Powering Your Ham Radio Shack with MFJ and Anderson's

Something you'll stumble onto is the need to power more and more devices in your shack. This particuarly happens when you start buying more and more radios. Today I'm putting together a power solution that brings enough power and distrubutes it via Andersons power connectors.
MFJ-4245M Power Supply: www.mfjenterprises.com/Produc...
MFJ Andersons Power Bars: www.mfjenterprises.com/Catego...
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ICOM 7300: amzn.to/2sVdpOq
ICOM 2730a: amzn.to/2JqrASg
MFJ-4230DMP: www.mfjenterprises.com/Product...
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[@thomastammaro693]

What I do is watch and listen to folks 👍 like you. That's how I learn.

[@sdmiller50]

Another great video. I made a small device using an LED and a resistor connected to Anderson power poles. I use it religiously every time I connect something for the first time after making a new connector cable - and especially when I am connecting something to someone else's power supply, like at Field Day. If the LED lights, I know I'm good to go. If it doesn't, there is either an open connection somewhere or, more likely, reverse polarity. I've seen cables and connectors made up in the field where someone accidentally reversed a lead even though the power poles are color coded. It's a very cheap way to protect your rig. Steve, W6SDM

[@AdamSWL]

Andersons are like R.A.S. Once you start installing them in the shack, you cannot stop installing them on everything! The mobile station, QRP gear, all accessory items, HT chargers....the list goes on. Great video Josh!

[@CerealKiller187]

Perfect timing, I was just looking at buying these yesterday for my new 857D portable setup.

[@MarinusWillemstijn]

I completely switched to Anderson Powerpoles and its the best decision I ever made! I also made small distribution blocks using 4 sets of PowerPoles back to back with this copper rods linking them. Then just use shrink to hide the connections.

[@hawkeyeCH53E]

The setup gets even sweeter!

[@scotreece5795]

Like the way you have it all figured/set up. Will have to try and use part of your set up. THANKS for all your videos.VERY VERY HELPFUL

[@larrywieberdink8379]

Excellent video, right to the point and easy to understand.

[@JamesMiller-us4yx]

Great video, Josh. Just put together my "Shack in the Box" v 1.0 and used an Epic PWRgate knockoff that has power supply input, battery/solar input (supposed to autoswitch). That goes to 9 port RIGrunner knockoff that will power two radios, USB hub, mega hotspot and charging cradles for three HTs.

[@philipchandler330]

Very informative I had questions about these same items especially when seeing them just recently at the Charlotte Hamfest

[@fyinner6480]

Just started studying for my technicians licence two days ago. I listened to your podcast with Fieldcraft survival, which motivated me to learn, and I got three friends to take an interest as well. Ordered my Baofeng (gotta start somewhere) so i'll hopefully be able to start listening in a few days. The four of us are taking the test on April fourth if it isn't cancelled, send me luck! Thanks for the time you put in

[@jay-rus4437]

fyinner ....did you get your license? Have you upgraded to General or Extra

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

It's 2 years later. Did you get certified?

[@bilymac2321]

I used Anderson’s doing my mobile install, they are awesome. Once I start on my shack, I will be using them again. One of their distribution banks, would be icing on the cake.

[@aldewitt9]

At one point I just used the screw down connector on my power supply. When I added another radio I added another power supply. Then I bought a rig runner and learned how to do power pole connections. Now I have power supplies for both houses and am looking to set up a shack in my new home. Had LMR400 built in. So now I will standardize around my rigrunner for power distribution. Love those power poles. AD0DQ

[@billbolen8115]

I use Anderson's in my car. Now that I have a Ham Shack, I will outfit it with Anderson's. Thanks Josh for posting this video since my new shack is bare I have lots of options.

[@jay-rus4437]

Nice set up. Being new to ham, Im working through some of these organizational systems prior to setting up my work station area. Ive built a go box with an ic-2730a, 12v 15ah battery, built in mfj power supply (just in case I have access to 110v. It is not only a nice go box, its a pretty sweet vhf uhf setup at home.

[@ChadForquer]

Still just using HT’s but working towards getting my first HF radio. Probably going to be a kit one first. Been building lots of kits to get my soldering skills up. Great information. Need a power supply and will definitely look into this one.

