Are you looking for the best ham radio power supply? If so, then this article is perfect for you! We will discuss 8 different power supplies designed to meet your needs. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly options to higher-end models with more features in this post. Whatever level of product you’re looking for, there’s bound to be something here that suits your needs!
Here’s the shortlist to save your time
Top 8 Best Ham Radio Power Supplies Reviewed
Features:
- Input Voltage: AC 100-240V 50/60Hz
- Output Voltage: 0~30V DC
- Current Output: 30Amp MAX
- Power Consumption: 360W MAX
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 4.5 x 3 inches (24.1 x 11.4 x 7.6 cm
The DC Power Supply is a small, lightweight, and portable power supply that provides stable DC voltage output with a high current of up to 30Amp. It can be used to operate many kinds of electrical devices such as CB radio, HAM radio, HF/VHF ham radio, scanner, etc. The noise-offset control allows you to adjust the pulse noise from the power supply. There is also an overload protection function to protect the device from overheating or overcurrent damage.
Features:
- Max current output of 50A
- Adjustable voltage control knob
- Cigarette plug
- 12VDC battery clips
- Output voltage can be adjusted from 9 to 15 VDC
The TekPower TP50SW 50 Amp 13.8V Analog DC Power Supply with Cigarette Plug is a highly stable power supply for Ham/CB radio. It features a max current output of 50A, and it comes with an adjustable voltage control knob, cigarette plug, and 12VDC battery clips. The output voltage can be adjusted from 9 to 15 VDC by turning the knob on the back of the unit.
Features:
- Regulated design
- Convenient and reliable AC-to-DC power conversion
- Works with cellular phones, CB radio, scanner, HAM radio, etc.
- Features universal hardwired screw-type connection terminals
- Simple plug-in operation
The Pyramid Bench Power Supply features a regulated design. Provides convenient and reliable AC-to-DC power conversion w/ constant DC voltage source. Works w/ cellular phones, CB radio, scanner, HAM radio, etc. Features universal hardwired screw-type connection terminals that ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices, equipment, and components. Used for component and device equipment testing, operation and performance The simple plug-in operation provides a constant DC voltage source, allowing quick and consistent power conversion.
Features:
- Thermal shutdown for safety
- Overall length of 4 inches
- Height of 2 inches
- Easy to fit into tight spaces or mount behind equipment on a PC board.
The TekPower TP30SWI switching power supply is a high-quality, medium output DC power supply with noise offset. This unit can be used in many applications where a 13.8V DC fixed voltage source is needed. The TP30SWI has an overall length of 4 inches and a height of 2 inches, making it easy to fit into tight spaces or mount behind equipment on a PC board. The TP30SWI has a 30 Amp continuous current output with short circuit protection and thermal shutdown for safety.
Features:
- Variable linear/regulated design
- Constant source of DC voltage
- Two (2) USB charge ports
- Universal banana plug connection terminals
- Tests device/equipment operation and performance
This bench DC power supply is a variable linear/regulated design. Provides reliable AC-to-DC power conversion w/ constant source of DC voltage. Works w/ cellular phones, CB radio, scanner, HAM radio, etc. This workbench variable power converter features two (2) USB charge ports and universal banana plug connection terminals compatible w/ a wide range of devices/equipment. It is used to test device/equipment operation and performance.
Features:
- 30Amp maximum current output
- 9-15Volt DC adjustable voltage
- 13.8V at full load
- Built-in noise blanker to reduce ignition interference from everyday household items
- CE and RoHS compliant
- The TP30SWII is an affordable and reliable power solution for your next project!
The TP30SWII is an adjustable DC power supply with a 30A maximum current output. The DC voltage can be adjusted from 9-15V, and the power supply will provide 13.8V at full load. This DC switching power supply is perfect for your ham or CB radio projects! The TP30SWII has a built-in noise blanker to reduce ignition interference from everyday household items such as; computers, fluorescent lights, etc.
