Thanks for the video! Any thoughts on a jackery specifically if I need to go from mobile to into the field? Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry man, I haven't messed with the Jackery's

[@dancosminmarza2974]

hi my fist psu got 28 years ago military made 13.8v 40 amps 24..28v 16 amps and 48..56v 4 amps stil have it is a beast haz 2 transformers of 1200w each about 30kg the connectors where a bit of a problem 5 pin 25 amps mains in out and 10 pin 60 amp per pin output voltage 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

That does sound like a beast, awesome!

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Switchers generally run at higher voltages and require a crowbar circuit to protect you rigs from higher voltage runaway ? KC3ONO

[@TheSmokinApe]

I have heard about folks getting voltage runaway with cheaper switching PSUs

[@giulianoggg2035]

Great explanation very good, i need one for my MFJ 962E what do you suggest? Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

That’s a great tuner, but its power requirements are pretty low. I’d just tap off my shack power supply and you should be fine 👍

[@mintonmiller]

So here is my take. My call is n0nwo and first got on the air in 1991. I have a power suply that has been around since long before I aws a ham. I have purchased it used. I have extremely poor vision, so I do not give two hoots or a tinker's dam about meters on the power supply. The power supply I have been using is linear and has not been shut off since I hooked it up on 2003 (except for power outages). I am considering replacing it as it is getting a little long in the tooth (like me). My power supply is hidden in the back of my home-made radio cabinet there all the wires are out of sight and out of mind. I have noticed that the supplies with meters on them all pretty much have the output connections on the front where the meters are which is just stupid. There is no way to hide the ugly power wires to the rigs. If you like a clean looking setup, forget about meters. If you want hassle free operation forever, consider getting a linear power supply. You never have to worry about getting any interference on any band ever. They are heavier, but if you are setting up a pertinent shack that probably will never leave the room it is set up in, WHO CARES??? Linear supplies have, for the most part, less issues with heat. Ya they can get warm, but not as warm as fast an switching supplies. Some have cooling fans, and many do not because they just do not need them. If your power suply gets hot quickly, maybe it is because you are working it too hard and need an upgrade. Give yourself some room to operate. I run an HF, rig and sometimes two VHF rigs on the same power suply. also some some light duty lamps antenna tuner and such. Give yourself plenty of room for amps above what you think you will need and be sure to look at continious duty amps and not the peak spike loads that most supplies are rated at. My plan is to get another linear supply. Forget about meters, forget about Rf supply noise. just hook it up turn it on and let it run for another 30 years (the approximate age of this unit) and never give it another thought.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the detailed comment Minton. I tend to agree, when the time comes for a new PS here, I want a liner.

[@acepharmer]

I’m a new tech and wanting to set up 2m and 70cm dual band mobile as a base station. I’m will have to buy one part at a time. Thinking start with a decent power supply then antenna and SWR meter and then radio. So this video is very timely and informative for me and a lot of other newbies. Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it Randy. Good luck with the station 👍

[@kd4baoc612]

Sir, nice video. Very informative. I learned something new about noise adjustable switching power supplies. Anyways, being an "old timer" I use both switching and linear power supplies. I like using the linear power supplies for the more permanent shack or work bench locations due mostly because of the weight. However, when I am moving my radio gear from one location to another location either for use in the field or portable operations for several days, switching power supplies are my choice. For my linear power supplies, I have an Astron Tripp lite, and several pyramid supplies. For, the switching power supplies, all 3 are Radio Shack hold overs, I think they're made by Samlex. No problems using them after 15 years.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for sharing your experience KD4BAO

[@henrycross8776]

Wut up Ape....went from Switching to Linear when I bought a 7610, noise went way down....73 WØDN

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Henry, thinking about doing the same here 🤔

[@darylcheshire1618]

I bought one in 2000, it has a big transformer, it is a big heavy bastard.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I have a big ole Astron. Almost blew out my o-ring carrying it down to the basement 😮

[@ProperLogicalDebate]

You must be saying "radio" in something other than something plugged into a 110vac wall plug either directly or through an isolation transformer. Perhaps for experiments?

[@williampeacock9473]

I appreciate the information a lot of really good stuff that you covered I the video. 73 AE4OY WILLIE

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks William, glad you liked it 👍

[@h8rraider227]

Just getting into Ham radios (about 2 years ago i got the bug) and went a bit too far with building a new Ham shack ,now I have been waiting for a year to get into classes (Canadian Amateur Radio Operator Certificate) .I have a cb shack and love all things radio! wish i had stumbled across your vids before i started buying

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you like the channel!