[@chrisblaase2700]

Great video Josh! I have the MFJ-1124 in my shack and I use Anderson Power Poles on all of my rigs. An idea for a future video might be a demo on how to install Anderson PPs. I had no clue and didn’t even have the proper crimping tool. I did find an instructional video on KZbin and now that I know how to install them it’s a snap. Your viewers might enjoy learning more about Power Poles. 73 de NV9Z

[@marcusalancate1782]

Thanks for the great ideas.

[@cplpinker]

Thanks for this video you have given me some really neat Ideas.

[@kd5you1]

I use Anderson Power Poles as well. In my previous setup I used a MFJ 25 amp power supply (also have a 45 amp version), but from there I use a different brand of equipment. I had a West Mountain Radio Super Pwrgate which automatically switches over to battery in case of power failure, and the power supply charges the connected battery. My power distribution is a couple of WMR Rig Runners that basically have the Anderson Power Poles and fuses similar to the MFJ units. My battery was a 34 AH SLA, but recently I changed my setup to use a 20 AH LiFePO4 battery. The lithium iron phosphate battery requires 14.5 volts to be charged properly, but the MFJ power supplies won't provide that voltage. I invested in a Powerwerx variable voltage power supply and swapped the Super Pwrgate for an Epic Pwrgate. This model will handle the charging of the LiFePO4 battery and has an input for solar panels. The Epic will also handle SLA batteries as well. I don't know if MFJ has a similar device that auto switches the power from power supply to battery, but it can really save your equipment in case of a power failure and allows you to continue running your equipment as well.

[@peterdekeles.]

Andersons all the way. Love those distribution panels

[@andrewfoster1316]

+enjoye your video on power sockets with anderson powerpoles. i use them in the shack ideal for swapping radios around without all wires coming off the power supply. these are amazing and with the crimpers so easy to make up different leads.

[@N0UWU-HAM]

Anderson's are pretty neat, we use them on my robotics team but it takes the electronics group a while to get all of them to be attached to the wires

[@tracym427]

Going to have to build some breakout boxes like this but with xt60 connectors. I put them on EVERYTHING. Prob comes from my bigger hobby of rc stuff.

[@nicknorton8315]

For your solar and battery backup look at the West Mountain Epic Powergate which switches everything automatically. One day my solar panel will get installed and mine will be complete for my shop radio. I also use the West Mountain Powergate in my shack with a 125 Ah AGM battery. Again it switches automatically and charges the battery. I also use the MFJ power distribution panels in both places. Gotta love the Anderson power poles.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Awesome. A lot of people are recommending that unit. I’ll check it out.

[@hhampton]

Still building my shack. Will start with Anderson connectors. I modified the one radio I have, my Icom 2m mobile to use PP connectors.

[@CaroleMinxBlanton]

Perfect time for this video to come out, just ordered my Icom and yup got power poles on the PSU, plus ordered extras. Never know when you'll need them, right! 73 de KI5CWY thanks Josh

[@TK-Radio-Adventures]

I haven't made the move to the power poles yet but plan too. I have a 30amp power supply ran to a 30amp fuse block, that has both power and ground on it.

[@AppliedParanoia]

Might be a good idea to cover proper installation of Andersons. People often balk at spending the money needed for a proper crimp tool, thinking they can get away with ViseGrips or smashing the connector with a hammer. Not so much.

[@twohandsandaradio]

12:39 he says he's done a video in the past of that.

[@louiewhite1922]

I like the idea of the little desk power distribution, that will come in handy when I deploy to support Norwalk Station in the Baker to Vegas Annual Race.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Oh nice. Are you part of a local club?

[@louiewhite1922]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Yes and No.... I am part of a local club here in Louisiana but have friends who have been working with the Los Angels Sheriff's Office for years and thus travel once a year to support the Norwalk Station of the Los Angels Sheriff's Office as a Desert RATS member. RATS stands for Radio and Technical Support. - We would love to have you join us in 2021 - KG5EFQ New Orleans

[@jay-rus4437]

Looking at a similar distribution setup. Recently completed my cpu install for high speed processing and three monitors. This helps to effectively process the RSP1A connected to the ft-991. Installed a Heil PRAS EQ to a JBL 2P. Seems like a good solid setup overall. My typical reminder to everyone “ take a minute to update your QRZ and share something about yourself AND your station” 😁 K5JRX

[@stevesparks5253]

Love your channel and your info!!! I do however enjoy this type of format over the live feeds..... just me probably. I like the short to the point info and not the long drawn out programs. But it is all good info!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s completely understandable! That’s why I post videos like these twice a week.

