Power Supply Mod

I have an old Astron RS-20M that has to be at least 20 years old. I run it 24/7 to power my LED Strip lights that light the front of my rig and to power my shack projects and different radios that come through here. It is not my main power supply and it is no longer pretty but it works good and performs every task I ask it to do.

There is only one problem with Astron Power Supplies (at least the ones I own) is that there are not allot of options for connecting anything to it. Two studs on the back, that's it. And that is fine for all of the gear that you run every day, but what about something that you just want to hook up temporarily? Something you want to test or work on. You have to drag the thing out and break out your 7/16 inch wrench and go to work. Quick it is not. The only other option is to buy or build one of those expensive power panels.

Sometime ago I put two sets of Banana Jack on the front of it, and that worked but I was always digging in drawers trying to find a set of banana jacks to use. Anderson Power Poles have become very popular and here lately a number of rigs have come through with them on the power leads. I decided I was going to find a way to utilize them other then digging through the drawer to find a couple of alligator clips to hook to them.

I found a panel mount Anderson Power Pole connector on eBay. Just what I was looking for! Check out the pictures. I have never been able to cut a straight line....and still can't, but I got close.

I think this is a great idea, Steve, having front panel access is a plus. I like the spring loaded contacts. For the banana plug connectors, I will also use crimp connects, but not as handy as the spring loaded types.

You will not see spring loaded terminals under power, but you will see them under "Speakers".

Samplings:
http://www.electronix.com/audiovideo-speakersaccessories-c-1_328.html?page=2&sort=3a

http://www.electronix.com/audiovideo-speakersaccessories-c-1_328.html?page=4&sort=3a

http://www.parts-express.com/two-conductor-speaker-wire-spring-terminal--260-300

http://www.dx.com/p/lson-4at-speaker-amplifier-terminal-spring-load-connector-2-pcs-281843

I have one of those Austron 1290A power supplies. They only have connections on the back of those as well. I think I will modify it to put the connectors on the front as well. That is cool.

I forgot about this post.

The Dremel tool got a work out that day!