[Elecraft] K-Line Addition - DC Power Supply (Suggestion)

[Don Wilhelm]

In my opinion, power supplies should be relegated to something like the 
AC receptacle on the wall or the 12 volt battery under the hood of an 
automobile.  It should do its thing, but not be obvious.  IMHO the place 
for a power supply is on the floor under the operating desk (or 
workbench).  No need for meters on the supply itself, I have measurement 
stuff above the tabletop.  I use an Astron 35 linear at the operating 
position and have an Astron SS-30 switcher at the workbench (along with 
several other lower current supplies). There are no 13.8 volt power 
supplies above the desktop - If I need other voltages, yes, I do have a 
+/- 15 volt supply along with +5V on the workbench along with a variable 
voltage positive supply for special needs - but I don't think those are 
relevant for powering the K2, K3, or KX3.

Bottom line, power supplies are on the floor out of the way and treated 
just as an energy source.

So, my answer to your question is NO.  The RigRunner does sit on the 
desktop with fuses to match the wire sizes exiting from it.
I do not think it is in the best interests of Elecraft to attempt a 
power supply design given that it would require UL compliance 
certification (as well as other countries certification) which can be an 
expensive process for a power supply that would likely have a volume of 
less than 10,000 units even at product life end.

I would put this in the "it would be nice -- but" bucket.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/18/2012 10:27 AM, rich kennedy wrote:
> How do Elecraft users feel about the possible addition of a
> high-quality DC power supply that matches both the physical dimensions and
> veneer of the existing K-Line?  The power
> supply could even be sized to set above/below the new KAT500 and should, IMHO,
> have multiple DC outlets such as Powerpoles® and screw lugs.  I’d be willing to pay a premium for a quiet DC
> power supply with very low emission characteristics.  Thanks, 73, Rich, K3VAT
>