[@muskrat1949]

great video. I'm a new ham and waiting for my Xiegu g90 in the mail. What would you recommend for this radio? thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

You could use a 10A for the g90 but you may want a 25a if you plan to get more radios. I have a few MFJ supplies that I am happy with 👍

[@txpatriot7044]

The law of diminishing returns. Paying double does not equal double the equipment but it is better (usually)

[@TheSmokinApe]

Exactly, thanks for watching 👍

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Do you have a video on using batteries instead & skipping the power supply if your into emcomm, pota , sota ect

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Bob, this might help: Choosing a Battery for HAM Radio - TheSmokinApe kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJSZhHuaqbqniJI

[@John_Henry83]

'Thanks. This is a subject to most hams on KZbin just skip over. They do rig review videos and tell you everything about the rig, but it just magically turns on. I guess powering the radio is just something that most people only think about once when they get their first rig and just forget about.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked the video John, thanks for watching 👍

[@michaelpaul9236]

When you say “noise”, is that something one hears when receiving, or that others hear when one is transmitting?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I was referring to interference you would hear while receiving, thanks for the question Michael.

[@GMAN420BC]

There’s price, quality, and speed (availability). You get to pick two at the expense of the third.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Aint that the truth 👍

[@KO4AYE]

This was one of the most frustrating thing for me. The goal is to have a power supply that "will" deliver a smooth consistent amperage under load up to its manufactured rating. People were trying to sell me a $500.00 PS for a 2m 50 watt radio because I asked which power supply. After much research I bought the SEC-1235M $99 on sale. Research and ask other Hams. When someone says "That one", ask why? Find out the context of their use case. Some folks buy the $500 supply because it does "X" when they DX SSB on a 160m quad with a 1500 watt amp. Is that your use case? More then likely not if your new or just into the Amateur Radio. Don't buy a supply that just does what you need, buy what you can reasonably grow into. Buy a supply that will power your 65w 2m station and will power your 7100 when your ready for it. Ron KO4AYE

[@TheSmokinApe]

Great points, thanks for the comment Ron.

[@KhoreyAM]

So question… I’m a truck driver and still learning and growing. Currently running a 4 pill and Stryker 955 from my truck batteries, which is about 200amp/14.5v … when I key up I drop to about 13.8v which I get is normal, alternator keeps me about 13.9v on dash… at 12.6v major components on the truck start to turn off due to a low voltage disconnect. My question is, would a power supply ran into a 1500 watt pure sine inverter 12 DC/110-120 AC be a safer route as I consider moving up to a 12 pill?

[@TheSmokinApe]

You are talking about some serious power. I’d personally be thinking about an isolated battery bank.

[@Tump2010]

The thing I do not understand about HR power supplies is that all our equipment says 13.8v but some PSUs adjust from 4 - 20.... If I am buying a PSU for ham radio I want it to be 13.8v with anderson power poles and no cigarette lighter socket.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Fortunately they have a pretty big variety out there these days 👍

[@BlackHamRadioUniversity]

What power supply do you suggest for the Alinco 735T? The DC voltage range for operating this radio is DC 11.7V to 15.8V.

[@TheSmokinApe]

You might want to check the amp rating too, I'm not familiar with the Alinco.

[@timothybrown7792]

The two main problems with most power supplies these days is that most are switch mode which causes RFI as discussed here, and most do not have over voltage protection. Infact even most linear supplies do not have over voltage protection. I bought a Microset PT-135. expensive at £250 English pounds sterling but it's Linear and has both short circuit protection and over voltage protection. A lot of money for a PSU, but if it prevents you from loosing a radio that is far more expensive, surely it has to be worth it? the verdict? you get what you pay for. why spend a fortune on a radio if your not going to power it with a decent PSU?. it's a no brainer as far as iam concerned and not worth the risk! I can't understand anyone who is willing to spend a few grand or whatever on a HF radio, yet is quite happy to skimp on the power supply.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Great comment and info, I agree don't scrimp on the supply. Thanks for watching Timothy!

[@timothybrown7792]

@@TheSmokinApe perhaps another thing that's impressive about my Microset PSU is that it's not made in bloody China lol

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@timothybrown7792 haja

[@BOBFudge]

New guy question - Can you have 2 mobile radios hooked up to 1 power supply? For example, have a HAM mobile radio and a CD mobile radio? Do they make PSs specifically for dual radios? I have seen any but then again I don't know what I'm looking for. Some have the "cigarette light" jack and the red/black cable hook-up. Could you plug the CB in the Cigarette lighter jack and HAM in the red/black? Thanks in advance

[@TheSmokinApe]

You can but don’t transmit both at the same time 👍

[@stevewarren4292]

Spend as much as you can. Radios come and go but you will still be using that power supply twenty years from now. So buy at least twenty amps and the best quality you can find.

[@TheSmokinApe]

This seems like pretty solid advice. Thanks for watching the video Steve.

