[Elecraft] Battery Charging

[David Cutter]

If it is true that all modern chargers and laptop supplies are switchmode 
(?), I can't immediately see why they shouldn't run from a suitable dc 
supply, since the first thing that happens in a switcher is to rectify the 
mains.  Even my 5 year old stuff is universal input, ie very wide voltage 
range.  So, they could pipe unregulated dc around the cabins.  Each outlet 
would need to be equipped with a ptc protection device to protect the supply 
and the load in case a conventional device was attached.  A plug-in 
accessory with a bridge rectifier in it would also do the trick.

Sorry if this is getting off topic.

David
G3UNA



> Using 400Hz power is risky, because the current in the RFI bypass
> capacitors will much higher than normal. The leakage current through the
> capacitors to the output and other accessible parts will be high,
> possibly high enough to be a shock hazard. Running a 50-60Hz product
> from 400Hz power may also cause early failure of those capacitors.
>
> --Tim (KR0U)
>