Amateur Radio Power Supply Designs and Modifications
Find schematics, conversion guides, and testing procedures for building and adapting power supplies for ham radio equipment.
Reliable power is essential for any amateur radio station, whether running a QRP transceiver or a high-power amplifier. Hams often build or modify power supplies to meet specific voltage and current needs for their equipment, ensuring stable operation during QSOs and contests. This category covers various approaches to powering ham radio gear, from simple regulated supplies to complex high-voltage units.
Operators can find schematics and build guides for homebrew projects, including designs for multi-functional variable power supplies and high-current units for 100-watt transceivers. Many resources focus on converting readily available PC power supplies, like ATX PSUs, into stable 13.8V DC sources for ham equipment. There are also technical details and modification tips for popular commercial units, such as Astron power supplies, helping operators maintain and optimize their station's power infrastructure.
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Project for a 12 volt, 30 ampere Power Supply Unit -
Two types of home-brewed 12/20 Ampere 13,8volt power supplies, including detailed part lists by ON6MU -
13.8 V 15A from a PC power supply -
20/22 Ampere or 30/32 Ampere 13.8 volts power supply RE-PSF14A20 or PSF14A30 by ON6MU -
Converting Computer Power Supplies (PSU) to stabilized 13.8 V DC 20 A -
This little project will make a portable 28 Volt DC power supply using two 12 Volt, 4.5 Ah rechargeable lead-acid batteries -
Schematic of a regulated 0-24v 2A Power Supply -
What do you do with a bunch of old computer power supplies? -
ON6MU 4 A power supply using a BDX33 -
Schematic for a 4 AMP / 18V regulated power supply, designed by ON6MU. Features include voltage regulation for stable output. -
A 13,8v/5Amp 78H05 based power supply for portable use. In this example used to power up a Yaesu FT-817 -
Need a variable power supply that is short circuit protected and over voltage protected; Here is a good one that can be built cheap by VE3IVJ -
Dchematics and photos of a secure power supply (short-cut, Rf feedback, high voltage etc.) by iz7ath -
VU3NSH article on high current universal supply for rigs -
Technical and modification information on Astron Power Supplies compiled from a number of different sources by Mike Morris WA6ILQ -
Annotated schematic for the Astron RS35m power supply, detailing rectifier and pass transistor sections. Includes notes from QST's "Hands-On Radio" -
13.8 V / 15 A from a PC Power Supply in German -
Convert a PC power supply for your ham radio transceiver -
PC power supply conversion for ham radio use. Slide show overview showing how convert PC Power supplies to ham radio use presented at the August 2007 FSARC meeting. -
This page describes a DC to DC voltage converter, pretty simple, for currents up to 500 mA by sv1bsx -
High Voltage Supply for GS 35B Amplifier -
The practice of converting computer server power supplies to make a very high quality high power supply at low cost is attractive. It doesn't normally require any modification to the supply but the hard part is figuring out how to trick them into turning on. -
How to obtain a dual voltage without a transformer -
This article documents the modification of 2 types of Hewlett Packard switching power supplies to enable their use as power sources for ham radio equipment -
Two types of multi-functional Home-brew 6/8Amps - 20 Ampere variable power supplies by ON6MU -
Converting A PC Power supply for Amateur Equipment -
13,8 v / 1 A power supplies using the UA78 series by ON6MU -
A good overview article on power supplies by Karl Shoemaker AK2O of the Spokane Repeater Group -
Testing a linear regulated power supply using headlight bulbs for loading. -
N1HFX article on adjustable voltage regulator -
The purpose of this project is to build a smart switch A smart swith is a swith that needs a short press and the power will be turned ON. -
1.2-30V 1.5A variable regulated power supply -
for those times when you have a 28v relay, but want to use it with a 12v source -
These pricey battery-powered devices are the only type of generator that can be used indoors safely. The article reviews pro and cons of power stations evaluating runtime, power delivery, power quality, ease of use, and noise. -
A 600 volts power supply for QRO -
Schematic diagram for a high voltage power supply by W4NFR -
In this article we share a useful and simple project to convert an unneeded car power cable to an Anderson PowerPole adapter. -
Converting a PC Switching Power Supply to 13.5V by AA3SJ -
A DC buss distribution box, make it yourself for less than $10 -
An High voltage power supply design by F1FRV -
The article describes how to build a 12V emergency power supply for amateur radio stations. Starting with a basic jump-start system, the author upgraded it using a Group 27 deep-cycle battery and a 45W photovoltaic solar system, adding connectors and outputs for various devices. The system is portable, affordable (under $100), and capable of powering a station for 20 hours. The author emphasizes keeping batteries charged with a float charger and offers assistance to fellow club members interested in building their own power supply. -
Variable Power Supply for the bench -
+/- 15 V, 1.5 A power supply project -
A linear regulated power supply 2A, 20 V designed mainly to get used to soldering and have something usefull as final result. -
A project of a linear regulated for low noise power supply 16v, 10A -
Guide on selecting power supplies for portable ham radio operations, covering types, features, and considerations for field use. -
Power supply from 3 to 30 V with an L200 IC by dl5dbm -
Notes on the Troubleshooting and Repair of Small Switchmode Power Supplies -
how I learned to stop worrying and love the magic smoke -
This is a great project to learn about the basics of electronics, batteries, and renewable energy. The finished project can charge a phone or tablet, light up a camp-site, and provide for whatever other small electric needs you have. -
Switching Regulator Basics By Mike Martell N1HFX -
1.2 to 30 Volts 1.5 Amps Power Supply