USB-C Power Delivery has become one of the most useful modern power standards. It is already used for laptops, tablets, power banks, monitors, phones and a growing number of high-power accessories. For amateur radio operators, that creates a very interesting opportunity.
Instead of carrying several fixed-voltage power supplies, wall plugs, chargers and DC leads, a suitable USB-C PD power source can become a flexible DC power system. The missing piece is a way to tell that USB-C power source what voltage you actually need.
That is where VFLEX comes in.
Configurable USB-C Power for Radio Operators
VFLEX is a configurable USB-C Power Delivery output interface. Set the voltage you want using the VFLEX app, connect it to a compatible USB-C PD power source, and VFLEX will attempt to negotiate that configured output.
Depending on the power source being used, VFLEX can request voltages from 5V to 48V, with output current up to 5A. This makes it a flexible option for powering compatible radios, tuners, meters, interfaces, portable station accessories and test bench equipment.
Why VFLEX Makes Sense for Amateur Radio
A typical radio station is full of equipment with different DC power requirements. Radios, tuners, meters, interfaces, hotspots, Raspberry Pi setups, antenna controllers and test bench accessories may all need different voltages and connector types.
VFLEX gives operators a compact, configurable way to power compatible DC devices from modern USB-C PD power banks and mains adaptors. This makes it particularly useful for:
- Portable radio operation
- QRP stations
- POTA and SOTA activations
- Field Day setups
- Shack accessories
- Test bench work
- Travel radio kits
- Temporary and emergency communications setups
Powering the Icom IC-705
One of the best amateur radio examples is the Icom IC-705.
The IC-705 uses a Type C adaptor, which is a 5.5mm OD x 2.5mm ID Barrel Plug. By configuring a VFLEX Base to 13.8V and using the Type C centre positive adaptor cable, you can power an IC-705 from a suitable USB-C PD mains adaptor or portable battery pack.
The Type C adaptor is also one of the most useful options in the VFLEX range. As well as the IC-705, many products from LDG, MFJ, Nissei, Daiwa and other manufacturers use the same Type C style connector, making it a practical choice for a wide range of tuners, meters, accessories and station equipment.
The X Connector Cable System
The VFLEX Base uses an X Connector output interface, with adaptor cables available for different DC connector sizes and polarities.
This is one of the most useful parts of the system. Rather than being locked into a single fixed-output USB-C trigger lead, VFLEX lets you choose the correct adaptor cable for the equipment you want to power.
Centre Positive X Connector Cables
Adaptor cables for common centre positive DC Barrel Plug sizes, including the useful Type C 5.5mm x 2.5mm option used by the IC-705 and many accessories.
View at ML&SCentre Negative X Connector Cables
Centre negative adaptor options for equipment that requires reverse polarity. Always check the device polarity before connecting.
View at ML&SVFLEX Starter Kit
A complete starter bundle including three VFLEX Base units, Adaptor Pack 1, Adaptor Pack 2 and a storage case.
View at ML&SUSB-C Power Meter
A handy inline USB-C power meter for checking voltage, current and power in VFLEX, portable radio and test bench setups.
View at ML&SSafety and Polarity Matter
As with any DC power system, the most important rule is to check everything before connecting equipment.
- Check the required voltage
- Check the current draw
- Check the connector size
- Check the connector polarity
- Check the power source capability
- Check that the cable is suitable for the intended use
Useful in the Shack and in the Field
VFLEX is not only for portable operation. It is equally useful on the shack bench.
A USB-C PD mains adaptor combined with VFLEX can provide a compact configurable DC output for testing compatible accessories, powering small station devices or experimenting with custom power leads.
For portable operation, the appeal is even clearer. Many operators already carry USB-C PD power banks for phones, tablets, laptops, logging devices and lighting. VFLEX allows that same USB-C PD ecosystem to become part of the radio power setup.
VFLEX Range at ML&S
| Product | SKU |
|---|---|
| VFLEX Base USB-C PD Power Interface | VFLEX-BASE |
| VFLEX Starter Kit | VFLEX-STARTER-KIT |
| Centre Positive X Connector Adaptor Cables | VFLEX-XC-CP |
| Centre Negative X Connector Adaptor Cables | VFLEX-XC-CN |
| X Connector Adaptor Pack 1 | VFLEX-XC-PACK-1 |
| X Connector Adaptor Pack 2 | VFLEX-XC-PACK-2 |
| DIY Solderless X Connector Adaptor | VFLEX-XC-DIY |
| DIY Solderless Adaptor Bundle with Base | VFLEX-XC-DIY-BUNDLE |
| Luxe USB-C to USB-C Magnetic Cables | VFLEX-LUX-USBC |
| USB-C Adaptors | VFLEX-USBC |
| USB-C Power Meter | VFLEX-USBC-METER |
View VFLEX at ML&S
Final Thoughts
VFLEX is a clever way to bring modern USB-C Power Delivery into amateur radio. It will not replace every traditional power supply, and it still needs to be used carefully, but for portable operators, QRP users, IC-705 owners and anyone building a more flexible station power setup, it is a very useful addition.
With the right USB-C PD power source, VFLEX Base and adaptor cable, you can create a compact, configurable DC power system that works in the shack, on the bench or out in the field.
Disclaimer: This post is an independent overview based on VFLEX published product information, current at the time of writing. Specifications and availability are subject to change. Please check the product pages at ML&S for the latest stock status and pricing before ordering. Always confirm voltage, current draw, connector size and polarity before connecting any equipment.