I use an Astron SS-18, which is a switching supply (so it runs fairly cool),
and is not too noisy birdie-wise. I tried a MFJ switching supply first
(birdies all over) and an Astron non-switching supply (quiet but hot).

It keeps the R8B much cooler, and you can stack other stuff on it because
it no longer needs airflow.

I much prefer it on the external supply, but the real reason for getting
it was to run a couple dozen 12v accessories like active antennas and
ANC-4's and DSP's as well, without having a rats' nest of wall warts.

I have the SS-18 in a discarded refrigerator in the basement, far from
portables lying around that might hear its birdies, and the R8B is on
an external antenna so doesn't hear it in any case.

Be sure to inline-fuse the power from an external supply for the cable you're
using, amp-wise. Those things can burn up wire well before they reach
their rated capacity, and most wire won't handle 18 amps. Slo-blo fuses
run very hot, incidentally; use fast-blow fuses.
--
Ron Hardin


On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk.