Uploaded September 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This video explains what crowbar circuits are and how they work. It also introduces the MiniBar. This is a small crowbar circuit with a built-in fuse and Anderson PowerPoles for the input and output. It is designed to go between a power supply and transceiver, or any other sensitive, electronic load.
The Mini-Bar is designed to trip at about 15 volts. This is conservatively below the maximum voltage for most radios. At the same time, it is well above the normal power supply voltage of 13.8 volts and also well above normal automotive alternator charging voltages.
I plan to sell the MiniBars once I get production and pricing worked out. If you would rather build your own, I've placed a schematic and theory of operation info in the Projects section of my website. I've also included a complete KiCad project archive if you want to make your own PC boards or modify the design.
Here's a link to the project: https://a-2-z.tech/home/projects/minibar-crowbar-circuit/
Link to Bad Fuses videos mentioned in this video:
Bad Fuses: youtu.be/apQU_VuJlFU
Bad Fuses Part 2: youtu.be/mJ97tVmZizQ
The main channel website is here: https://a-2-z.tech/
Tee-Shirts, Coffee Mugs, etc. ----
If you're interested, check out the swag store here:
hamradioa2z.myspreadshop.com
Thanks for watching!
This video explains what crowbar circuits are and how they work. It also introduces the MiniBar. This is a small crowbar circuit with a built-in fuse and Anderson PowerPoles for the input and output. It is designed to go between a power supply and transceiver, or any other sensitive, electronic load.
The Mini-Bar is designed to trip at about 15 volts. This is conservatively below the maximum voltage for most radios. At the same time, it is well above the normal power supply voltage of 13.8 volts and also well above normal automotive alternator charging voltages.
I plan to sell the MiniBars once I get production and pricing worked out. If you would rather build your own, I've placed a schematic and theory of operation info in the Projects section of my website. I've also included a complete KiCad project archive if you want to make your own PC boards or modify the design.
Here's a link to the project: https://a-2-z.tech/home/projects/minibar-crowbar-circuit/
Link to Bad Fuses videos mentioned in this video:
Bad Fuses: youtu.be/apQU_VuJlFU
Bad Fuses Part 2: youtu.be/mJ97tVmZizQ
The main channel website is here: https://a-2-z.tech/
Tee-Shirts, Coffee Mugs, etc. ----
If you're interested, check out the swag store here:
hamradioa2z.myspreadshop.com
Thanks for watching!
