Collins MP-1 power supply restoration kit

Collins MP-1 Power Supply
Complete Restoration Kit

For the S-Line · KWM-2 · KWM-2A  |  Includes RFI Mitigation Ferrite Package

47 Components 100% USA Sourcing Ships from Missouri
6Kit Sections
47Components
6US Vendors
4Ferrite Types
The Collins MP-1 mobile power supply has been out of production for over five decades. The original design used selenium rectifiers, wax-paper and electrolytic capacitors, and carbon-composition resistors — all of which degrade significantly with age and deserve replacement as a matter of routine restoration practice. This kit provides every passive component needed to return an MP-1 to full specification, plus a carefully chosen ferrite RFI package that brings the supply into compliance with modern interference-suppression best practice — something Collins engineers could not have anticipated in the original design.

Technical Background — Why These Parts Fail

Selenium Rectifiers

The MP-1 originally used selenium rectifiers for its B+ and bias supplies. These devices degrade through a process of increased forward voltage drop and reduced efficiency, and they generate toxic selenium dioxide vapour when they fail under load. Replacement with 1N4007 silicon diodes requires a series-resistance correction because silicon exhibits a lower forward drop (~0.7 V vs ~1.0 V per cell) that would otherwise raise the output voltage above the original design intent. Series resistors of 47–100 Ω are specified per diode string to restore the original B+ level.

Electrolytic Capacitors

Aluminium electrolytic capacitors dry out over time as the electrolyte evaporates through the rubber bung. Capacitors manufactured in the 1960s are now over 60 years old and should be considered unconditionally failed for power-supply service, regardless of measured ESR or capacitance. All electrolytics in this kit are Nichicon or Cornell Dubilier parts rated at 105°C with long-life electrolyte.

Carbon-Composition Resistors

Carbon-comp resistors absorb moisture and drift badly over decades. Critical voltage-divider and regulator resistors that have drifted by more than 5% will upset the regulated output voltage and bias. This kit replaces those with 1% metal-film parts.

Wax-Paper & Disc Capacitors

Wax-paper capacitors absorb moisture and develop significant leakage resistance, causing coupling and bypass functions to degrade. Ceramic disc types from this era often exhibit severe capacitance shift with voltage (especially Z5U dielectric). Modern X7R film parts are substituted throughout.

Selenium Rectifier Replacement — Voltage Compensation

When replacing a selenium rectifier stack with 1N4007 silicon diodes, insert a series dropping resistor to replicate the original forward-voltage characteristic:

ParameterSelenium StackSilicon 1N4007Compensation Required
Fwd drop / cell~1.0 V~0.7 V
Typical 4-cell stack~4.0 V~2.8 V+47–68 Ω series R per diode
B+ impact (no R)nominal+8–12 V highOver-voltage — MUST correct
Series R value (B+)56 Ω 1W carbon-film per diode
Series R value (bias)47 Ω 1W per diode
Verify output voltage with no-load and full-load measurements after replacement. Target B+ voltage is printed on the MP-1 nameplate or in the Collins service manual (32S-3 / KWM-2 documentation).
Section A — Electrolytic Capacitors
All values are direct replacements or nearest-upward standard value. Do not exceed the original capacitance by more than 20% in the regulator filter positions. Voltage rating must equal or exceed the original.
RefValueVoltageTempQtyPart NumberVendor~Unit
C1, C2100 µF450 V105°C2Nichicon LGX2W101MELC45Mouser$2.85
C3, C447 µF450 V105°C2Nichicon LGX2W470MELB30Mouser$2.10
C5, C622 µF350 V105°C2Cornell Dubilier 222LGL350M2CADigi-Key$1.45
C7–C1010 µF100 V105°C4Nichicon UVZ1V100MDDMouser$0.38
C11–C134.7 µF50 V105°C3Nichicon UVZ1H4R7MDD1TAMouser$0.28
C14, C15220 µF25 V105°C2Nichicon UVZ1E221MPD1TAMouser$0.32
C161000 µF35 V105°C1Cornell Dubilier 105CPS035MDigi-Key$0.95

Nichicon via Mouser Electronics, Mansfield TX. Cornell Dubilier via Digi-Key, Thief River Falls MN. Both stocked domestic-warehouse — typically ship same business day.

