Crazy question

[Falkon MX-5]

Okay, I just thought of this. I have multiple computer power supplies just laying around that do 400 watts. Could I not in principal hook my radio up to one of these and use it as a base? I mean, that's a good 30 amps there! Hmm.. I also have rack mount power supplies that are thin and do 300 watts. I wonder if I could run two of them and power the radio.

Has anyone tried this? I figure the worst thing that could happen is I overdraw the power supply wires for current, BUT! The wires on mine are about 12 gauge anyway, so they should be fine.

[Rex_foxhound]

I was going to post the same question but you beat me to it. :Peace!:

[Phaze91460]

I dont even remember the formula for watts to amps but I believe the output of a 400-450 computer power supply is about 15 amps. That should be enough to power a standard 10 meter radio. probibly not something like the Galaxy 95T or Connex 4600 turbo.

[Rex_foxhound]

Does anybody know what would have to be done to one to get it to work with a radio?

[DAYDREAMER]

I've run a CB from a 12V, 10A, 120 watt brick style power supply out of a coin-op video game before with no ill effect. Probably didn't get max power, but, it worked.

[Falkon MX-5]

I found out this will cause hella interference, because the computer power supplies are switching. According to Ohm's law, 400 watts would be in the 30 amp range, BUT I forgot that those amperages are split between +5 volts and +3.3 volts on the power supply as well. I read the side, and it'll do about 15 amps, but if it's gonna cause noise, there's no point.

I guess sometime soon I'll be in the market for a power supply.

[Rex_foxhound]

Thanks for the info. Guess I'll have to get a new one myself.

[Falkon MX-5]

Well, I found out they DO make switching power supplies for radio, so I say the hell with theory, I'm just gonna hook it up and see what happens!

If I find out my budget power works, heck I'll look into dropping the cash on an antenna, antenna tuner, and whatever else I'd need.

[Falkon MX-5]

Well, I hooked my ranger up to that power supply with no antenna, and it sounded like a radio. I don't know if the antenna will make a huge difference.

[herbman]

looks like it's been done, not necessarily for radio

check this out: [Please login or register to view this link]

[Phaze91460]

Interesting, wonder if putting some caps in there would help stabalize the output voltage.