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I'm looking into purchasing a mobile radio (TYT TH-9800) for my Jeep Wrangler. I am hoping to be able to use it in my apartment as well.

Since I'm going to need a power supply for this, I think it would be great to pick one up that can double as a variable lab supply (since I don't yet own one and would like to use it for tinkering and other projects).

The non-variable one recommended was http://www.amazon.com/23-Amp-Desktop-Switching-Power-Supply/dp/B0002D6KOU

Can you suggest a power supply that might be a good choice for this? Will I need special cables to connect my mobile radio to my PS?

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  • $\begingroup$ Product recommendations are off-topic here. Please edit your question to be purely about the general idea and "what should I look for" and not ask for suggestions. $\endgroup$
    – Kevin Reid AG6YO ♦
    Oct 19, 2015 at 16:47
  • $\begingroup$ Also, to quickly answer your last sub-question since it's independent: your radio will likely come with bare wire ends. You are expected to attach appropriate connectors yourself. Common choices are 1/4" ring terminals (for binding posts as most power supplies have) or Anderson PowerPole connectors. $\endgroup$
    – Kevin Reid AG6YO ♦
    Oct 19, 2015 at 17:27
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    $\begingroup$ I think you'll find that a "good" regulated lab supply that can supply 20+ amps is going to cost more than a fixed voltage 20A supply plus a lab regulated 3 - 5A supply, so unless you really need the high amperage in a variable supply, you might be better off with two separate power supplies. $\endgroup$
    – Johnny
    Oct 20, 2015 at 5:25

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I agree with the comment by @Johnny -- you should get fixed voltage for the ham equipment and separate lower amperage for the tinkering needs. If you are just tinkering with solid-state circuits that might need 3, 5 or 12 volts than consider one of those cheap industrial multi-voltage fixed supplies. These are switching power supplies with regulated voltage outputs typically 5 volts and 12 volts. If you need something else like 3 volts than do like I do, I use D-cell batteries that I keep there on my tinkering bench. You can pick up these types of supplies for about \$15 to \$25 on Ebay or Amazon.

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powerwerx.com has a 30 amp variable desktop power supply (SKU:SPS-30DM) which has a switch to set as single voltage or as variable. It's also very small and won't take up much room on your desk. For cables, I always change mine to Anderson powerpoles. You can get them from the same site. You need to be handy with a crimper to make the cables, but you should be able to buy a cable ready-made for your radio.

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  • $\begingroup$ I have the Powerwerx power supply described above (with meters) and it is nice because it is small and light. I also use Answerson Powerpoles. Even though it has a variable voltage feature, I have never used that feature with this supply as I have a bunch of other power supplies I use that satisfy common voltage needs (as explained in my answer posted here). $\endgroup$
    – K7PEH
    Oct 21, 2015 at 4:32
  • $\begingroup$ @K7PEH That would be Anderson Powerpoles, not Answerson :) $\endgroup$
    – user
    Oct 25, 2015 at 14:07
  • $\begingroup$ @MichaelKjörling -- yes, it is almost as if my keyboard has an evil life of its own. $\endgroup$
    – K7PEH
    Oct 25, 2015 at 15:09

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