[Elecraft] Switching vs Linear Power Supplies

[Clark B. Wierda]

Jack Regan wrote:
> I am moving my shack to a new location and was considering repacing my Astron 70M  (70 amps with meters)with something smaller.
> 
> I saw some small switching supplies that seemed to do what I wanted but they all have fans.  The last thing I want is more noise in my shack.
> 
> Anyway, is there any advantage to a switching power supply (with a fan) vs a linear supply (with no fan) other than the size and weight?
> 
> Jack, AE6GC

Properly designed and manufactured, switching power supplies can be more
efficient ( 70-80 %) than linear power supplies (~50%).  For a given
load, they should use less power and run cooler.

The issue to be considered is the EMI produced by the switching power
supply.  Some are good and others aren't.  It depends on the model and
the installation.

As to the noise the fan makes, you might have to try it to see.  There
are some very quiet fans in use these days.  Are you going to have a
computer in the shack?  If so, its fan(s) is likely to be louder than
the one in the switching power supply.

73,
-- 
Clark B. Wierda
N8CBW