Any oppinions on the HMP4030 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: void
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 08, 2015, 06:18:40 pm
content: Hello guys,I need your help. I am searching for a new power supply and I found the HMP4030 condition as 'new' for 850euro + VAT.I think the price is quite nice and I am curious what you think.Or if there is anything better for me. Basically I looked at quite a few PSUs cheaper ones and betters ones also at the Rigol 832 which a friend has. The Rigol 832 is nice and it would be enough for me but the fan is just so damn loud etc. so I kept looking. Now I am more of a hobbiest doing various smaller projects, therefore the HMP4030 as new would be overkill for me. The 10A output are really nice but not necessary at all they would come in handy for some LED strip projects I am doing from time to time but I also have some dedicated PSUs for that. I like that the HMP shows you the power draw, fuselink might come in handy as well.Now what do you guys think should I go for it. Or is there any other PSU out there I might have missed?

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 08, 2015, 07:19:15 pm
content: I personally have the BK 9130 and I am happy with it,http://www.bkprecision.com/products/power-supplies/9130-triple-output-programmable-dc-power-supply.htmlLinear or switching PSU are the first question you should ask, but I think you are more in the linear world. Do you really need a programmable one? You can save some money if not. What about the Ethernet port not there? Is it a issue for you? Rigol has it AFIR.Normally you want a power supply which have low noise, or one with lots of Amps (maybe a switching PSU), or one with lots of Volts, or one which have triple outputs, or one which is programmable. Normally hobbiest tend to buy a single PSU unit which can do everything, and unfortunately very often (expecially if you go cheap, not your case) it is just a compromise with performance which do not excel in anything.Regarding the PSU display I have three Agilent 34401a and one 34661a which are given me exactely what the PSU is spitting out, if those values are critical. Yeah the power number is nice, but it is just math I would put more importance on electrical feature or performances.Quote from: void on January 08, 2015, 06:18:40 pmThis unit is darn good in my eyes (for general purpose it is a very good puppy), but I never touched one. Remember there are some PSU super nice on paper but they are not user friendly and you want to kill yourself in dayly life. The HMP4030 should be a piece of cake anyway.Nice price too.Buy it! if you don't like it sell it to me and get the money backTo me looks like you are asking what are the alternative to a Ferrari, and for that price is hard for me to say don't do it there is another car which is better because:1) I don't know for which projects you need such a PSU. As I said for general purpose for that money it is surely a good investment.2) I don't know what is your taste. Some people like Porsche and other Lamborghini. For example I have no idea is the fan is too noisy for you in that unit.Just my $.02

author: void
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 08, 2015, 07:47:21 pm
content: Yes I need more of a general purpose PSU. From what I heared I didn't find a review or something of the 4030 but the smaller ones from that line the 2020 does not even bother to turn up the fan if your not at its limits (and then it would be ok for me as well....).Anyway I guess you are right I will give it a try and if i don't like it I know where to post it :pAnd ye you are right the power number is nice but its no selling point. I just think its neat thats all. Ethernet port would be upgradeable but actually I don't think I need it. I never had a PSU which actually had a ethernetport so... Maybe I don't know what i am missing :p1. General purpose2. I don't know either. I have not taste in instruments actually. I only like "the most bang for the buck" :pBut yes I don't want some cheapy I want something which will last me some years like a good investment....

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2015, 04:54:45 pm
content: Check out Hameg's bargain shop:http://www.hameg.com/433.0.htmlYou can get a 2020 for €479+VAT. Two channels are typically enough for hobby stuff. If you need three channels than this price for 4030 is very good.I have a 2030 and it is really quiet. Under light load the fan is off. It then gradually speeds-up.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 09, 2015, 05:07:46 pm
content: Quote from: owiecc on January 09, 2015, 04:54:45 pmLike water in the desert. Thank you so much.