TPL Communications PA6-1AC amplifier

I am using this amplifier with Pacific Crest Radio Modems

TPL Communications
Model PA6-1AC-SSR
S/N 8144
DC In 13.8V (11-15)
DC Current 8 AMPS

More complete specs are available directly from TPL Communications.

I got it in a case that matches my Magnavox GPS, with the label Series 9000-WP on it. I took it out of the case to improve airflow, reduce the number of connectors in the RF signal path, and to make the overall package smaller.

I am powering it with a converted Mini-ATX power supply (Shark Technology SFX180-A2).

I left one set of Molex drive connectors in place but cut off all the other wires inside the supply. The Molex connectors could be used to supply +12 and +5 to something later on.

I added a SPDT toggle switch between the green PSON and GND to switch the supply on and off. I put a 10 ohm, 10W resistor between +5 and Gnd to load the 5V supply so that the supply would stay on.

One red +5 and one black GND are used for the resistor

One yellow +12 and one black GND are wired to a 15A Powerpole pair to power the radio modem, the remaining yellow and black wires are bundled and connected to another 30A Powerpole pair to power the amplifier.

This power supply has two wires attached to pin 11 on the motherboard power connector, orange +3.3 VDC 20awg and orange 22awg sense wire. These two wires should be joined.

Some power supplies may also have sense wires running to the +5 VDC and +12 VDC connector pins. If there are multiple sense wires, then they will usually be of the same color as the primary supply wire, but of a lighter wire gauge. These sense wires will also terminate in a different location on the PS printed circuit board than the heavier supply lines. As with the +3.3 sense wire, these additional wires should also be connected to the corresponding supply lines. Failure to complete these connections may result in your power supply not latching into a Power_On mode when switched on.