Anybody use switching power supplies?

[guitar_199]

I know that I have seen tons of videos where people run their radios from old/used PC server switching power supplies. A lot of people say they don't see a noise problem, some say they do.

have any of you used one in radio service and, if so, what was your experience?

The reason I am asking, hook line and sinker..... I just picked up a used HP Server power supply on Ebay. This particular model is "screaming easy" to convert to 13.8V DC (snip & jumper OR....just jumper bypass a single 100 ohm resistor...and adjust the max voltage pot! This model is WELL KNOWN to work this way!
When done it will serve 13.8 VDC @ about 50 A max. I won't be using NEAR that.

The supply and shipping totalled $21.42 and I saw that as "worth it" just for the try.....

 

[sp5it]

I use DPS600PB. Very good PS.
Mike

 

[Justme]

Server smps are mostly of good quality.
The latest bunch of smps commercially and CE marked are clean as well, even my 8 year old SEC 1223 is clean.
My new Nissei NS 2230D 30 amp is clean as well, digital read out and just 85 Euro's...
Can't make an PSU for that money anymore.

 

[guitar_199]

Did either of you worry about raising the voltage to 13.8 or do you just run them at 12 V?

I use DPS600PB. Very good PS.
Mike

Server smps are mostly of good quality.
The latest bunch of smps commercially and CE marked are clean as well, even my 8 year old SEC 1223 is clean.
My new Nissei NS 2230D 30 amp is clean as well, digital read out and just 85 Euro's...
Can't make an PSU for that money anymore.

 

[L2]

Yes, I use an Alinco DM-330MVT switching power supply. I've always been an Astron linear power supply guy but this Alinco switching supply has been great. Super quiet rf wise and a super quiet fan too.

 

[sp5it]

I raised output voltage to 14V and set OVP to 15V.
20$ for 47A PS, hard to resist.
Mike

 

[guitar_199]

THAT is a fact!!!!

I raised output voltage to 14V and set OVP to 15V.
20$ for 47A PS, hard to resist.
Mike

 

[Tokin]

Im running 2 Megawatt s-700 50a in parallel. I have them set at 14v. They easily run my 4 pill amp and radio and other 12v goodies. The new big supply will probably be stacked switchers in a well cooled case.

 

[dave457]

I bought a used hp 75amp for $19.0 shipped
I have mine set to 13.1v.... No problems

 

[Riverman]

Yes, I use an Alinco DM-330MVT switching power supply. I've always been an Astron linear power supply guy but this Alinco switching supply has been great. Super quiet rf wise and a super quiet fan too.

I’ll second that.

 

[TIN_CAN]

I run a built 150amp (RD Power) switching supply I bought from a ham out in Texas K5IZ and runs my dx1600 all day long, no noise issues or any other for that matter.

 

[Greg T]

I paralleled 2 Mega Watt 50 amp switchers to run my Texas Star DX 500. I run the voltage of 14.3 . The assembly works great.

 

[543_Dallas]

I have some but prefer linear. I have a pair of dell server supplies for testing big mobile amps. They work well and are clean, but rarely used.

I used a samlex power supply with my HF rig but the fan comes on regularly using AM. I went back to the Astron 50.

 

[Slowmover]

Astron sure gets high marks wherever I am reading.

I don’t feel that price very much enters into the question.

Radios will come & go. Power Supply may not. The annual cost of a quality power supply is thus amortized far more easily.

The “tower” for an antenna the same thing.
(Components installed come & go; here, the antenna).

Not expensive, in other words, over long use.
Part of the system into which gear is installed.
“Permanent”.

A few inexpensive backups (starters) or for portable is another thing.

.

 

[Tokin]

For me it all depends on how many amps i require. 400 amp linear supplies are expensive. I can get the same amps from switchers for a fraction of the price.