Reddit reviews Universal Compact Bench Power Supply - 30 Amp Regulated Home Lab Benchtop AC-to-DC Converter w/ 13.8 Volt DC 115/230V AC Switchable, Screw Type Terminals, Cooling Fan - Pyramid PSV300
We found 7 Reddit comments about Universal Compact Bench Power Supply - 30 Amp Regulated Home Lab Benchtop AC-to-DC Converter w/ 13.8 Volt DC 115/230V AC Switchable, Screw Type Terminals, Cooling Fan - Pyramid PSV300. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
CONVERTS AC TO DC: The Pyramid Bench Power Supply features regulated design. Provides convenient and reliable AC-to-DC power conversion w/ constant source of DC voltage. Works w/ cellular phones, CB radio, scanner, HAM radio, etcSCREW-TYPE TERMINALS: Features universal hardwired screw-type connection terminals that ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices, equipments and components. Used for component and device equipment testing, operation and performancePLUG-IN OPERATION: The simple plug-in operation provides a constant source of DC voltage, allowing for quick and consistent power conversion. Switch-activated power control eliminates the need of an external battery or additional power sourceSHORT-CIRCUIT PROTECTION: Equipped w/ built-in electronic overload and short circuit protection to ensure safety of the operator and any connected electrical devices. Has rugged and durable housing construction safe for tabletop or desktop placementBUILT-IN COOLING FAN: The power converter features a built-in cooling fan to prevent the device from overheating. Constant amperage is up to 30 AMP w/ power output of 13.8V DC and 115/230V AC switchable power supply
If I was buying piecemeal, I would buy...
total ~ $1030
So youd save ~$200, but you also wouldnt be getting the LDG tuner ... which is likely where the cost difference is. IMO you dont need the LDG tuner, the built in ATU + fan dipole that is resonant on multiple bands will get you operating on 80,40,20,10 (and maybe even 6).
Alternatively, you can build very simple 40/20 fan dipole for MUCH cheaper than the DX-CC (like ... $50?) so it really depends how much you want it to work "out of the box".
FWIW i bought the dx-cc when i bought my first HF rig (an FT-897d) because I didnt want to mess with antenna stuff a ton before getting on the air. I've been very happy with it.
edit:
to clarify, I think you are better off spending money on an antenna than you are on a tuner.
I will second this. For a small investment ($300+/-), you can get an excellent mobile unit like the Uniden 980SSB that has all the features you'd want or need for a entry level base station, a good antenna such as the Solarcon A-99 or IMAX, and a decent power supply that will run 5A constant for a barefoot (no amp) radio. You should be able to reach out all over your local area (5-10 miles) and talk with few issues, huge buildings and mountains aside of course.
If you want to walk on the wild side and get a small linear amplifier (under 200W), you can expand that range drastically, and even do some very respectable DX work on SSB, like across states or even international communication when the conditions are right. Now, here's the disclaimer... Linear amps ARE illegal. You are legally limited to 4W. I can't LEGALLY justify telling you to use one of these, and do so at your own risk, but many CB users do. And at power levels far exceeding 200W. With very little to no enforcement by the FCC. So take that with a grain of salt.
My base works excellent and is essentially the recipe I've given you. I have made many contacts out of state, and half way across the country. I can hear Mexico from time to time as well. Here's what I have. This would exceed $300, but I added a larger power supply to support an amp, and of course an amp.
Uniden 980SSB -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007B5ZAES/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IqHqDb8ECS0SF
Solarcon A-99 -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JT550G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_vrHqDb7YAXWBZ
Pyramid PSV-300 Power Supply -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPT4TK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fsHqDb88K4CGP
RM Italy KL203P Linear Amplifier -
https://www.newegg.com/p/0TF-0002-00001
Basically nothing inexpensive. I've used this power supply in a production environment running 24/7 for ~1.5 years now, but of course you don't get programmable voltage and current.
I've been using the extech 382275 as my primary bench supply for awhile now. It falls a little short of what you need, but I think it's as close as you'll get for <$1k. As an additional note, the output capacitor is not included in the current control loop, and there's no over current protection, so you can inadvertently dump a shitload of current through your device if you're not paying attention.
I have a this car amp and a 4 ohm 400w rms Focal car subwoofer sitting around and want to use in my house. Will this power supply be sufficient? Will I need anything else to to make it work?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPT4TK/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_B6ldvb1QH60FQ
Plenty of power for a radio and amp
I run 2 sony xplod 12's on a 400 watt orion amp in my shop and and a kicker l7 in my room on an 800W kenwood amp to cover my addiction to proper bass. It's all car audio stuff. And my neighbors can feel it if it is turned up much at all.
The biggest barrier is getting enough 12v current to handle a car amp. 250W really isnt bad though. Thats well within the capabilities of many modern pc power supply's 12v outputs. You would need to make sure that the PSU can can output at least 25 amps at 12v (this gives ~4 amps over the max power draw of the amplifier)
Look up using a PC PSU as a 12v supply for info on how to turn those PSU's on. 12v is 12v. As long as you can supply enough current, the amp will be very happy. In fact it will be more stable than any power supply that amp was intended to run on.
VERY IMPORTANT: Put a 25A fuse inline between the PSU and the amp for safety. 20+ amps can catch things on fire real quick if it shorts and a fuse can save your house.
For ease and cost you might wanna look at just a 12v power supply like https://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Compact-Supply-Converter-PSV300/dp/B000NPT4TK
You still need a fuse!
Check out: http://www.bcae1.com/ for loads of info on car audio wiring. Everything applies to this setup it's just in a house instead of a car.
You might try a bench power supply:
https://www.amazon.ca/Pyramid-PSV300-Heavy-duty-Switching-Supply/dp/B000NPT4TK/
You'll need to pay careful attention to electrical safety and cooling.