[TenTec] Astron and TenTec rigs (Paragon)

[Kim Elmore]

I've had an Astron power supply for years, marketed under the name 
"Westcom." It's an RS-35A. At one time, all my equipment was close to 
my tower, which I shunt-fed for 160 m and when I used 160 m, the 
power supply had all sorts of problems.  I removed the original 
regulator board and replaced it with an "RFI-proof" regulator out of 
the ARRL Handbook. The PC board is available from FAR circuits (I 
doubt that it's still available as this was a long time ago). After 
doing that, I never had another problem even at high power (which was 
only about 700 W).  I concluded that the regulator board was simply 
prone to RFI and I'd guess that this is the problem you're experiencing.

Unfortunately, you'll probably have to experiment quite a bit to find the fix.

Kim Elmore, N5OP

At 08:26 AM 11/5/2006, you wrote:
>I seem to recall some users reporting problems with Astron PS's and tentec
>gear (though for the life of me, I can't recall the details). I'm having a
>problem in that using a 50A Astron (new filter cap) results in a raspy CW
>sidetone note... sounds like 60hz but I cant be sure. It happens only when
>on higher powers (>60watts) on all antennas (including dummy load) on all
>coax, etc etc.
>
>When I switch to a different supply (in this case, another Astron as bench
>supply) all is well. The Omni VI that sits next to the Paragon on the
>operating table has no issues. Swapping all cables with the perfectly
>working Omni results in no change...Omni stays good, Para bad.
>
>The Para has just made a round trip to Tentec and has a clean bill of health.
>
>The Para and omni is being fed through identical TT magnetic breakers.
>
>Ideas? I'm stumped. I've got other supplies to use, but there should be no
>reason for this!
>
>John K5MO
>
>
>
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