Features:
- Active PFC (power factor correction) circuit
- Converts 120V AC to 12VDC
- Variable voltage knob for precise voltage control
- Screw terminals for easy connections
- Can deliver up to 9 amps of current at 12 volts of DC
The Pyramid PS9KX Universal Compact Bench Power Supply is a high-quality benchtop power supply that converts 120V AC to 12VDC. The unit features screw terminals for easy connections and a variable voltage knob for precise voltage control. It has an active PFC (power factor correction) circuit that provides clean output waveforms and low line noise, making it ideal for testing or operating equipment with sensitive electronics. This model can deliver up to 9 amps of current at 12 volts of DC.
Features:
- 23A max current output
- DC 13.8V fix output
- Cigarette plug
- Compact and lightweight design
- Overload and short circuit protection
This is a DC Power Supply for Ham/CB Radio. It has 23A MaxCurrent Output and DC 13.8V Fix Output, with a Cigarette Plug. The TP350 power supply provides an easy way to power your radio equipment while mobile or at home. The TP350 features a voltage output of 13.8 volts and can deliver up to 23 amps of current (300 watts). The cigarette lighter plug allows you to power the device from any standard 12-volt cigarette lighter receptacle found in cars, trucks, boats, and other vehicles.
5 Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Ham Radio Power Supplies
1. How much power do you need?
Before buying a ham radio power supply, the first consideration is how much power your equipment needs. This can vary depending on the wattage of the transmitter, receiver, and any accessories you may have. Remember that the higher the wattage, the more power the device will require when looking at ratings. A good rule of thumb is to buy a power supply with a higher rating than your devices combined. This will ensure that you have enough power to operate your equipment as you upgrade and add more devices.
2. What type of power supply do you need?
Next is what type of power supply your equipment requires – AC or DC. AC/DC supplies can be found in many different voltages for various needs. If the radio only operates on a specific voltage, make sure to purchase a supply that matches it exactly or has an adjustable output if possible. Some radios will allow you to use either AC or DC power with them by using an adapter cable called an “SBB-25”. This allows you to use 12 VDC from an external battery instead of 120 VAC, which may be impossible or inconvenient to find in some locations.
3. What features are important to you?
When looking for a ham radio power supply, you will need to pay attention to some of the features it offers. Here are some factors to consider: Voltage Regulation – You don’t want your voltages to fluctuate or drop out when the supply is under load. Inverters with large voltage drops might not produce enough current, which can cause damage to your equipment. One feature of high-quality power supplies is zero/grounding leakage current protection. This will help avoid unnecessary costs from damage and operation downtime from repairs. Noise Filtering reduces power line noise picked up by the unit either through long AC wiring runs or poor utility conditions in some geographic areas. This will prevent emissions from being radiated from the supply, which could cause interference with other devices.
4. How portable do you need it to be?
If you are a mobile operator, then you will need a power supply that is small and lightweight so it can easily be transported. Supplies that come with built-in battery chargers are ideal for this purpose as they can keep your battery charged while you are on the go. You should also look for a power supply with an AC/DC adapter so you can use it with a wide variety of radios.
5. What is your budget?
Last but not least, always consider what your budget is when buying ham radio equipment. Power supplies can range in price from around $50 to well over $200, and it’s best to buy one that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
3 Benefits of Ham Radio Power Supplies
1. Reliability
A good ham radio power supply will be highly reliable, meaning it will not fail often and handle heavy loads without issue. This is important for those who rely on their radios for communication during emergencies or other critical situations.
2. Efficiency
A good ham radio power supply will also be efficient, meaning it will not waste energy and run cool even when under a heavy load. This is important for those who need to keep their radios running for extended periods.
3. Versatility
Finally, a good ham radio power supply will be versatile, meaning it will work with various radios. This is important for those who have multiple radios or want to upgrade their radio in the future.
Final word
That concludes our list of the top 8 Ham Radio Power Supplies. Which one did you like best? Did we miss any that your ham radio power supply needs? Let us know in the comments!