Power Suppy, which one should I get.

[WRPH745]

I bought a DB-20G and it should be here, Monday.

In anticipation and to test my current power supply. I used my current power supply and hooked up a GT5R to the power supply using a power eliminator. I had a voltage drop from 13.8 to 12.3 volts.

The power supply is a 30 year old lab bench supply rated at 300 watts. I was gifted it used. I have only used it for 5v arduino  projects so I never noticed the voltage drop before.

I think is time for a new power supply. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[WROZ250]

Like a lot of equipment, especially 'bench equipment', I've always considered the purchase choice as an investment.  

My own preference is still linear but I do own some (name brand/well respected) switching power supplies, all rated to at least 25A @ 13.8Vdc (nominal).  Switchers have the advantage of being extremely lightweight and far smaller than most linear power supplies.  That said, you probably should go with one specifically for the radio market as some lesser manufacturers switchers make a lot of RF noise.  Samlex, Astron, and a few other brands are a good choice.  The Samlex SEC-1235 has some pretty good reviews and almost anything from Astron (switching or Linear) are good choices.

While I do own an MFJ switching supply, and it has to date been reliable, I would avoid MFJ as, having repaired a few of them, I find their design (or at least construction) to be less than desired (my personal opinion). 

Again, look at the price of a good supply as an investment.

Also, I don't know if I necessarily would trust my radios to a 30 Year old power supply.  300W rated or not, a GT5R should not cause a 1.5V drop.
Power supply  technology has improved a lot in 30 Years.

Just one opinion.

[wayoverthere]

1 hour ago, WROZ250 said:

Like a lot of equipment, especially 'bench equipment', I've always considered the purchase choice as an investment.  

My own preference is still linear but I do own some (name brand/well respected) switching power supplies, all rated to at least 25A @ 13.8Vdc (nominal).  Switchers have the advantage of being extremely lightweight and far smaller than most linear power supplies.  That said, you probably should go with one specifically for the radio market as some lesser manufacturers switchers make a lot of RF noise.  Samlex, Astron, and a few other brands are a good choice.  The Samlex SEC-1235 has some pretty good reviews and almost anything from Astron (switching or Linear) are good choices.

While I do own an MFJ switching supply, and it has to date been reliable, I would avoid MFJ as, having repaired a few of them, I find their design (or at least construction) to be less than desired (my personal opinion). 

Again, look at the price of a good supply as an investment.

Also, I don't know if I necessarily would trust my radios to a 30 Year old power supply.  300W rated or not, a GT5R should not cause a 1.5V drop.
Power supply  technology has improved a lot in 30 Years.

Just one opinion.

I've toyed with a cheap 12v receptacle switcher on a cb, and the ac noise was awful. I've been happy with the current alinco dm30 switcher that supports my "shack"; tested back to back with battery, no antenna connected and no difference in noise, though as far as I know AC noise is more of an issue in HF than up in UHF, so if you have an eye that direction, it may be better to make the investment up front in a good linear. My alinco switcher, and some tekpower, have a "noise offset" to move switching noise if it becomes an issue.

Alternately, a lower power linear to support the ~4amp draw of the db20g shouldn't be too expensive if gmrs is all you're after.

[WRPH745]

Thanks to both of you for your advice.

I went with the Samlex SEC-1235M.  That way I have some to grow.

[wayoverthere]

1 hour ago, WRPH745 said:

Thanks to both of you for your advice.

I went with the Samlex SEC-1235M.  That way I have some to grow.

other than a little dent in the wallet, room to grow is never a bad thing on top of the obvious, not running the gear at full capacity all the time can be a good thing for longevity.