17-09-2019, 06:56 PM
(This post was last modified: 17-09-2019, 07:00 PM by Mike Watterson.)
PC ATX PSU The 5V is the main regulated O/P. Needs a 2A load!
Also the 12V is a bit low for ham or CB gear intended for running off a car battery. It's fine for stuff needing a REAL +12V. I've used a 12V car headlamp bulb as 5V load. Without sufficient load the +12V can be as low as +10.5V
The later PSUs with 3.3V O/Ps are not suitable.
Two best solutions are:
1) A proper PSU for 13.8V or 14V
Or
2) A smart charger and "Calcium tech" car/truck battery. The SLA gel batteries are not suitable for higher currents of transmitters, only receivers, unless you want a short life battery.
The 12V only type (used for Lunch box Form Factor PCs originally) are no use without modification. TX/RX gear intended for car/truck is OK on +12V only for RX but needs 13.7V to 14.2V for TX. Modern vehicles with engine running are closer to 14.2 than traditional 13.8 (older lead acid needing top up with distilled water).
Also the 12V is a bit low for ham or CB gear intended for running off a car battery. It's fine for stuff needing a REAL +12V. I've used a 12V car headlamp bulb as 5V load. Without sufficient load the +12V can be as low as +10.5V
The later PSUs with 3.3V O/Ps are not suitable.
Two best solutions are:
1) A proper PSU for 13.8V or 14V
Or
2) A smart charger and "Calcium tech" car/truck battery. The SLA gel batteries are not suitable for higher currents of transmitters, only receivers, unless you want a short life battery.
The 12V only type (used for Lunch box Form Factor PCs originally) are no use without modification. TX/RX gear intended for car/truck is OK on +12V only for RX but needs 13.7V to 14.2V for TX. Modern vehicles with engine running are closer to 14.2 than traditional 13.8 (older lead acid needing top up with distilled water).
