Solarbird Mar 5

DC light ON ^_^

#AmateurRadio #GMRS #3dPrinting #PowerSupply

Show threadSolarbird Mar 5

very pleased to have got the little retention post at the blank end of the power supply (on the right front corner) pretty much exactly right the first try ^_^

the dowel in back (slightly visible here, more visible on the other side) is the other retention clip.

anyway the switch LED is powered by actual DC power out, the switch controls AC power in so the power supply is completely actually off when it's in "off" position, not just in standby or something. (It uses like 1.4 watts in standby so it's not like it's a lot, but why use any when you don't have to?)

#PowerSupply #3dPriting #GMRS

Show threadSolarbird Mar 5

Also I used an automotive connector output on the power supply so the radio can be pluged in and unplugged more easily. There was already a different kind of automotive-style power connector installed on the radio's power wire already, and I could've just wired that in I guess, but that'd've left the cable pretty sure and I decided in favour of having more length in case I need it.

Also I don't know which connector if either is more common so if I ever want to hook this up in some kind of car/mobile situation it'd be nice to have options I guess.

Show threadTroubleMar 5
@moira one of the radio companies we rent from gives us "base stations" that mount the power supply underneath the radio for space savings. Of course they use a nice commercial case to do this (exactly the right width) but you could build something simple like a metal u bracket bent into the right size. The power supply also acts like a weight, holding it in place when you push buttons on the front. Enjoy!
Show threadSolarbird 
@trouble I thought about doing that! But I worry about heat dispersion. So far the power supply has seemed untaxed by this radio, though, and the radio has similarly remained nice and cool, so maybe I'll make something like that.
Mar 5 at 6:24pmWeb
Show threadTroubleMar 5
@moira a 1 inch gap between the two should provide plenty of space for air to circulate. As long as you are not transmitting continuously for minutes at a time it will be fine
Show threadSolarbird Mar 5
@trouble There will be a time when I trust this power supply. This is not yet that time. xD