Astron RS-12A Repair Help
 

Introductory Information on Astron Power Supplies
by Repeater Builders Technical Information Page (RBTIP)
* Compiled from a number of different sources *
http://www.repeater-builder.com/astr...tro-stuff.html

Schematics and Service Information on Astron™ Power Supplies
by Repeater Builders Technical Information Page (RBTIP)
http://www.repeater-builder.com/astr...ron-index.html

Regulated Linear Power Supply Construction
What's inside your Astron®?
by David Metz, WA0AUQ
http://www.repeater-builder.com/astr...on-article.pdf

Power Supply Analysis using Astron DC Supply
Hands On Radio, QST magazine
by H. Ward Silver, N0AX
http://www.repeater-builder.com/astr...y-analysis.pdf
===
The Illuminated Rocker Switch, used as Power Switch on Astron RA and RM-series DC power supplies,
The Neon Bulb within the switch series has a lifetime of ~20 years, comparable to LED devices.

Astron uses the appliance standard-sized (.480" x 1.072"; 12.19mm x 27.23mm) switch cutout.
Illuminated (neon) Rocker switch, LRA211-RS-B/125N (translucent red).
http://www.carlingtech.com/sites/def...ls_&_COS_0.pdf

This switch size is widely available from electrical, electronic, appliance part distributors
(Mouser, DigiKey, Newark, Allied, Future, NTE Electronics, GC Electronics/Waldom) and
manufactured by: C&K, Carling, Cherry, Alcoswitch, and numerous Eastern Asia shops.

I have seen prices for this illuminated Carling LRA211 Rocker Switch from $2.00 to $15.00 each.
BE a SMART Shopper.
The higher priced rocker switches are usually found at electrical or appliance distributors and
"convenient” retail hardware locations (example: Jandorf brand name).

NTE Electronics : Illuminated Rocker Switches
PART Number: 54-065, this is the Carling LRA211-RS-B/125N (translucent red)..
https://www.nteinc.com/switches/pdf/rocker-illum.pdf

GC Electronics product (35-3740) is a good compromise of price and convenience.
http://www.gcelectronics.com/order/Catalog_PDF/2007 Catalog 120407 294.pdf

The GC part (35-3740) is the Carling “Curvette” LRA series, specifically LRA211-CR-B/125N (ruby red)
LRA211: 125V Neon Lamp; 16A 125VAC; .250 QC Tabs; OFF-NONE-ON (SPST); Red Clear, Black bezel.

Astron RS-12A Repair Help
 

Test a Transistor with a Multimeter.
Written by Eli, Vetco Electronics
by Thursday, May 04, 2017.

Ask any field or bench technician what their most-used piece of test equipment is and
they will probably say a VOM (VoltOhm Meter) or DMM (Digital MultiMeter).
These versitiale devices can be used to test and diagnose a wide range of circuits and components.
In a pinch, a DMM can even substitute for expensive, specialized test equipment.

One particularly usefull skill is knowing “How to Test a Transistor” using a Digital Multimeter.
Specialized component analyzers exist to do this task, but the expense can be difficult to justify for the average hobbiest.
https://vetco.net/blog/test-a-transi...04-12-25-37-07

For ASTRON DC Power Supplies, you can TEST:

1.) Pass Transistors (2N3055 or 2N3771) on Rear HeatSink.
2.) Diodes and Bridge Rectifier used on the 18 VAC secondary from transformer.
3.) For Continuity and Shorts.