Can i use a ATX psu from pc to power a radio?

Question

ive got a cobra 148gtl-dx and need a power supply unit for it..
Ive got a spare ATX power supply from an old pc, Its 300w and has a dc output of 12v+ 15amps.
Does it need 13.8v or will this run it ok? as i seen some ham radio users have done this..

Answer 1

Hi there



It is not that hard to get a surplus computer power supply to run a radio.

The problem is that many power supplies are pretty nasty things that will inject noise into your radio through the power line.



The best results are when you start off with a high quality supply.

These are quieter electrically and audibly , they also have a generous output that is clean and stable.



Downside is that they are not cheap , and indeed it may well exceed the price of a conventional power supply that is already made for the job.

Answer 2

12 volts is fine, the radio does not need precision supply. the main problem with using switching supplies from computers is they often put out a lot of RF hash.

Answer 3

Cany you, maybe. Should you , not really.