If junction R1-R2 is not grounded by switch S1A, transistor T2 starts to conduct, causing the regulator to switch to zener diode D7 for its reference voltage (13 V). The PSU output voltage will then be 12.3 V. Normally, T2 will be off, however, and the PSU output voltage is then about 8.8 V. The high/low switch is useful to control the RF power level of modern VHF/UHF handhelds. Transistor T1, a p-n-p type BC557, acts as a blown-fuse sensor. When fuse F1 melts, T1 starts to conduct, causing LED D6 to light. If, for whatever reason, the PSU output voltage exceeds about 15 V, thyristor THR1 is triggered (typically in less than a microsecond).
Such a high-speed ‘crowbar’ may look like a drastic measure, but remember that this kind of protection is required by digital ICs that will not stand much overvoltage. The crowbar, when actuated, will faithfully destroy fuse F1 rather than allow the PSU to destroy expensive ICs. The two LEDs on the S1B contacts not only act as ‘high/low’ indicators but also as power-on indicators which are turned off when the mains voltage drops below about 160 V. If you envisage ‘heavy-duty’ use of the PSU, then voltage regulator IC1 should be mounted on as large a heatsink as you can get. The minimum we’d say is an SK129 heatsink from Fischer (Dau Components).
