Difference between BK Precision 1655 and 1655A AC Power Supply?

[MRiddickW]

Hi all,

Can anyone tell me the difference between the BK Precision 1655 and 1655A AC Power Supply? I found a 1655 (non-"A") in great condition on Craigslist for $125, and I'm wondering if there's any reason to not jump on it.

Visually speaking, they seem nearly identical. The one difference I can tell is that the listing mentions the weight of the 1655 as 12 lbs, whereas BK Precision lists the weight of the 1655A as 22 lbs. I don't prefer boat anchors, but it makes me wonder if the 1655A is beefier somehow.

I've attached a couple of pictures from the listing for visual reference.

Thanks!

[bdunham7]

It looks mint.  Buy it--those things have rocketed up in price in the past few years and while I paid a bit less than that for mine, they typically go for much more now.

The BK1655 is the older, US-made version with a US-made Staco variac.  The 1655A is a later, slightly different appearance and case style Taiwan-made model.  AFAIK, they have the same schematic and specifications. Is the 12 lbs from the Craigslist listing?  I haven't weighed mine but IIRC it is pretty heavy.  I doubt they are significantly different.

[MRiddickW]

Got it! Thanks for the encouragement!
Yeah, the weight was from the listing, I think it must have been a fat finger.

[MRiddickW]

Looking back, I think maybe they copy/pasted the dimensions and weight from a different listing they had for a couple of BK Precision 1711 DC supplies. (And no I did not buy them... I already have more DC power supplies than I need!)

I am slightly perturbed that they didn't manage to fit it a half-rack form factor or narrower; I don't have a rack unit, but it throws off the otherwise nice stacking I have!

Last question because I'm incapable of making my own decisions: Can someone please give me permission to throw away the original cardboard box it came in?!

[bdunham7]

Last question because I'm incapable of making my own decisions: Can someone please give me permission to throw away the original cardboard box it came in?!

Nope!  Cut the tape off and fold it flat, then stash it away somewhere.  If you go to resell it on eBay, you'll be glad you did.

[MRiddickW]

Ugh. You're the worst, but you're right.

I swear, between guitar cases, guitar pedal boxes, and now test equipment boxes, I'm starting to think about renting a storage unit just to store all my storage accoutrements!