When I first started
with the X6100,
I’d see some noise
that buried real signals
when plugged
into AC power.
Running on battery was fine,
and running
on the external lead-acid 12V battery
was OK too.
For weeks,
I used the battery
to smooth the noise.
I’d run an AC power supply
in parallel with the battery
and turn it up just high enough
that I didn’t see noise in the waterfall.
The battery smoothed the power.
I switched to a LiFePO4 battery,
and I found the built-in charging
circuit made it hard
to balance input power and output power
just right to keep it smooth.
I asked around on the
X6100 mailing list
and I got 2 suggestions I took:
- a filter I can use
with any cheap power supply I already have
- a cleaner,
and inexpensive,
switching power supply
from Ateck that puts out a fixed 12V/5A (Part#: PS120V5-D)
I purchased both to try,
and both helped immensely,
each on their own.
I wired up the filter
with some 5525 connectors
and printed a case for it.
I use the filter in combination
with my adjustable 24V/5A power supply
on the go.
That higher-voltage power supply
is also useful
to charge the LiFePO4 battery
at 14.1V.
The battery also lives in my box
for portable operation.
I use the Ateck power supply
on my desk by itself
to power the radio at home.
