[Elecraft] Which of these would make the best power supply for the K3(S)?

[Barry Baines]

Jim:

Is there a particular Artesyn power supply model that you’d recommend?

In taking a quick review of their website, they offer a 12 VDC and 15 VDC output in the LCM300 series which provides 300 watts (20 amps at 15 VDC) and a LCM600 series offering 600 watts (40 amps at 15 VDC).  I presume the 15 VDC output would more closely meet the needs of a 100W transceiver, but given that most people think that going above 14.5 VDC is not recommended, are these power supply user adjustable to reduce voltage output to 14.5 VDC?  

What do you advise?

Thanks,

Barry, WD4ASW
Westborough, MA




> On Oct 29, 2015, at 1:22 PM, jim <jbollit at outlook.com> wrote:
> 
> I worked as an engineer and in marketing for a major power supply company.
> 
> I did many design reviews and cost analysis on various MW power supplies.
> 
> The designs are straight forward and their derating guidelines were not as
> robust as the ones I used.
> 
> One area that they "just met spec" was for conducted EMI.  You need a unit
> that meets level B, with VDE level B most stringent.  The products I
> designed had a minimum of 6 dB margin on conducted EMI.  Robust EMI
> filtering costs money.
> 
> Ripple current in the electrolytic caps of MW is also pushed hard.  In some
> cases, they use 85 versus 105 degree Centigrade capacitors, again for lower
> cost.
> 
> In your application, I suspect you will not be running at 50 deg C ambient,
> so that in itself will provide derating to the power supply.  
> 
> Artesyn makes a standard product line of power supplies sold through their
> distribution channel.  They are good, very good, and easily meet all their
> published specs with margin to spare (especially EMI).  If you used one in
> your shack, it will outlive you.
> 
> I am surprised that people that own one of the best amateur radio
> transceivers in the world, would put a weak link in the chain of the overall
> system.  But then again, I am out at 4 sigma on the curve and companies
> typically do not design for my "needs"  ;>)
> 
> Jim
> W6AIM
> 
> 
> 
> .
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Peter
> Pauly
> Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2015 4:52 AM
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: [Elecraft] Which of these would make the best power supply for the
> K3(S)?
> 
> I'm looking at the Meanwell power supplies because they are cheap and seem
> to be well regarded. I've come up with these two choices, feel free to give
> more suggestions of other models. I've seen talk on this reflector of
> supplying more than 13.8V to the K3S so that's why I'm looking at the 15V
> model.
> 
> 12V Model:   Meanwell NES-350-12
> Voltage range 10-13.5V
> 29A
> 
> 
> 15V Model:   Meanwell NES-350-15
> Voltage range 13.5-18V
> 23.2A
> 
> 
> The 15 volt model would seem to be the obvious choice, except that it
> doesn't supply the recommended 25 amps. The K3S manual says 22 amps typical
> though.
> 
> Is there another model Meanwell I should be looking at that has better
> protection or filtering?
> 
> I've already got an Astron switching power supply, the Meanwell would be a
> second alternative.
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