Electrical Noise From Switching-type Power Supplies

[Guest]

The maker of the electronic control system we're about to install recommends a storage battery as the source for the valve magnets. In our case, it's a pain to use a battery due to cramped space. We're tempted to use a power supply, but most of these are the switched variety. As I remember, switched power supplies are notoriously noisy (electronic noise, not audible noise). What has been your experience with these?</P>

[odellorgans]

Re: Electrical Noise From Switching-type Power Supplies

Switch-mode power supplies such as those made by Solid State Organ Systems and Peterson are in wide use in the industry and have been for several years. I rarely see batteries used outside the theater and home installations.

[Menschenstimme]

Re: Electrical Noise From Switching-type Power Supplies



Hi Don,</P>


We have a total of three of the units currently (pun intended) distributed by Peterson in our organ at church and are very happy with them and have experienced no problems with electrical interference of which we are aware. I also have one at home that I use to keep my car battery fresh.</P>


You sound like you may perhaps want to look into an Astron power supply as an alternative. This is what I have on my home organ and I am happy with it also. I think that Klann still sells the Astron units and they are also available elsewhere.</P>


Hope this helps and good luck!</P>

[j reimer]

Re: Electrical Noise From Switching-type Power Supplies



I recently helped a friend build a direct-electric home pipe organ with 5 ranks of pipes, and three electronic pedal stops (analogue circuitry) which I supplied. The Switched-mode power supply for the pipe magnets works well. The audio amplifier for the electronic sounds is mounted quite close to the amplifier, and there is no pickup of electrical noise.</P>


John Reimer</P>

[FrenchHorn8]

Re: Electrical Noise From Switching-type Power Supplies



Don,</p>

 I have a Progressive Dynamics (Peterson) 60A power supply and it's pretty noisy.  I had planned on putting it in the console, but it ended up having to go to the blower room because it was just too obnoxious. </p>

[Menschenstimme]

Re: Electrical Noise From Switching-type Power Supplies

[quote user="FrenchHorn8"]


Don,</P>


I have a Progressive Dynamics (Peterson) 60A power supply and it's pretty noisy. I had planned on putting it in the console, but it ended up having to go to the blower room because it was just too obnoxious.</P>


[/quote]</P>


We had the same problem with our first unit. There is an upgrade where the cooling fan runs in a variable speed mode and only becomes audible under extreme conditions, which in our console is never. We have 100-plus electro-mechanical controls in the console. When one hits many pistons in succession, even this does not cause the fan to speed up enough to be audible. At that time, the manufacturer upgraded our unit without charge. I know not if they are still offering this upgrade without charge, because it has been a few years since this upgrade hasbecome standard in all new units. One could contact them and find out. This is something that should be kept in mind if anyone iscontemplating the purchase of a second-hand unit.</P>