Power Supplies

[W1MSG]

I have a Motorola Base Station Power Supply that is a monster, output is 15.2v is that too much to be putting into a rig ?

I know most rigs are 13.8 + - 10 to 15 % so that would mean 15.8 would be the max.

I just dont want to smoke one of my Rigs ..

 

[Wire Weasel]

It's a little hot but I'm sure there is a trimmer pot adjustment inside.

 

[W1MSG]

It's a little hot but I'm sure there is a trimmer pot adjustment inside.

Nope nothing inside that remotely resembles an adjustable pot..

Checked it on the Multimeter and its 14.96v out. Listed on the bottom as 14.1v Radio shows 15.1v ...

 

[Robb]

I run no more than 14.1v into my Kenwood...

 

[mackmobile43]

it'll be fine and you can add some other devices in parallel to absorb some of the current.

 

[W5LZ]

"to absorb some of the current"
Really ?
- 'Doc

 

[mackmobile43]

"to absorb some of the current"
Really ?
- 'Doc

Isn't that what you call it? Maybe Motorola didn't bother to build a load regulator in it.

 

[W5LZ]

Motorola has done some weird things at times, true. I suspect that most of them were/are to protect proprietary aspects of their equipment. Rather than a 'load regulator' most power supplies have a voltage regulator. A constant voltage is much more desirable than a constant current in most cases. A constant voltage will produce a variable current according to the resistance/impedance of the thing being powered, which is the most common way of doing things. But, Motorola does things differently with their equipment, so analyzing the power supply's circuit to see what it does is a very nice thing to do.
That non-standard voltage is fairly common with Motorola. It provides a reason for using one of their power supplies with their equipment, rather than another brand which doesn't provide the 'Motorola standard' voltage.
I think before making any adjustments, I would check voltage under a load.
- 'Doc

 

[Michham63]

it'll be fine and you can add some other devices in parallel to absorb some of the current.

Putting devices in parallel WILL NOT limit the current to the rig. Any devices in parallel will see exactly the same input voltage and, therefore will have an input current directly related to there input impedance.

 

[wahlrite]

I have been running my entire bench on 15.8 VDC @ 360 Amps for 10 + years, and have plugged in every type radio possible CB, Ham, cell chargers Etc.... and have not had any kind of problem what so ever.

good luck

 

[GnG8d]

it'll be fine and you can add some other devices in parallel to absorb some of the current.

Please refer to ohm's law.

 

[Lazybones1222]

Please refer to ohm's law.

keekle