Astron RS20ABB Power Supply

The Astron RS20ABB is a reliable, heavy-duty linear DC power supply with a battery backup circuit, commonly used for ham radios and other communication equipment. It provides an output of 13.8 VDC with a continuous duty rating of 16A and an intermittent duty (ICS) rating of 20A.
Key Specifications
Power Supply Feature Details
Type Linear, Solid State Electronically Regulated
Input Voltage (AC) 105-125 VAC (standard models), 220V models available
Output Voltage (DC) 13.8 VDC (internally adjustable from 11-15 VDC)
Continuous Current 16 Amps
Intermittent Current (ICS) 20 Amps
Ripple (Peak to Peak) Less than 5 mV (full load and low line)
Load Regulation 0.08% from 0 to full continuous load
Protection Fold-back current limiting and Crowbar over-voltage protection
Battery Backup Includes a built-in battery backup and trickle charger circuit
Dimensions 5″ H x 9″ W x 10.5″ D (approximate)
Weight 18 lbs
Features and User Insights
Reliability: Reviewers on eHam.net consistently praise Astron power supplies for their long-term reliability and heavy-duty construction, with some units lasting for decades.
Battery Backup: The standout feature is the integrated battery backup circuit, which allows a connected battery to seamlessly take over the load in the event of a power outage, making it ideal for critical communication systems.
Low Noise: As a linear power supply (transformer type), it is known for producing very low ripple voltage and minimal RF noise (hash), which is important for sensitive radio equipment.
Protection: It includes built-in protective features like fold-back current limiting and crowbar over-voltage protection to safeguard the unit and connected devices.
User Experiences: Users on forums and retail sites often mention its solid performance in maintaining stable voltage even with high-power radio transmissions.