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RS-50M RS-50M:


This is currently my main radio stack power supply. I picked it up pretty cheap at a hamfest ($40) since the
owner had replaced it with a much smaller and lighter switching supply. I can respect that, but I prefer the
"bit iron" of old linear supplies. They're more rugged, easier to repair, simpler design, and usually have
lots of room inside the case for modifications.

The only modification I've made to my 50M is to install a "soft start" control board, to stop it from tripping
my computer's UPS on every time I turn on the PS. I do miss the louder THUNK it made before the mod though,
where it's gulping power to charge the big filter caps and give the thick steel case a shake. Unfortunately,
this PS uses a double wall in front, and the sides and back are both pretty much completely covered with
heat sinks, so there's not lot I can do to mod it.

I'd like to add back-lights to the analog meters, but they're double-shielded to protect from heat from the
PS so are hard to get into. Built-in power-pole connectors would also be nice, but for now I just have a
pigtail on the back lugs. The cat pretty much lives there anytime it's on too, another bonus. Sometimes she
wanders in right after I've turned it on and trots right over, like "ooo warm spot!" but then gets there and
gives it a sniff, realizing it hasn't warmed up yet, and sulks away, visibly disappointed.


RM-50M Service Manual.pdf (2 MB)


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