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Re: [RFI] "Fake" power supplies

To: rfi@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [RFI] "Fake" power supplies
From: "Roger (K8RI)" <k8ri@rogerhalstead.com>
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:59:14 -0400
List-post: <rfi@contesting.com">mailto:rfi@contesting.com>
On 3/14/2013 5:41 PM, Dale wrote:
All,

In view of the continuing multiple threads regarding RFI to radio systems from 
various products and their power supplies, here is an article that I think 
sheds some light on the severity of the problem we, and others who need to 
communicate via radio, are facing in today's world:

http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/power-supply-notes/4409903/How-to-avoid-being-ripped-off-when-buying-power-supplies

Note: You will need to copy and paste, since plain text does not support active links.  Once you 
get into the article, be sure to click on the link that takes you to the discussion about the fake 
PFC ("power factor correction") coil.  I was stunned, and angry, as well.  Visions of 
correcting that problem via K9YC's "Bucket Treatment" come immediaetly to mind.

Works just fine as is.


Frankly, while I had seen el sleazo power supplies that probably once had all 
parts in place (long enought to pass testing) and then the EMC components were 
deleted so as to save 50 cents or so per unit in production, I have not run 
into actual fakery as described in this article.  It is bad enough when some 
piece of electronic equipment that you own has junk like this inside, but when 
it ends up in something owned by your neighbor. then the REAL problems set in. 
After all, when you end up with a bad switching supply, you can at least throw 
it in the trash and probably replace it with a homebrew (or maybe surplus) 
linear model that will not affect your ham operations.  When your neighbor gets 
this stuff, it's bad news unless he/she can be convinced to complain to the 
seller or manufacturer that it causes interference (per Part 15) and maybe get 
some response from the FCC (not likely, but maybe).


I think we are running into a semantics problem, these are sold as chargers and they are chargers although pretty much crap.
If they can charge, then they are not fake chargers

If These are being sold as apple hardware? That would make them counterfeit, but not fake chargers unless they don't work at all.

73,

Roger (K8RI)


A point to keep in mind is that reputable product manufacturers may very well 
be selling products that are powered by garbage like what is discussed in this 
article.  (Note the comments about fake UL and FCC labels.)  If they do not 
conduct full EMC tests on the selected product (and most probably will not), 
then the only way that a bad choice in power supply vendor will be known is 
when someone who is sensitive to RFI issues gets burned and yells, a lot.

73, Dale
WA9ENA

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