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View Full Version : Transistor amps used on base and the power suppies to run them



Missouri 69
04-08-2012, 06:23 PM
I have run several transistor amplifiers on my base setups. Everything from 1 transistor up to 16 transistor amplifiers. I relly like Texas star amplifiers and currently have a Mod V [2 transistor], a TS DX500 [4 transistor] and a TS DX1600 [8 transistor] but I also run several other brands ,,,a couple of 1driving 4 amps for my low drive radios[ RCI 2950DX etc] and for serious talking a couple of Messenger 2 K [ 2 driving 16] these I have had Peak a boo {maker of JOKER amps} go thru and redo the bias and generally work them over.

To power the transistor amps , I find you generally need 10 amps per 100 watts output. for example a texa star DX500 would need about 50 amps to run it...IF you use a low dead key you can sometimes get by with a smaller power supply.. I have run a TS DX1600 on a 55 amp power supply but never dead keyed more than 300 watts, letting the TS 1600 swing to a 1000 watts, I do not reccomend this but have done it my self..

For the past 5 years , I have been using switching power supplies, much lighter, than Astron, pyrimid, etc supplies and much cheaper. I usualy buy them from ebay http://motors.shop.ebay.com/RV-Trail...nverter&_dct=1 (http://motors.shop.ebay.com/RV-Trailer-Camper-Parts-/50067/i.html?_fxd=1&_cat=50070&PartType8182f47=Interior25da19d0&_dmpt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&_pcats=50067%2C34285%2C6028%2C6000&_rkw=converter&_dct=1)
My favorite size and brand is http://www.ebay.com/itm/Progressive-...sories&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Progressive-Dynamics-80-amp-PD9280-Power-Converter-RV-/180858580305?hash=item2a1c02ed51&item=180858580305&pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr)
These 80 amp supplies run my Texas star DX1600 fine and I stack 4 in parallel to run my 16 transistor Messenger 2K , that gives me 320 amps to run it . You can usually find 55 amp power suppies for about $100 and they will run a 4 transistor amp or my RCI 2970N2 radios fine..

doughboy
04-08-2012, 08:49 PM
thats good to know i didnt know if those switching supplies could handle the initial surge when you key up i must say they are probably a 1/4 the weight or less of the transformer based supplies

BIGDADDY
07-12-2012, 06:47 PM
about as good as tits on boar hog!!!! Tubes is the only way...

white knite
09-04-2012, 12:32 AM
I've been running a Pride 400 4xMRF454 with an old car battery and a small 1 amp trickle charger. It works well enogh but my battery is getting to the point that it drops from 13.8 volts to 12-12.5 when I key up. I need a battery sale so I can get a new one for my amp. I'm still getting 325-350 out of that little box.

white knite
09-04-2012, 12:41 AM
I checked out that E-bay link and that RV charger/supply looks good and would be a good addition to my set-up.

Grim Reaper
11-30-2012, 01:48 AM
after you buy a new battery get a 3 or 4 amp trickle chasrger to help prolong battery life and faster recovery ratesShift+R improves the quality of this image. Shift+A improves the quality of all images on this page.

NY714
02-08-2013, 10:26 AM
Mega-watt makes switching power supplies also, heard were good. I usually prefer running the astron 70's regulated ones parallel in line together

CBRN38
02-09-2013, 08:48 PM
123 IL builds some large switching power supplies. He just finished a 600 amp version.
609-350-4798

scooter71nc
03-27-2013, 12:02 PM
Yep 123 Builds a heck of a power supply. I have one myself and love it he is also building me another one as we speak. He will stand behind anything he builds great guy to deal with

NY714
03-27-2013, 02:37 PM
Yep 123 Builds a heck of a power supply. I have one myself and love it he is also building me another one as we speak. He will stand behind anything he builds great guy to deal with

I have to check out the 123 power supplies and amps hearing alot of good things

Tallman
04-17-2013, 10:38 PM
Mega-watt makes switching power supplies also, heard were good. I usually prefer running the astron 70's regulated ones parallel in line togetherThat is the set up I'm running. Two 400 watt power supplies with the diode isolator. Total cost about $170.00. Rock solid and they back up their warranty. One thing I'll tell you keep leaky coax away from the power supplies. The rf will drive the regulator circuits crazy. Changed out some coax added a couple of ferrite beads and I'm good to go.