[@researchcapt]

I have an Astron 35 watt unit. I run everything to the power posts on the back. I use in line fuses for all the loads.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I disagree, having Power Poles everyone is much easier and more reliable from my POV.

[@MadDawg91108]

I use Anderson powerpoles on everything. MFJ products...not so much. Power distribution bars are very handy for sure. I have one in the shack and one for field portable ops.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

good job

[@donaldsmith3048]

I have a smaller Anderson distribution unit, i put a battery unit in that take the power supply and and a 50 amp hour glass mat battery. Then to my Anderson distribution. This will charge my battery from the power supply and power my Anderson distribution. It will switch from the power supply battery automatically I don't know the speed of the switch, but I was on my VHF-UHF radio talking when my power went out and the radio and I were happy with the speed.

[@JesterHellsingborg]

Namned after me? .... thanks for the video...informativ as always...

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Haha. Nice.

[@jamesbrownmiller808]

I use similar power pole products from west mountain radio.

[@brandongotzpowers]

Your not the only one I have radios all around my house

[@rayerdinc2441]

Excellent video Josh, thank you. My 'shack' is my office too so looking at reducing noise and powering my radio which currently all use supplied power supplies. I want one power source then tap off to each radio as your video shows perfectly. I am a little confused getting my head around power supplies, do switching ones produce noise thus is linear better or they all produce noise, by nature, so a case of which produces less and is quiet? Cheers.

[@carmp3fan]

Print your brackets on their side so the layers don’t create a weak spot as you apply weight or force them.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Another 3D printing lesson learned!

[@kiskiller3]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse also by choosing more wall layer/thicker walls in your slicer you can make them alot stronger. i use 3d printed shelf brakets everywhere theyre super strong

[@viaoutdoors]

Love the MFJ 4245. The LEDs seem harsh on the eyes versus the old school lighting. Curious if they still make those.

[@Shastasays]

Thank you for this vid. Adding new radios and finishing up my shack. Now looking for proper power distribution. Awesome! 73 de KD9NGU

[@ryankc9oza118]

I use Andersons. But I've bought some distributions off ebay from a ham that makes his own cases. Did a video on our clubs channel. They are nice units and little cheaper. But the mfj units look good.

[@DonzLockz]

I need all those MFJ products but they're not cheap. Very handy and safe though.👍

[@broncoman74]

Save yourself a lot of money, use a circuit breaker ground bar kit, I mounted them to a small PVC pipe but you can literally mount them to anything non-conductive. Use one for power and one for ground. There are so many options using this method, it really is limited by only what you can imagine. I have purchased MFJ Power Taps but I was tired of dealing with screw downs that were to small to accommodate larger wire, not enough taps, the endlessly different connection types and the cost. This system I came up with has really worked well for me, I wouldn't do it any other way.

[@srrfounder1]

I'm a new sub... AND I LIVE IN SOCAL TOO!!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Nice

[@cedricvillani8502]

You reinvented the power strip and UPS. Congoratz

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Thanks for this Josh, I'm shack building this Spring and Summer, so your video supplied some very useful information and ideas. I've heard that some rigs are now supplied with Anderson power poles, can you verify that please?

[@ronleblanc9832]

I use anderson for everything 12v best design ever usualley solder wires to pins

[@-o-The-Duke-o-]

Thanks for the video. The link provided to the MFJ Andersons Power Bars seems broken.

[@KQ4LNZ]

Hey, you can put any extra radio equipment in my shack anytime.😂

[@j.r.stewart3220]

To add a battery backup to your Anderson Power Pole system add the module Chunzehui F-1006 Low Loss PWRpath Module, Anderson Powerpole PowerPath PWRgate.

[@KB2AT]

Doing that....can a 30-35amp power supply power both hf radio and vhf radio plus maybe a power meter/swr meter? Thank U

[@someoneelse7629]

I have a hodgepodge of connectors in my shack, but I'm going to migrate to Anderson's, preferably the big one with a couple of banana-jacks for temporarily testing stuff that doesnt draw a lot of Amps. I also have my QRP setup with solar, battery and radio to convert to Anderson's, the small one would be perfect for that And, gosh, I do really need to tidy up my car, where one radio is connected to the cigarette lighter output, and another directly to battery...

