Desktop Power Supply

What is a desktop power supply?

One of the smaller types of voltage converters mentioned above is the desktop power supply, typically used for mobile radios. This is because mobile radios are specifically designed to run on DC power from a vehicle. They do not have their own internal power transformer or converter, so they cannot be connected to a home network. A desktop power supply can help turn a mobile radio into a base station. These low-power power supplies are most popular because of their distinctive, ergonomic shape, which is why they are called "desktop". They usually include a battery backup output to provide power in the event of a mains failure.

How to choose the right desktop power supply?

Choosing a power supply, although it may seem like it at first glance, is not actually a complicated operation. First, you need to determine how much power your radio requires. A mobile radio that is only listened to, i.e. in idle reception mode, consumes minimal power. However, the moment the Push-To-Talk (PTT) button is pressed, the power required for transmission increases significantly. To convert your two-way mobile radio into a base station, you should therefore always buy a power supply with a slightly larger amplifier than absolutely necessary. It's never enough to choose between two products, always go for the stronger one. When choosing a desktop power supply, you should also consider the following aspects:

• Use the amplifier specified by the radio manufacturer as a starting point. Choose a power supply with a maximum continuous gain greater than the maximum gain of the radio.
• Always consider the maximum or peak power rating of the radio, not the standby or typical power rating.
• Respond based on the continuous rating, never on the maximum or overvoltage.
• If more than one radio is to be connected to the power supply, add the amplifiers of all the radios together during peak load.

It is important to choose the right power supply for your mobile radio so that it can be used without interference or interruption for years. They are easy to use with both shortwave and VHF/UHF transmitters. If you don't choose carefully, your radio may be noisy and in some cases unable to transmit.

DND offers a range of reliable, well-branded manufacturers to meet all your needs, backed by a warranty of several years or even lifetime. Albrecht desktop power supplies are particularly popular among radio amateurs. Diamond desktop power supplies are now also used in the field of hobby electronics in addition to mobile radio. They are equipped with automatic current load protection and, depending on the type, short circuit and reverse polarisation protection, automatic internal cooling fan. The Alfatronix products go one level higher thanks to their professional, compact design. They feature overheat, overvoltage and short-circuit protection and low heat generation, with some models featuring uninterruptible operation when a battery is connected.

In terms of AC-DC power supplies, Alan desktop power supplies have a fixed 230V AC input and 13.8V DC output, while Diamond power supplies are popular in service and hobby electronics and radio amateurs. Their inputs are also 230V AC, while their DC outputs for Diamond power supplies are typically adjustable between 5-15V. Alfatronix industrial power supplies all have a fixed output, 12/24/48V DC depending on the version, and a wide input range (85-135VAC and 170-265VAC).