Power supply adjustment

[The Jerk]

Just acquired a power supply (used).

It is regulated, 10-14A, but only set at 13.8VDC. I think it needs bumped up a tad. As far as I can tell, there is a transformer, a PCB with a single pot, and the rectifier. There is also a transistor looking deal with a heat sink. I would assume that by adjusting the pot (on the PCB) in small increments that I could possibly adjust the voltage?

What would be a safe voltage for a Uniden radio? 14.5VDC? I believe my truck runs at least 14.4VDC when its cold outside.

 

[Robb]

A charging system in most stock cars/trucks is 13.8v to 14.1v.
I run all of my stuff at 13.8v. Radios can be used at a higher voltage; but it isn't a sound idea. I wouldn't run anything more than 14.1v. They won't last as long at 15v or more, and parts (especially caps) can take a hit.

Sure, you can see a bit more power output; but some of that is extra distortion which isn't wanted. If you were to turn up anything in your system, turning up the voltage on the amp (not the radio) and you would see more watts output.
Then again - some of that will be distortion.

If you need more watts - just use a slightly bigger amp and keep things running happy and cool. If you ever sell the stuff, you can tell the person buying it that it was never over-volted and treated right...
Dos Centavos...

 

[The Jerk]

I should have clarified that better...the supply is "rated" at 13.8VDC, but I was only seeing around 13.5VDC. If 14.1 is acceptable, then that's what I'll set it at...the Uniden Grant's manual states "13.8VDC nominal, 15.9VDC max, 11.7VDC min".

That pot did adjust the voltage...I set it to 14.08VDC, so as long as nobody says that's a really bad idea, I'll probably leave it there...it will turn up to just above 15VDC.

Not a bad investment...a 10-14A supply for $20.