[@denelson83]

I just got a DC distribution bus like what you have here, but it's not an MFJ, it's a West Mountain Radio product, the RIGrunner RR-4007U. I'll be using it to power a transceiver and RF wattmeter off of a Bioenno 50AH battery. If you get a DRAWS HAT for your Raspberry Pi, it comes with its own integrated buck converter for powering off of 13.8 V. 73 VE7NDE

[@kurtsinger4763]

Josh... just watched this video again. Would love to convert everything to Andersons with their panel-mounted fuses... but I'm concerned. On automotive applications, we always fuse the ground as well. Is this not required for workbench/desk mounted radios?

[@roberthayes6329]

Main supply is Astron vs-50m x2. For distribution I use WestMountain Radio Rigrunner 4005i, 1-4 are main equipment and #5 controls a golf cart 150A continuous duty relay with separate fuse to run a Rigrunner 4008H. All can be computer controlled from remote. Although #5 is just all on or all off control of the 4008H. This way the 4005i never see's any load from the 4008H as it's now on the relay. Great video thanks! kc8ujp

[@roberthayes6329]

There's a nice topless spread of the 4005i on pg.28 April 2020 QST.

[@forgetyourlife]

@@roberthayes6329 oooh, that is nice.

[@roykilo9642]

using jankie $10 auto fuse blocks that I put Power Poles on. pretty much the same thing as the MFJs but not as clean for sure. I really need to tidy my wires up some.

[@go2douglasvamateurradioandmore]

What type of mounting is that for the bins?

[@don_n5skt]

Check out the Epic Power Gate from West Mountain radio. That allows you to run off a power supply and a battery. It basically creates a UPS for 12V

[@don_n5skt]

Oh, and you can plug in Solar to the Epic Power Gate so for elongated outages, the battery can either charge off the Solar and/or the PSU

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I love this. Thanks!

[@ronwest7797]

I have two 35 amp Astron power supplies.

[@James_Bowie]

Those MFJ links appear to be invalid at MFJ's end. Also, yours is actually the MVP version -- the P denoting Powerpole connectors -- not 4245M as you have in your description text.

[@scottb7007]

Hey buddy, It would be a good idea to remove that bottle of Purel off of your power supply. Highly flammable.

[@ldsnurse9268]

How do I figure out what amp fuse I need for a standard radio, what that's wife and why kind of Anderson Powerpole to use?

[@WJ6FRadio]

Superior video! Can never have enough Anderson Powepole items! I need to get one to organize the electronic spaghetti I have going on.

[@mrtechie6810]

I use XT60 and XT90 connectors for my equipment. Aren't Andersons more expensive? You can get antispark XT90S connectors.

[@99Victor]

?? Can you switch the fuse to lower or higher fuse?

[@davesnothereman9214]

Josh, beware there are other PowerPoles. Bioenno uses 50 amp gray powerpoles. These are a larger size, duplex, and every color is physically keyed differently. Ooops. And then they use a lower capacity (45?) standard pair to charge the same battery.

[@ampegor]

Actually Anderson makes dc connectors up to at least 600 amp. I have used them for years in the electric equipment field ( ie electric forklifts) always thought they were a great design. That said my shack is a mix of Anderson and banana plugs. I have an older MFJ banana plug distribution block coming off my power supply. But my supply also had built in Anderson connectors which I use to connect the mobile rigs in the shack.

[@mannvsfood]

how do you determine which item you want connected to which fuse size? 73's KD2SJM

[@roberthayes6329]

You try and make the fuse just higher then what any device normally uses. So if there's a problem it will blow the fuse before the diode and resistor inside the dang radio but that never happend.....

[@evanwindom3265]

RAS is the ham analog to TAS - Tackle Acquisition Syndrome - in fishing. It's like the old saying: "10% of tackle catches fish. 90% catches fishermen."

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Hahaha. Yes! It’s true with guns too!

[@cfisupply]

Ha! Your "Hmm" when trying to describe a banana plug. LOLOL I had a similar scenario when I worked at a hardware store and this very nice lady asked me how I know which plumbing fittings are "Male" and which are "Female". Yeah... That was awkward, but she was appreciative of my description and politeness.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Exactly!

[@KE5VXX]

How loud is the fan in the PSU?? I ran into the same problem, needed more power, so I replaced my 20amp PSU with a TekPower 30amp PSU - actually bought 2 of them... and they are so loud I can't stand them.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s not silent. But it is not loud. Also, it’s decently far enough away from my main operating area.

