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zBitx Power Supply?

 

Which power supply is recommended for this radio?

Thanks,

Bob
 

I have been using the batteries and a 9v Mean Well GST40A09-P1. ?
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I’m using a PD power supply that comes with my MacBook computer along with a 9v trigger cable rated at 5 amps. But I cannot set Drive beyond 60 with FT8 on 20 meters. If is over 60, the zBitx restarts when transmitting . I don’t know it’s the trigger cable or the PD voltage drop.


Li KQ4EXQ?

On May 22, 2025, at 1:40?PM, Robert Fairbairn via groups.io <bobfa@...> wrote:

?
I have been using the batteries and a 9v Mean Well GST40A09-P1. ?
?
?
?
 

If I recall correctly, the USB-C PD standard is 9V at 3 A max. I suspect when the zBitx transmits, the current draw exceeds 3 amps and the PD adaptor shuts down and then restarts. ?
 

On Fri, May 23, 2025 at 02:02 AM, Li Cao wrote:
I’m using a PD power supply that comes with my MacBook computer along with a 9v trigger cable rated at 5 amps. But I cannot set Drive beyond 60 with FT8 on 20 meters. If is over 60, the zBitx restarts when transmitting . I don’t know it’s the trigger cable or the PD voltage drop.
?

Li KQ4EXQ?
Exactly. The current consumption during transmission is higher than what your power supply can handle, which is why the voltage drops.
The device turns off due to the low voltage, as it drops out of transmission and the voltage increases again, which is why it starts again.
--
Gyula HA3HZ
 

I agree and would like to add. It is also possible that due to the higher load, the transmission will be noisy (50hz) which will degrade the sound of the FT8.
HA8LKT Laci

HA3HZ via <gyula=[email protected]> ezt írta (id?pont: 2025. máj. 23., P 8:01):

On Fri, May 23, 2025 at 02:02 AM, Li Cao wrote:
I’m using a PD power supply that comes with my MacBook computer along with a 9v trigger cable rated at 5 amps. But I cannot set Drive beyond 60 with FT8 on 20 meters. If is over 60, the zBitx restarts when transmitting . I don’t know it’s the trigger cable or the PD voltage drop.
?

Li KQ4EXQ?
Exactly. The current consumption during transmission is higher than what your power supply can handle, which is why the voltage drops.
The device turns off due to the low voltage, as it drops out of transmission and the voltage increases again, which is why it starts again.
--
Gyula HA3HZ
 

I just found this on AliExpress:?
￡2.70 | 12V24V to 9V5A power step-down module 12V to 9V DC transformer 24V to 9V car converter
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I've just had this delivered from AliExpress, haven't had a chance to use it yet but looks okay, I've fitted a jack plug ready to insert into the power socket. Great price?
 

I have been wondering the same.
?
one SEEMS to tick all the boxes and has some variability for other devices if needed.?
  • 9V
  • at least 3A (Is 5A too much?)
  • Barrel plug is the right size and polarity
I'd like it if it would go below 9V to be on the safe side, but I wonder if someone at HF Signals could chime in here with perhaps a list of acceptable options??

Chris
?
?
 

It DOES go below 9V. I missed that at first!
 

That would indicate that there isn't enough amps provided in the PD cable.? That is a common issue when there isn't enough power/amps to provide the tx and the raspberry pi's


On Thu, May 22, 2025 at 8:02?PM Li Cao via <licao081=[email protected]> wrote:
I’m using a PD power supply that comes with my MacBook computer along with a 9v trigger cable rated at 5 amps. But I cannot set Drive beyond 60 with FT8 on 20 meters. If is over 60, the zBitx restarts when transmitting . I don’t know it’s the trigger cable or the PD voltage drop.


Li KQ4EXQ?

On May 22, 2025, at 1:40?PM, Robert Fairbairn via <bobfa=[email protected]> wrote:

?
I have been using the batteries and a 9v Mean Well GST40A09-P1. ?
?
?
?
 

I just purchased ?12-24v to 9v buck converter. I am using power tool batteries (Ridgid in my case) to power the zBitx. It is a 5A, which should be plenty of power for the device. I have many 5AH and 6AH batteries already for my tools. Gonna mount in one of the Harbor Freight Apache cases. Am just going to connect the 9V side to a DC jack. Then I can just make up a cable with a DC plug on each end.?

Best regards,
Jay Bremner
208.640.4878
jaybremner@...


On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 8:11?PM David T-- VE3TOS via <digiital=[email protected]> wrote:
That would indicate that there isn't enough amps provided in the PD cable.? That is a common issue when there isn't enough power/amps to provide the tx and the raspberry pi's

On Thu, May 22, 2025 at 8:02?PM Li Cao via <licao081=[email protected]> wrote:
I’m using a PD power supply that comes with my MacBook computer along with a 9v trigger cable rated at 5 amps. But I cannot set Drive beyond 60 with FT8 on 20 meters. If is over 60, the zBitx restarts when transmitting . I don’t know it’s the trigger cable or the PD voltage drop.


Li KQ4EXQ?

On May 22, 2025, at 1:40?PM, Robert Fairbairn via <bobfa=[email protected]> wrote:

?
I have been using the batteries and a 9v Mean Well GST40A09-P1. ?
?
?
?
 

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Here's some great information on USB-C PD - spoiler alert, higher current at 9v is possible, but it depends on the source, the device being powered and the cable.

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For example, Anker (a company that produces quality products, IMHO) sells "high power" USB-C cables (up to 240w):

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Ken, N2VIP

On May 23, 2025, at 00:18, Chris Hoffman via groups.io <chris.hoffman.3@...> wrote:

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If I recall correctly, the USB-C PD standard is 9V at 3 A max. I suspect when the zBitx transmits, the current draw exceeds 3 amps and the PD adaptor shuts down and then restarts. ?
 

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Isn't the zBitx 'happier' with something closer to 7.5 volts, closer to the voltage of the batteries?

If that the case, this might be a better option than the 9 volt power supply Robert linked to below...

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I found out about this option (GST40A07-P1) by clicking-thru the Jameco link to the product datasheet:

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Ken, N2VIP

On May 22, 2025, at 12:40, Robert Fairbairn via groups.io <bobfa@...> wrote:

?
I have been using the batteries and a 9v Mean Well GST40A09-P1. ?
?
?
?
 

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I use this (designed by JJ of the 64bit sbitx team) with appropriate regulator.? The zbitx can pull more than 3 amps.? I use the 5 amp regulator.? I am set to 9.2v output.? I feed it with 12v-14v battery and my variable bench supply set to 13.8v.? this is nice and self contained for field use with larger batteries.
?
Ryan
KK6DZB?
 

I've been using the BasicVolt 45W Universal 15V 13.5V 12V 9V 7.5V 6V 5V DC Power Supply from Amazon, I like that for an adjustable supply instead of an easily bumped knob it has a recessed rotary dial switch with strong click detents. Also that when set to 9 volts (zBITX) or 12 volts QMX+ even no load that's what comes out, no higher. Also the slew of adapters it comes with will come in handy

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