Just got my GPDX and now need power for it. The manual says 12 volt battery or 12 volt ac adapter that has capacity for 2 amperes. I saw one in the store that only had 500 ma and was guessing that wasn't enough. Recommendations? Thanks
Power supply GPDX
Started by Grumpy_one, 03/09/2008 01:14AM
Posted 03/09/2008 01:14AM
Opening Post
Posted 03/09/2008 11:54PM
#1
David,
I've had very good luck using Astron 12 VDC power supplies for my amateur radio equipment over the past several years. They are well regulated, and come in a variety of ratings from 4 amp/hr to well over 50-60 amp/hrs (not that you'd need the latter). You can also get them in linear (transformer-based) or switching types (like a computer power supply). The linear power supplies are heavier because of the weight of the transformer, but I prefer them for use with electronics because they generate less electronic "noise" than switching supplies. A 4-amp/hr Astron is ~$40 from either of the two major national ham radio vendors (Amateur Electronic Supply www.aeshame.com and Ham Radio Outlet www.hamradio.com). I would suggest getting at least a 7-amp/hr unit, or possibly a 10 or 12-amp/hr to have the capacity for future needs such as dew heaters, etc. Either of these vendors also sell nifty power distribution strips which can be used with any 12 VDC power supply and which provide individual plugs or binding posts for several pieces of 12 VDC equipment.
I would avoid the blocky wall-wart type power supplies or adapters which plug directly into a 110V outlet because they are seldom regulated, plus they typically max out at around 500 mA (1/2 amp).
Jim
I've had very good luck using Astron 12 VDC power supplies for my amateur radio equipment over the past several years. They are well regulated, and come in a variety of ratings from 4 amp/hr to well over 50-60 amp/hrs (not that you'd need the latter). You can also get them in linear (transformer-based) or switching types (like a computer power supply). The linear power supplies are heavier because of the weight of the transformer, but I prefer them for use with electronics because they generate less electronic "noise" than switching supplies. A 4-amp/hr Astron is ~$40 from either of the two major national ham radio vendors (Amateur Electronic Supply www.aeshame.com and Ham Radio Outlet www.hamradio.com). I would suggest getting at least a 7-amp/hr unit, or possibly a 10 or 12-amp/hr to have the capacity for future needs such as dew heaters, etc. Either of these vendors also sell nifty power distribution strips which can be used with any 12 VDC power supply and which provide individual plugs or binding posts for several pieces of 12 VDC equipment.
I would avoid the blocky wall-wart type power supplies or adapters which plug directly into a 110V outlet because they are seldom regulated, plus they typically max out at around 500 mA (1/2 amp).
Jim
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