I recently won a power supply in a raffle!... It now appears time to upgrade so that I can use this thing, which means my $2 worth of raffle tickets is going to end up costing me $100's. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Ah I was going to upgrade anyway, but really the first thing I need to do is determine exactly what a power supply is for. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Basically, when I finally purchase the radio I've been wanting and I would like to use it in my house instead of just in my rig, this is the piece of electronics that would make that possible, right?

It's a $130 item so even if I sell it and put the money towards my radio I'm a seriously happy camper. Heck, I paid for my two raffle tickets with quarters and was laughed at, but it was worth it!

Samlex America Model SEC 1235M
Switching DC Power Supply
30 AMPS @ 13.8 VDC
Product Link





So, are there any easy disconnect vehicle mounting kits? Cause I'm not in my truck that often (as much as I'd like) and it would be nice to have the radio available for home use.

I have used the flat 4-conductor trailer wiring for quick-disconnects that are easy to plug and unplug.

Other than that, there are various crimp style quick disconnect connections that you can get at Home Depot.

Samlex makes good stuff.. Have used it in commercial applications and am using one of their N+1 high reliability systems to power repeaters on a TV tower, 1000 feet up on the communications platform..

Internal temperatures in the cabinets on the tower gets up to 140 degrees in the summer time and no failures to date.

that looks like the ticket to run your mobile unit at home.
i understand alot of people use mobile units as base stations.
the trick will be to make it easy to get in and out of your rig. i wanna see what you come up with.

it is easy to do.

put your power supply in a convienant place and get it ready with your antenna.

the unit that i installed in my rig is very easy to remove and transport into the house.

two thumb screws. one phone jack. one speaker wire. power/neg connector. and that is it.

i went outside and removed my unit in less than a minute and hooked it back up about as quick.


so depending on your installation. you could easily remove the Ham Radio you buy from your rig and bring it inside the house for home operation easy.

if you want to sell the power supply. i would buy it.

:0

Good info, thanks everyone. The disconnect doesn't sound too difficult, so I'm pretty sure I'll be keeping the power supply.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Now all I have to do is decide on a radio, which has proven hard because my eyes are bigger than my wallet. I might end up posting up another thread for that, or at least I'll let you know what I end up getting.

Whatever radio you get will have replacement connectors available. Just duplicate your mobile connection at home.