[Elecraft] KX3 - inexpensive - 14 volt @ 4 amp P/S

[Matt Zilmer]

Most in this class of PSU use PTCs, not fuses.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Sat, 22 Dec 2012 13:08:27 -0600, you wrote:

>Hi all you KX3 guys,
>
>After Chuck, KE9UW posted the link to this little 14 volt supply on eBay, I ordered one and said I'd report back after it came in.  Got it this morning and measured the output voltage.  Mine sits right at 13.8 volts, so I immediately hooked it up to the KX3.  Full load with the KX3 key down putting out 12 watts, the thing sits pretty much rock solid at 13.6 and key up it goes back to 13.8 and stays there so it's got good regulation and will handle the rig nicely.  The power cord is ferrite choked right where it comes out of the supply and the plug, even though it isn't a right angle one, fits the KX3's power jack perfectly.
>
>Next, I started looking for birdies using the KX3 with a 4" pickup loop I made with a BNC to double binding post adapter.  The P/S box has an LED indicator on it and with the loop laid on the case near the LED, I got some pretty loud broadband noise that covered everything from 160-6 meters, but fell off and was undetectable with the loop 4 inches from the box.  I ran through each band individually and could find no birdies attributable to this power supply in any ham band 160-6 meters.  This was confirmed by shutting the supply down whenever I found noise or carrier type birdies and they stayed where they were.
>
>For less than 9 bucks this supply appears to be really pretty decent to carry along.  It has at least a 3 foot AC cord that plugs into the box and the output cord is very close to 5 feet long so you have a lot of leeway in P/S placement.  According to the specs shown on eBay, it has both over current and over voltage protection.  I didn't short out the plug to find out if it shut down would blow an internal fuse as the supply is sealed and I didn't want to chance ruining it before getting a chance to take it on a trip.  
>
>I've been using it this morning to power the KX3 on the bench and hanging out around 14.060 looking for QRP contacts.  The KX3's voltage monitor is indicating right at 13.8 volts and .250 milliamps of current.  Backlight is on, audio set to 20 with VFO noise reduction on, RX isolation on and the 20db preamp is on so 250 milliamps is just about right for current draw at 13.8V.
>
>Pretty decent lilttle supply for the money and RF wise, it's extremely quiet compared to some I've seen.
>
>Jim - W0EB
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>> I use this one...14 volts, 4 amps. The plug on it fits the KX3 and
>> the open ckt voltage is 14 vdc exactly.
>>
>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/KSAS065-65W-Adapter-power-supply-Output-
>> 14Vdc-4A-2-1mm-plug-NEW-FREE-SHIP-
>> /261135859531?pt=US_Monitor_Power_Supplies&hash=item3ccce8ff4b
>>
>> Chuck, KE9UW
>> Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC
>> aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224
>>
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