...power supplies...

[WH7DA]

I'd like to round out my options for powering my FT-7800R, with a power supply so that I can use it while sitting in my house.

However, after some browsing online, I am more confused than not.

There are switching power supplies and linear power supplies.

What do I need?

About the only thing I was able to figure out is that it needs to supply >8.5A continuous, as the 7800 draws 8.5A to transmit.

Anyone knowledgeable on power supplies? Any recommendations?

Thanks.

[m0bov]

If its for FM then a switch mode will be fine, its compact and light. A standard PSU will be much heavier and larger, but will create much less noise on the bands and they also run a bit cooler.

[avdrummerboy]

Either one will work. Astron has good supplies (linear) as well as many companies who make switching power supplies.

[m3wse]

do what I do for my FT-7800: take a computer ATX power supply, (not connected to a computer) and cut one yellow wire and one black wire from any connector (I use the auxiliary 12v line because my computer that I took it out of doesnt use that so I can go back to using that if I want to) and connect the red lead rom the FT-7800 to the yellow lead and the black lead to the other black lead.

Now short the "on" pin (I think it's pin 14 - look it up on the net) to a black lead, and apply power to the supply, and enjoy. It is very well regulated at 12v - within the spec of the FT-7800. (my supply has a charge on the mains plug if its unplugged while the PSU is off via it's black switch on the back - that is probably just my faulty PSU though, though I discovered this charge the painful way! - touch both plug pins to the case at the same time if you're worried, it disarms it.)

[WH7DA]

That is exactly what I'm going to do! I happen to have 3 unused ATX power supplies laying around in my garage. I put together a list of links to instructions on how to do this. http://wh7da.wordpress.com/2008/01/06/b ... er-supply/

Do you have any other advice or recommendations before I try this?

[WH7DA]

I did it! I built a power supply out of an old computer ATX power supply. Tested it and it works great!

http://wh7da.wordpress.com/2008/01/08/b ... er-supply/

Thanks for the idea, m3wse!

73's

[2e0sql]

Nice! Good way of reusing old computer parts!

[m3wse]

yeah, I saw a lot of links like that, but my way literally involved cutting 2 wires. (it's not 13.8v but its 12v - still in the spec of the ft-7800)

[ei7gnb]

:P would never have thought about using old computer PS' but i suppose it goes with today's 3 Rs : Reduce, Reuse and Recycle :mrgreen:

[KC4UMO]

The pc supply works good on most occasions with newer equipment. However a lot of older radios do not like them.
Since they are switching supplies they tend to have more noise than other supplies.

Since you do not seem to have any problems I say good job. Remember that part of homebrewing means use what you have around.