JConatser wrote:
Looks like a bigger Amp version is available for a few dollars more... more info here:
Some reviews...
A ham radio reviewer...
The seller's web site...
You just provided me with one of those duhhh moments :S. I have in my ham radio collection an Icom IC-725 that requires a 25 amp power supply to run full output power. I have always used a fully regulated 15 amp bench supply when I used the radio in the shack and reduced output power or hooked up a battery parallel with the supply for full power. Why the heck didn't I try my 75 amp unit (previously pictured) or get one of these? NO, they are not as well filtered, meaning some AC ripple will be there, but the power for the dollar is fantastic. Ripple itself does NOT interfere with battery charging and if you hook a battery parallel to this unit the battery will eliminate any AC ripple that makes a radio buzz. Accurate digital meters to monitor voltage come in at under $10 - sometimes free with a coupon from Harbor Freight Tools.
There was reference that the power factor was .7 to .75. Not what I would hope for but better than the run-of-the-mill OEM charger/converters installed in the majority of our towable RVs. I still feel it might be a good, inexpensive portable
fast charger if one set the voltage output to 14 or 14.5 volts. Dropping to 13.5 would be safer, but slower.
On edit - the guy in the second link is a CBer, not a HAM. While it does sound like he knows what he is talking about, a 300 watt amplifier is completely illegal on CB and one of the main reasons the "band" became useless to those trying to abide by the FCC rules. I get the fur on my back up when a CBer is called a HAM - lots of difference between a rouge, illegal radio operator with no license and one that has passed a technical test and has a valid FCC license. Sorry - just my feelings.
