[MRCA] PRC10 Inverter

[Robert Nickels]

On 1/30/2019 7:41 AM, Ray Fantini wrote:
> Why build when you can buy? Look at EBay item:
>
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-DC-10-32V-to-45-390V-High-Voltage-Boost-Converter-Step-up-Booster-Module-JKHW/152787389030?hash=item2392d68a66:g:rZUAAOSwPWRZXF4g:rk:28:pf:0

After buying and evaluating many boost converters for use powering 
radios, I can say they do indeed work.  Or I should say, "can be made to 
work in an RF application".   Just be prepared to spend some time  
mitigating EMI, both conducted and radiated from the input and output 
wires and from the board itself.   It's not rocket science, just the 
usual kind of  filtering, grounding, and shielding, but each one seems 
to take a little tweaking as there is essentially no configuration 
control so the board you buy today might be similar to but not identical 
to the one you bought a month ago,  depending on where the eBay reseller 
got his stuff. And it's rare but some do provide schematics and 
manufacturer's reference designs for the SMPS ICs are helpful.   I've 
always had to add LC filtering on the HV output at a minimum as the 
switching frequency harmonics extend well into the HF range.   Conducted 
noise on the 12 volt lines that gets into other equipment also usually 
is an issue.     I had to remotely mount  the converter in a steel box 
for my last project because the magnetic field from the transformer was 
inductively coupling to the receiver IF coils when they were in close 
proximity.

On the plus side, they can produce a usable amount of power, are well 
protected, very efficient - and cheap.    Just remember TANSTAAFL and 
you'll be on the right track.

73, Bob W9RAN