[NLRS] Goof proof powering of transverters? (Scott)

[Richard Clem]

>   As suspected...no attachments.  It was just a drawing of using a 
> bridge rectifier to steer the DC correctly...
> 

Of course, that or any method is goof proof only if you wire it up right the
first time.  :-)  But in theory, you get it right the first time because you
have time to check, double check, triple check, etc.  Then, out in the field,
there's not much to worry about.

Here's another simple trick, in case it's new to anyone.  Although it was
simple, I never thought of it until someone else recently pointed it out to
me.

Using rectifiers to ensure correct polarity always results in some voltage
drop through the diode.  To avoid this disadvantage, you can hook up a diode
"backwards" across the power supply, with a fuse between the diode and the
power supply.  (Make sure the diode will handle more current than the radio in
question, and the fuse size is considerably smaller than the diode's current
rating.)

That way, if you hook the power up backwards, it will look like a dead short,
and the fuse should blow.  Until the fuse blows, presumably all of the current
is going through the diode, so the radio should be protected.

73,
Rick W0IS