Section B — Film & Ceramic Capacitors
All film capacitors are Vishay/Sprague or Kemet. X7R dielectric for bypass and filter positions. C0G (NP0) where the original circuit specifies mica or silvered-mica types.
RefValueVoltageDielectricQtyPart NumberVendor~Unit
C20–C250.1 µF400 VFilm/X7R6Kemet R82IC3100AA60JDigi-Key$0.22
C26–C290.01 µF400 VFilm/X7R4Vishay MKT1826410064Mouser$0.18
C30–C331000 pF500 VC0G/NP04Kemet C330C102KGG5TADigi-Key$0.15
C34, C35470 pF500 VC0G/NP02Kemet C330C471KGG5TADigi-Key$0.15
C36–C380.047 µF400 VFilm3Vishay MKT1826447064Mouser$0.19
C39, C40100 pF500 VC0G/NP02Kemet C315C101KGG5TADigi-Key$0.14
Section C — Silicon Rectifier Package
⚠ Install the specified series compensating resistors (R-COMP) in series with each diode. Failure to do so will over-voltage the filter capacitors and regulator stage.
ItemDescriptionRatingQtyPart NumberVendor~Unit
D1–D8Rectifier diode 1N40071000V / 1A8ON Semi 1N4007RLGMouser$0.12
D9–D12Fast-rec diode UF40071000V / 1A fast4Vishay UF4007-E3/54Digi-Key$0.17
ZD1, ZD2Zener 6.8V 1W (regulator)6.8V / 1W2ON Semi 1N4736AMouser$0.18
ZD3Zener 12V 1W12V / 1W1ON Semi 1N4742AMouser$0.19
R-COMP1Series R, B+ rectifiers — 56 Ω56Ω 1W CF8Yageo CFR-01JB-52R3Digi-Key$0.08
R-COMP2Series R, bias rect. — 47 Ω47Ω 1W CF4Yageo CFR-01JB-52R47Digi-Key$0.08
UF4007 fast-recovery diodes are specified for any position in the regulator feedback loop where reverse-recovery speed matters. Standard 1N4007 parts are adequate for the main rectifier bridge positions.
Section D — Resistors
Carbon-comp resistors drift 15–30% or more after six decades. Voltage-setting dividers are replaced with 1% metal-film types. Non-critical positions receive 5% carbon-film replacements. All ½W unless noted.
RefValueTolPowerQtyPart NumberVendor~Unit
R1, R210 kΩ1%½W2Vishay CMF5010K000FHEBDigi-Key$0.15
R322 kΩ1%½W1Vishay CMF5022K000FHEBDigi-Key$0.15
R4, R54.7 kΩ1%½W2Vishay CMF504K7000FHEBDigi-Key$0.15
R6–R91 kΩ1%½W4Vishay CMF501K0000FHEBDigi-Key$0.15
R10–R13100 Ω5%½W4Yageo CFR-25JB-52-100RDigi-Key$0.07
R14, R1547 Ω5%1W2Yageo FMP100JR-52-47RDigi-Key$0.10
R1610 Ω5%2W1Vishay AC02000009990JACDigi-Key$0.18
R17, R18470 kΩ1%½W2Vishay CMF50470K00FHEBDigi-Key$0.15
R19100 kΩ1%½W1Vishay CMF50100K00FHEBDigi-Key$0.15
R20, R212.2 kΩ1%½W2Vishay CMF502K2000FHEBDigi-Key$0.15
R2233 kΩ1%1W1Vishay CCF5033K00FKE36Digi-Key$0.22
Bleeder R47 kΩ5%5W1Ohmite L225J47KEMouser$1.45

Bleeder resistor sourced from Ohmite Mfg, Rolling Meadows IL — a US manufacturer. Verify the original bleeder value against your unit’s schematic; 47 kΩ is typical for this voltage class.

Section E — Ferrite RFI Mitigation Package

The original MP-1 design included no conducted-emission suppression. At the time of Collins manufacture, FCC Part 97 and FCC Part 15 did not impose the RFI standards now expected by the amateur community. The ferrite package here provides three layers of suppression: AC-line common-mode rejection, DC-bus conducted-noise suppression, and individual-lead bead filtering. All ferrite materials are sourced from Fair-Rite Products Corp, Wallkill NY and Amidon Inc, Costa Mesa CA — both US manufacturers.

Material Selection Rationale

Type 31 (µi = 1500) — preferred for common-mode chokes on AC mains and DC power leads. Excellent attenuation from 1 MHz to beyond 300 MHz, covering the entire HF and VHF spectrum used by S-Line and KWM-2 operators.

Type 43 (µi = 850) — used for HF suppression beads on individual signal and control leads, with peak impedance in the 1–30 MHz region.

Type 77 (µi = 2000) — specified for the output-bus choke where maximum low-frequency common-mode impedance is required.

Type 61 — small core for the voltage-sense/feedback lead; provides suppression from 200 kHz to 10 MHz with very low loss at audio frequencies, preventing RF-induced regulator oscillation.

