Random Source Mobile Power Supply

[zdarma]

Could someone tell me the dimensions of the Random Source Mobile Power Supply (PS-M)?
I would also like to hear any experiences people have had with it.
How does it compare to the Konstant Lab Cihla external power supply?

[luchog]

I don't have it handy, so can't get dimensions (It's roughly the size of a trade paperback book); but I'd say avoid it, it's a really cheap switching supply and the power is unstable. You also have to buy a power brick separately, and even if you buy the one they recommend, it's about the lowest quality Serge power supply on the market. Pretty much any other high-quality switching or linear supply would be better.

[qwoned]

+1

don't buy it, buy the Cihla PSU, especially if you're going to power R*S panels.

[Illwiggle]

I have the mobile PSU. I only power a TKB and Crocodile panel. So far so good. Yes, it is roughly the size of a 400 page paperback book. No power switch on it, which is annoying... its the cheapest PSU around for Serge I believe. Low Gain also make something similar in size, and Loudest Warning too I believe. Anyone have feedback on those as alternatives for powering 2-3 panels?

[gnsk]

Could someone tell me the dimensions of the Random Source Mobile Power Supply (PS-M)?
I would also like to hear any experiences people have had with it.

17 x 10 x 4 CM

I knew the not so good reputation, but I needed 9-36VDC input for traveling.
So far so good, only no toggle switch is annoying.
Using for one normal boat.

[zdarma]

Thanks for the details.
I have been using a PS2A to power an Animal and TKB, and it has been working ok.
I was looking for a lightly more portable/thinner power supply that would fit in the travel case.
It seems like the R*S PS-M would be no/marginally better than what I have, and that the Konstant Lab, though a bit more expensive, would be a more robust upgrade that I could even use to power another panel.

[boris]

Its 17 x 10 x 4 cm.
Had a Cihla and currently have the RS Mobile PS.
Both of them powered my ten RS 4x4 modules with no issue
whatsoever. I A-B’d them specifically to find out if i can hear a difference - but i couldn‘t hear any.
The Cihla is a nice and very solidly built PS but rather big and heavy.
I switched to the Mobile PS because of weight (every kg
counts when you are travelling …).

[SergeLover]

While the mobile PSU uses a switching block (RECOM) as transformer, this block is followed by an inductor filter and linear power regulators.
You could call this a hybrid.
The advantage is that you have both linear power regulation and the option to use it worldwide w/o hassle.

[gnsk]

The advantage is that you have both linear power regulation and the option to use it worldwide w/o hassle.

Yes, this was the reason for my choice to PS-M.

One question; what is the better way to turn on/off this PS?
1. Always XLR connected, but DC input plug insert/pull off?
vs.
2. Always DC plug connected, XLR plug insert/pull off?
vs.
3. Always DC/XLR connected, power plug of AC/DC adapter insert/pull off?
I use methode 1, like there is toggle switch. But sometimes there is the small spark at connecting DC plug to jack.
I'm thinking about adding a toggle switch to this DC connection.

[SergeLover]

I use method 1 or 3.
After reading this thread we will discuss to add a switch.

[luchog]

Thanks for the details.
I have been using a PS2A to power an Animal and TKB, and it has been working ok.
I was looking for a lightly more portable/thinner power supply that would fit in the travel case.
It seems like the R*S PS-M would be no/marginally better than what I have, and that the Konstant Lab, though a bit more expensive, would be a more robust upgrade that I could even use to power another panel.

My STS PS2a is definitely smaller in size and weight than the R*S PSM. It's about the same size as the Meanwell brick that the PSM needs in order to function, so less than half the total size and weight of the PSM.

[zdarma]

For anyone interested in a comparison, here is the Serge PS2a next to the Random Source PS-M + Meanwell brick combo.
The PS2a is one unit, so more compact, but about 80g heavier than the combined weight of the combo. The PS-M has a slimmer profile.

[dksynth]

This mini PSU is good for 2A and is the size of a paperback. Unfortunately, at last count I’ve redesigned it 4 times with help from a few MW buds. It is a hybrid design that uses LDOs after a DC-DC switcher…. LDOs designed for that application, I might add. The problem is that those kinds of LDOs are exactly what have been in short supply. I’ve redesigned it for the packages that were available and then new parts when THOSE ran out as well.

I have used it to power R*S panels and STS panels (including frequency shifter and WAD) without issues. There was a time when I was only interested in linear PSUs … I’ve come around. The CIHLA is used by a few people I know and everyone loves it. The line-lump STS PSM has given me some issues and caused some issues for others …. The ground banana jack seems to come loose a lot, for one thing.

[ccosmic]

FYI konstant lab came out with new more-mobile PSU, dunno if anyone has checked it out:
https://www.konstantlab.audio/shop/quad ... er-supply/

no inside picture or manual yet.

[luchog]

For anyone interested in a comparison, here is the Serge PS2a next to the Random Source PS-M + Meanwell brick combo.
The PS2a is one unit, so more compact, but about 80g heavier than the combined weight of the combo. The PS-M has a slimmer profile.
ps2a-psm.png

That's a rather misleading picture, since you only show one view. The footprint of the PS2a is considerably smaller than the PSM unit and power brick.

Also, the Meanwell brick shown is considerably smaller than the one I have; mine being the specific model number R*S recommended at the time I bought it.

[KSS]

This mini PSU is good for 2A and is the size of a paperback.

RSPM sent.
No PM for your camelid?