I decided to get a backup power supply for my CQ12-T. After some suggestions from this forum I ordered an “Alitove” 12V, 5A supply from Amazon for ~$13. Before throwing it into my bag I thought I’d run a few tests and compare it with the A&H-supplied “FiDUS” power supply.
Alitove FiDUS (A&H)
Open-circuit output voltage 12.69 12.32
All subsequent tests are into a 3.5 Ohm resistor which dissipates 41 W at 12V or ~69% of rated capacity.
Voltage (V) 12.22 11.96
RMS noise (600 kHz BW, mV) 52 3.8
Steady state case temperature (hottest part, ~70F ambient, deg F)
130 95
Clearly, the A&H-supplied supply is higher quality. Will the cheap backup work in a pinch? Probably yes, but I may still try to get a proper supply.
--Frank