Ferrite Component Bill of Materials

ItemDescriptionMaterialFormQtyP/NVendor~$
FL1AC mains CMC toroid (wound 8T bifilar, 22 AWG)Type 31Toroid 1.4″ OD15931003801Mouser$3.20
FL2B+ bus CMC toroid (wound 5T bifilar, 20 AWG)Type 77Toroid 1.4″ OD15977003801Mouser$3.50
FL3, FL4Snap-on clamp, AC mains lead pairType 31Clamp 0.375″ ID20431167281Mouser$1.85
FL5–FL8Snap-on clamp, DC output leadsType 31Clamp 0.375″ ID40431167281Mouser$1.85
FB1–FB6Ferrite bead sleeve, 22 AWG leadsType 43Bead 0.125″62743002112Mouser$0.28
FB7–FB10Ferrite bead sleeve, control wiringType 43Bead 0.250″42743001112Mouser$0.42
T1 coreAmidon toroid, auxiliary wound chokeType 43FT-114A-431FT114-43Amidon$2.95
T2 coreAmidon toroid, regulator feedback loopType 61FT-37A-611FT37-61Amidon$1.20

Ferrite Placement Guide

FL1 — AC Mains Common-Mode Choke

Wind 8 turns bifilar (both AC legs together) on the Type 31 toroid. Mount as close as possible to the AC input socket, before the main power switch. This suppresses conducted RF from the transmitter that back-feeds via the mains. Use 22 AWG Teflon-insulated wire.

FL2 — B+ Bus Output Choke

Wind 5 turns bifilar (B+ and return together) on the Type 77 toroid. Install in series with the B+ output lead, 1–2″ from the output terminal strip. Provides common-mode rejection on the highest-current DC bus and prevents RF from re-entering the supply from the transmitter PA.

FL3, FL4 — AC Lead Snap-on Clamps

Snap one clamp over both AC mains leads together at the IEC/chassis entry point. Snap the second clamp 2″ further along. No winding required.

FL5–FL8 — DC Output Lead Clamps

Apply one clamp per output lead (B+, bias, chassis common) as close to the output connector as practical. Loop the lead through twice if the clamp ID permits, doubling the effective turns count.

FB1–FB6 — Lead Beads (22 AWG)

Thread individual signal and control leads through the Type 43 bead sleeves at the PCB end of each lead. Focus on the voltage-sense lead, the error-amplifier signal lead, and any leads longer than 3″.

T1 (FT-114A-43) — Auxiliary Wound Choke

Wind a 10-turn single-wire choke on this core and insert in series with the regulator control wiring bundle. Wind uniformly around 75% of the core circumference. Handles the 1–30 MHz HF window.

T2 (FT-37A-61) — Regulator Feedback Choke

Wind 6 turns on this small Type 61 core and install in the voltage-sense/feedback lead. Type 61 material provides suppression from 200 kHz to 10 MHz with very low loss at audio frequencies, preventing regulator oscillation due to RF pickup.

Section F — Hardware & Consumables
ItemDescriptionQtySpec / PartVendor~$
TS1Barrier terminal strip, 6-position1Molex 38520-0606Mouser$1.85
HS1Heat shrink assortment 3:1 ratio, 22–16 AWG1 pkTE CPRSA1-HST-4X1BKDigi-Key$4.50
HS2Heat shrink 3/8″ for ferrite joints6″TE CGSH38-6-SPDigi-Key$0.40
WR1Belden 22 AWG solid PTFE wire, 1 m1 mBelden 9978 or equivNewark$0.80
WR2Belden 20 AWG stranded hook-up wire, 1 m1 mAlpha 1855/7Newark$0.60
TW1Cable tie-wrap, 4″ natural, 100 pk1 pkThomas & Betts TY-23MXNewark$2.10
SD163/37 Sn/Pb 0.032″ rosin-core solder, 0.5 oz0.5 ozKester 24-6337-0027Mouser$3.50
INS1Kapton tape ¼″ roll (ferrite insulation)1 roll3M 1205 or equivDigi-Key$3.20
DWG1Printed schematic / overlay diagram1incl.

USA Vendors

Mouser ElectronicsMansfield, TX — mouser.com
Nichicon caps, rectifiers, Ohmite, Fair-Rite
Digi-Key ElectronicsThief River Falls, MN — digikey.com
Cornell Dubilier, Kemet, Vishay, Yageo, TE
Amidon IncCosta Mesa, CA — amidoncorp.com
Ferrite toroid cores (FT series)
Newark / FarnellChicago, IL — newark.com
Belden wire, tie-wraps, connectors
Ohmite MfgRolling Meadows, IL — ohmite.com
Power resistors (US manufacturer)
Fair-Rite ProductsWallkill, NY — fair-rite.com
Ferrite cores (US manufacturer)
All component values should be verified against the Collins service manual for your specific unit prior to installation. Collins Radio Company is a registered trademark. This kit is an aftermarket product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Collins Aerospace or Rockwell Collins.