[Elecraft] My K3 doesn't wear Prada...

[John Ragle]

On 8/8/2010 12:24 PM, Nicholas Farrar wrote:
> Would anyone be interested in an Elecraft DC power supply? It would look
> nice to have a powersupply that matches my K3! Maybe in two models. First a
> QRP model super clean DC, the other a 25-30 amp model. Anderson Powerpoles
> on the BACK so you dont have wires bent around the back of the powersupply.
> I would like to see an option for a battery charge controller and terminals
> for an external battery.
>
> Would any one be interested either model? Any thoughts? Looking for Hams
> with an opinion.
>    
=====

Well, I certainly have opinions of all sorts. Here is mine WRT matching 
power supplies: a bit on the silly side. I replaced my brutish linear 
with sleek switchers half the size of my K3 with no discernible ill 
effects. I have two 7" x 7.5" x 2" 13.8 VDC x 25 amp units from Radio 
Shack and one only slightly larger from Pyramid. They are fan-cooled but 
very quiet, and only the Pyramid has the leads coming out the front. 
Since the only control in evidence is an on/off switch, these little 
guys can live their lives in the background, leaving operating space for 
other items such as a log & a set of paddles, or even a lap-top.

Over and over again we hear bad vibes about switchers, but my power 
supplies and my computer live within 2' of my K3 and my ICOM 910H with 
no deleterious effects in either direction. They contribute nothing WRT 
noise or birdies.Once again, it is "physician, heal thyself" for those 
who have problems with them.

The really neat thing is that the switchers are portable. They're not 
much good without an AC outlet, (e.g. mobile in the underbrush) but they 
are a very easy carry when the mains are available, and form the nucleus 
of a nice hotel-room portable: K3 + small switcher + "trailing antenna" 
(apologies to old-time pilots out there).

My K3 with its parasitic SignaLink USB is happy as a non-Gulf oyster on 
its Pyramid switcher.

John Ragle -- W1ZI