Review on 💡 TekPower TP30SWII: Efficient 30 Amp DC 13.8V Analog Switching Power Supply with Noise Offset by Tim Jolivette

Poor design and cheap parts. This power supply introduced a lot of RF noise, especially on 20, 40 and 80 meters. The noise was random AND spurious at intervals of about 35 kHz. Also, after about 2 days of use, the fan started whistling when cold and was quite loud (fan volume wasn't bad until it started rattling). After examining the PSU, I found that the fan is VERY poor quality. , which is not surprising given the price of the PSU, but easy to replace. In the case of radio interference, the problem lies in the grounding and shielding. The power connector ground pin is attached to the top of the heatsink and is anodized. Anodizing makes it nice but also makes the surface non-conductive. The bottom, front, and back plates are powder coated (actually covered with a layer of melted plastic) with no scraping points for electrical contact with the top. The return line has a series of connectors with the cores twisted together and the opposite cores twisted together and tied to the ferrule. This slip ring is then inserted into a screw hole and clamped between the bottom cover and the side of the case (which is part of the same aluminum profile as the top). This is a good start to removing RF emissions from power lines, at least it would be if the ring terminal actually made electrical contact with the case, but was instead sandwiched between a layer of anodized finish and a thick powder coat finish. Not bad, but the implementation just looks ridiculous for a power supply that suggests it can be used for amateur radio. You will be adjusting the Noise Offset control on the power supply more than the VFO control. This PSU could probably be used by spending about 15 minutes on the spoked wheel and scraping off the anodizing and powder coating on and around the contact. Score for panels and radiators and use stainless steel screws instead of the anodized screws used. Of course, replacing the fan would also be a good idea. I've seen mixed reviews of this ham PSU and suspect they are made in different places and with different case assembly methods. It will probably be fine for non-radio use, but you'll probably want to replace the fan anyway. In the attached video you can see my radio connected to this power supply and then connected to another switching power supply. Look at the waterfall on the display and compare the noise and static levels between the two power supplies.