[@skinny4070]

Just getting into the hobby and working on move up to general so i can get more toys. I wanted to ask if you need one power supply per radio or is there one that i can run two radios off one power supply? Like a HF multi band plus a cb on the side.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I run 3 radios a tuner and meter off mine at the same time, that said I do not TX at the same time.

[@skinny4070]

@@TheSmokinApe do you have a video on how you have them wired to the power supply?

[@radioman3229]

Great video as always . One question, not really related ... kind of... When i do pota with my icom 7300, i only have my 12v dc battery directly connected to the radio, but another ham told me i NEED a item which will boost the 12v dc to 13.8 v dc... is this true... and if so , what is it called??

[@TheSmokinApe]

The recommended input power is 13.8v +/- 15% which is about 11.8 - 15.8v 👍

[@radioman3229]

ty sit@@TheSmokinApe

[@lizzyfan1986]

You're definitely from Balmere

[@kenwood6573]

The Alinco dm-330mvt is a good PS, ?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry Ken, I haven’t had any experience with that one ☝️

[@jesseobrien5864]

Vintage Midland CB Radio Power Supply Mod 18-143D? How do you use this?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry Jesse, I’m not familiar with that one

[@fredjensen1683]

I am a new Ham. Do I need 220 volt to achieve performance. Or do us systems work on 110 volts.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Most can be set to either, check the product specs.

[@JosephVE3GKT]

3:10 Amplifier or Power Supply 😉?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good catch 👍

[@ryanhatteberg]

I'm brand new to the hobby... so I'm sure this is a dumb question, but if I get a power supply that can peak at 35amps, am I not just going to immediately trip the 15amp breaker on my home electrical panel? Do I need to replace those breakers with a higher amperage one?

[@TheSmokinApe]

It would be 35A DC from the power supply and only 3.5A AC from the wall outlet. The power supply transforms the 120V AC from the wall to 12V DC 👍

[@ryanhatteberg]

@@TheSmokinApe Thank you!

[@v413n9]

How to use the power supply for the radio, because there is DC cable

[@TheSmokinApe]

The power supply will have connectors for the radio.

[@davidray4128]

That's funny. Almost all the hams I know use Linear supplies. Switchers are noisy and unreliable. Great for portable operations but for your shack just buy an Astron Linear as it will outlast you.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the post David. I have to admit based of this and other posts I am tempted to order an Astron.

[@davidray4128]

@@TheSmokinApe I bought my 60 amp linear Astron at a hamfest in 2010 for $60. It was used in a repeater for many years. It has been powering my shack since then without an issue.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Dang, that should like a heck of a deal.

[@familyadventures4128]

Really good, informative video. One thing I noticed after watching; I was looking at power supplies online and they were about $50 - $100 more than what you were describing... Then I noticed that this video was 2 years old. Damn... 25% - 50% increase in prices over the last 2 years, and no real new breakthrough in technology. Thanks for the help, and thanks for the great content! 73 de N5BLU

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey FA, yeah the prices have gotten crazy.

[@livebyreason]

If you pay more you get more - normally, yes. You get what you pay for - this is rarely the case.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I think I agree, thanks for watching!

[@twohandsandaradio]

Tekpower TP30SWV is a 30a power supply. You said 10a.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Oops, good catch 👍

[@michaelvk6mmb901]

Subbed, 73 de VK6MMB

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Mike 👍

[@michaelvk6mmb901]

@@TheSmokinApesorry to be perdandtic, but I prefer Michael. But thanks for another GREAT ham related boobtube channel for my to enjoy, and I will.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Roger. You know I was wondering that when I typed "Mike". Thanks for watching Michael!

[@robinj.9329]

The huge problem with EVERY "switching" power supply I've tried is that they throw out a massive amount of "Radio Hash"!!!!! I've discovered that even the most expensive of these have not solved this "RF Hash" problem! So, no switching units for me!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the comment Robin, I have to say after making this video I am strongly considering a linear.

[@childfree83]

Haha radio hash. That nakes ne want to eat abunch of hasbrowns. Ive never had 1 issue with hash on a switching power supply. Just buy the samlex america 30 amp supply from the hro candy stire and get a yayzoo mobile and use it as a base with a duamond x30 or x50. 2 meters and 440 are crystal clear unlike that cb garbage

[@davidsaunders1125]

I have bought two Chinese power supplies. One increased tbe noise level, on my Y990, by 20db,in a diffetent room of the house. No amount of ferrite, would make a difference ! The second was very quiet. Great. But every time I keyed up, In another part of the house, the supply went crazy and produced random voltages!

[@MikeG-js1jt]

if you are going to go for a switching power supply and operate HF, you need to be PICKY and get a quiet one.... or you'll regret it.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Fair point 👍

[@albertmorris4889]

Descriptions of "how they work" is either over simplified or spouted from a position of not understanding principles of electronics.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yes