[CQ-Contest] Switcher Supplies

[Kimo Chun]

I have used the Samlex SEC1223 and Astron 25 and 30A switchers
on several DXpeditions. I've used them on 240V (the Samlex) and 120V
both on foreign commercial mains and on generators.

I have had a number of failures of the Samlex and a couple on the Astron.
However, I cannot attribute the failures to specific causes except possible
WX and environment exposure to the Astrons (Kingman Reef).

I like the Astrons for their meters which can help sometimes in
troubleshooting (or assurance monitoring) in the field. I had one failure
of the set-screw head of the DC power connector. I'll be interfacing a
RigRunner DC strip stuck on top for distribution (though I dislike their
using the same rated Anderson Powerpole connector for the input
as all the outputs...and wonder about their marketing/sales strategy
of telling people that, "It's okay- they'll handle a lot more current than
the manufacturer rates them at". Can we read, "Sue job". Granted, we
are not likely to have problems in typical amateur usage.

I like the Samlex for the their small size, weight and price. When I
convert them to 240V I put a label outside noting that fact and
cable tie the jumper inside to some adjacent wiring so it won't get
lost and is available.

I would still buy either model but so far have had better luck with the
Astrons. I don't have any experience with other brands other than
the internal switcher supplies that Icom used to sell for the IC751/745,
etc. For awhile those where the only ones available until the Samlex
and another one from Electro Automation? (don't recall the name)
came out.

73, Kimo Chun  KH7U


--- StripMime Report -- processed MIME parts ---
multipart/alternative
  text/plain (text body -- kept)
  text/html
---