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Power source?


Sure, 10 amp supply will run just about any CB or 'export/10 meter' radio - just fine. A regular CB only needs about a 5 amp power supply. It doesn't hurt to get a power supply larger than what you need - like a 10 or 20 amp supply. They run cooler this way. It also makes it possible when if/when you may upgrade to a more powerful radio - like an export/10 meter radio.

Radios will only draw as much amperage as they need; but they do require the right voltage. Better to have a power supply that has more amps available than the radio needs. Reason is - a CB radio will draw about one amp or so while receiving. But it will require 2-4 amps when transmitting.

A used 5 amp supply should run about $25; and a used 10 amp supply will run about $40-50.
A new 5 amp supply is about $35; and a new 10 amp supply will be around $60 or so...

Brands are Antron, Pyramid, Samlex, Pyle, Tripp Lite, Speko, and others.

Wall-wart type power supplies are a big "NO"!
Forget about them; they don't have the needed 13.8v and enough amperage that you will require...

I would also forget about computer power supplies too. It is true that they provide 12v; but radios are built for 13.8v to 14.1v. The same voltage that your car's electrical system provides. You can use a car battery; but when charging they give off explosive gases. They also throw off sulfuric acid and will tear up any carpeting. Smells nasty - too...

Battery chargers won't work either; they aren't filtered at all - and will add a LOT of hum to your radio's receive and transmit.
 

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