[@speter32701]

Does MFJ make a loss power gate? That would be the solution for auto switching to battery in event of a power loss. I did a search in Gigaparts and the “Epic PowerGate 12V 40A Backup Power System” came up but would like to see one from MFJ if they have one.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’ll check.

[@JayDesignsNetworks]

DX Engineering has an item called the "Hamsource EZ-Gate Battery Backup Switches EZGATE"

[@andyschneider3431]

I just got a solar panel and controller. I was planning a simple setup with a deep cycle and a simple Anderson pigtail, but seeing this...... hmmmm I’m going to be in trouble with the wife.

[@brettberger-KM6MCI]

Hey Josh, how can I get one of those ICOM QRP crew shirts?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Win one of my giveaways. 👍

[@skinnyflea2628]

I used XT-60 connectors but switched to Anderson’s

[@PineBarrens75]

Time to start auctioning off som of those radios... wink wink.

[@jamescarroll6954]

Josh, does the switching power supply contribute to the noise floor of your receivers? Switching power supplies as a generic group have suffered that criticism.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Some power supplies can, but many are pretty RFI clean.

[@johnbauman4005]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Hi Josh, Need a minimum 30 Amp power supply for a base station. Have you or anyone else done a comparison of BOTH RF & audible (fan) noise with switching units? I mean with sound level measurement rather than descriptors like "pretty quiet" and "not too bad," etc.? What is your preferred "quiet" switching PSU in this output range? Also since voltage is standard at 13.8, why would I want or need a PSU with voltage adjustment? If I have space and don't mind the weight and expense, what is wrong with a linear PSU? Supposedly they don't emit interfering RF and generate minimal sound and easier to fix if issues arise. A lot of folks seem to like the Astrons, for example. Thanks! 73, John - KK7JBZ

[@CaroleMinxBlanton]

PS, I'll take that power plug!! 😄 #giveaway

[@jnelchef]

Noticed the corona pandemic approved Purell bottle of hand sanitizer, a little subliminal message at work?

[@MarinusWillemstijn]

Was thinking the same thing when I saw it :)

[@Ender_Wiggin]

Why are the links broken to the MFJ stuff?

[@MadDawg91108]

It's MFJ... need I say more? 😉

[@Gaby-rt9yk]

that anderson connections is just in the USA? cause in EU no one use this .. maybe there is some ordered from USA but that`s it

[@n3ljs399]

6FT of Panduit Raceway (open slot) for 12 bucks ………..a good way to hide cables.

[@roberthayes6329]

Ahh panduit products... still got my panduit cable tie puller. Back in the day those were almost a hundred bucks. Must have pulled and snipped a half a million ties and it still works great.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

maybe an episode showing the proper way to install, crimp, and remove the anderson connectors.. 73

[@jarredjones8476]

there are dozens of videos already..

[@99somerville]

4:54. Just say it! Female end.

[@slappomatthew]

its a shame the hams standardized on such a outdated connector. the only thing going for it is modularity. which I will admit thats pretty nice. but they are difficult to built, and not as good electrically as the now standard XT60 family of connectors that are cheap easy to solder better electrical connection and come in several sizes.

[@frankthetank3342]

MFJ makes me nervous. Switching power supplies make me nervous. An MFJ Switching power supply, downright scares me.

[@ainttakenanyshit]

With ANY application where you would want CLEAN power, best to used a LINEAR type PS. I have a 65 dollar 30 volt 10 amp switcher that, with the addition of two power filters, one on the AC input line and the other on the DC output, it had a very clean DC output measured on my Siglent scope. My NEXT PS WILL be a cleaner Linear type....

[@Sugarsail1]

Fuses aren't for protecting your radio equipment, they are to keep your entire house from burning down. Common misconception.

[@stevetrapp1095]

Your Link to MFJ is a 404 Page

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yeah. They updated they’re website. I have to go update them all. 🤔

[@seanwan30]

I dont get why people use hams

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Because there is no other radios service that allows what ham radio allows.

[@rossbassette7518]

Check your spelling of your title: "ANDERONS" Hope you are enjoying the Kalifornia martial law - you know its only going to get worse

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks!

[@DavidCase-ov5uo]

Hi A word of caution. Do not connect a hefty psu to the protected side of a mains surge strip. You will put a spike across your rigs when the psu caps charge up on switch-on. Dave G4BTI. UK