[dorkbotdc-blabber] Benchtop Power

[Tim Slagle]

I initially bought some ~$70 18V 3A power supplies with LCD meters on eBay (search for HY1803D) that were really too cheap.  They had a single-turn pot adjustment for the voltage that wasn't sensitive enough and would jump around as the voltage was adjusted.  And one of the three had problems with the current limiting, but the seller refused the package after I paid to ship it back.  I also found the 18V top end limiting as I had some LED lighting that needs 24V.

For the next round I bought a 30V 5A supply.  The same one was available labelled by different OEMs but I wound up buying it for $129 from:
  http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/8770
They have a long-standing deal where you can get a free DMM, plier set, or other swag with your first order.  The MS8264 DMM is actually pretty nice as well, worth the $25 or so.
  This supply is pretty nice, it has a 10-turn pot to adjust the voltage, screw terminals for more permanent installations, and a bonus 5V at 1A output on the back.  The current limit adjustment is a little awkward and isn't as fine as I would like, so it isn't good for testing LEDs for example (I use the HY1803D for that). 
  I also bought a 120V at 1A supply from the same series which I haven't used as much.  It doesn't have the 5V at 1A output.  I wish it went up to 160V or higher so I could use it for testing Nixie tubes.
--Tim



--- On Sat, 2/14/09, Gareth Branwyn <garethbranwyn at comcast.net> wrote:

> From: Gareth Branwyn <garethbranwyn at comcast.net>
> Subject: [dorkbotdc-blabber] Benchtop Power
> To: "An discussion list for dorkbot-dc" <dorkbotdc-blabber at dorkbot.org>
> Date: Saturday, February 14, 2009, 5:40 PM
> Hey my fellow Dorkness,
> 
> As you all may have noticed, I have a new weekly Toolbox
> column on Make: Blog (blog.makezine.com) My next column
> (THIS Monday) is going to be on benchtop power supplies,
> both commercial units and homemade ones. If you have one you
> bought, or especially, if you've made one from a PC
> supply, etc., please hip me to the details ASAP. The more
> info, pics, etc. the better. And I'll link to your
> website, etc. if I post what you send.
> 
> Also: If you know links to power supply projects online,
> please send those along too.
> 
> 
> Many thanks,
> 
> Gareth
> 
> 
> 
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