[Elecraft] K3/100 power supply

[Alexander Sack]

On Fri, Apr 15, 2011 at 9:06 AM, Mike Fatchett W0MU <w0mu at w0mu.com> wrote:
> I have been running my K3's on a Samlex SEC 1223's for quite some time
> .  I have never had any issues with fan noise or switching noise.
>
> I just purchased a Powerwerx  SS-30DV.  While someone said that
> Powerwerx has said that you could turn up the voltage, I submitted a
> ticket asking for the information to do this and they responded that
> this was not an option.  I bought it for our upcoming trip to J6 for the
> size and extra current capability.  I like the binding post on the back
> and the powerpole connectors on the front.
>
> I have an Astron switching supply that would shut down on 20m from what
> I can only suspect is rf yet non of the other switchers have done this.
>
> On 4/14/2011 9:40 PM, Doug Person wrote:
>> Samlex are not reliable?  They are sold re-labled by Kenwood.  My two
>> have been around for 2 decades, in constant use nearly every day.  They
>> power everything in my shack.  If you look hard enough, you can find
>> people with complaints about everything ever manufactured.  I guess if
>> my Samlex failed, I would just fix it.  They aren't really that
>> complicated.  The Powerex is well made, but I don't find the fan to be
>> that bad.  The smaller the supply the more critical it is to cool.  The
>> Powerex fan is just above the background noise.  The bottom line is that
>> nothing is 100% reliable.  Even stuff installed on spacecraft.
>>
>> Doug -- K0DXV
>>
>> On 4/14/2011 8:40 PM, n5ge at n5ge.com wrote:
>>> I use two 100 amp supplies here that are made by Walt Williams W5YUO  They are
>>> quiet and bullet proof, but if you want one you will have to come to Texas, as
>>> he only sells local and only makes them on order.
>>>
>>> They are very heavy, so shipping would be a problem...
>>>
>>> Tom
>>> N5GE
>>>
>>> On Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:51:03 -0700 (PDT), VK5ABQ<shanewh at gmail.com>   wrote:
>>>
>>>> Thank you for all your replies but I've found negative comments about most
>>>> (the power supplies that is....
>>>> boom boom)
>>>>
>>>> I found the following complaints/restrictions -
>>>> Powerwerx : noisy fan
>>>> Diamond 3000: poor reliability on later models
>>>> Astron: Linear's are only suitable for 110VAC not 240. Some complain about
>>>> fan noise and interference on their switchers.
>>>> Samlex: poor reliability
>>>> Barrett: $700.
>>>> Kenwood: generates electrical interference on 80 and 160m.
>>>>
>>>> XP Power's CCM250 (sold by Amtex,
>>>> http://www.amtex.com.au/power_pdf/CCM250.pdf) still looks interesting as it
>>>> is convection cooled, weighs 780g and is very small. The 15V model can be
>>>> trimmed down to 14.55V but I this may still be too high? Also only rated for
>>>> 16A continuous and 20A peak. Cost is $380 and lead time 7 weeks. Yes,
>>>> interest has diminished.
>>>>
>>>> Conclusion: I'll put off buying the K3/100 for now until I can bothered to
>>>> have another look for an electrically and audibly quiet 20A power supply
>>>> suitable for 240V.
>

I use an Astron SS-30M switcher which I have had ZERO issues at 100W
on sideband, digital, cw, etc..  I mean zero.  Its quiet and very very
rarely in a long QSO the fan will turn on (no big deal for me).  Well
built and easy to carry.

73

-aps (KC2ZSX)