Just got new power supply... Need info...

[T23]

Ok, I just got a 19 amp 13.8 volt power supply from radio shack for use with my Realistic HTX 100, it requires 6 amps and runs on 13.8 volts, my question is should I use a fuse inline between the radio and the power supply and if so what should the fuse amperage rating be? Also this is a switching power supply in a metal case, how far should I place the radio from the power supply so that it does not interfere with the radio or do I need to worry about this at all?

T23

 

[W5LZ]

The size of fuse? If it requires 6 amps for normal operation, then I'd use a 6 amp fuse. between radio and power supply. (If there's one already present in the radio, that one should work just fine, or the size of fuse is usually given in the manual.)
How far away from each other should the power supply and radio be? Whatever distance is practical/suitable for you. The closest would probably be something like 1/16 inch, and the furthest whatever the length of the power cord. I've placed the radio on top of a power supply before, just because it was handy and it 'fit' the set up on the desk. If by chance you do get some kind of noise out of the thing, just move things. It certainly shouldn't harm anything.
- 'Doc

 

[T23]

Thats what I was thinking, the radio just "fits" on top of my power supply so why not...I'll hook everything up an test this evening...

T23

 

[Robb]

Both linear and switching power supplies can be noisy. Linear supplies can develop a weak filter capacitor and start to send hum into the radio when they get old. Depends how old the supply is; if it is new - no problemmo . . .

 

[T23]

But my question is...Do I NEED a fuse in line between the radio and supply, or does the supply have some sort of surge protection?


T23

 

[Robb]

But my question is...Do I NEED a fuse in line between the radio and supply, or does the supply have some sort of surge protection?


T23

The power supply may or may not have surge protection.
But that will be on its 110v side - if at all.

ALWAYS have a fuse installed; or possible damage to the radio can happen if something causes it to draw more than it should. Fire is the biggest reason for a fuse. An ounce of prevention . . .

 

[N0NB]

A 6A fuse will be too small if that is the maximum current the radio will draw. A good rule of thumb for sizing a fuse is that the maximum expected draw should be around 75% of the the rating of the fuse. As fuses come in standard sizes, you'll probably find that a 10A fuse will be the smallest size you'll find easily and that will be quite adequate.

 

[BOOTY MONSTER]

the fuse that come with the radios power line is to protect the radio . i would use that fuse . the power supply should have its own fuse/breaker for protecting it .

if youre not having issues with noise with it close i wouldnt worry about it .
what power supply are you using ?

 

[T23]

It really does not have a model number....It's just a generic 19 amp 13.8 volt power supply that radio shack sells, just hooked it up with a 6 amp fuse no problems here. I have a mobile antenna attached just for listening until my base antenna is finished being built.


10 meters is quiet...too quiet...


T23

 

[mackmobile43]

It really does not have a model number....It's just a generic 19 amp 13.8 volt power supply that radio shack sells, just hooked it up with a 6 amp fuse no problems here. I have a mobile antenna attached just for listening until my base antenna is finished being built.


10 meters is quiet...too quiet...


T23

It's always worse than 11 meters.