Recommendations for a 300€ Hobbyist Bench Power Supply? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: leja
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 04:27:26 pm
content: I am searching for a bench power supply to replace my main one. I am currently using a cheap Lavolta BPS-305 linear power supply, but it’s kind of impractical for most applications.The main things I work on are the following:⁃ Small / embedded electronics projects⁃ Electronics repairs⁃ Some higher powerish stuff (LEDs, motors, peltier elements)For those I would want:→ Adjustable voltage and current (CC & CV)→ Digital display→ at least 2 channels with parallel and series mode (or two single channel if within budget), a fixed 3rd channel could also be nice→ 30 V and min. 3 A per channel→ Memory slots for different settings→ Previewing set values before output→ power consumption display to verify projects running off power harvesting. most of the ones I have seen don‘t support that, but I guess I could use logging over some sort of connectivity port to track power consumption over time=› Data/Logging to PCOther things I would like:⁃ Fanless / Low noise⁃ Low weight (so probably a switching instead of linear)⁃ Fairly low ripple (but as far as I know most modern ones already have that and any circuits that would be sensitive would have appropriate stabilisation anyway)⁃ Longevity of course but within budgetI am also open to using two matched single channel supplies if that would be beneficial.If power logging is not really something to find in this price range I would also be interested in ideas for other ways to do this.I would love to hear your suggestions and personal experience. Thanks in advance!

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 04:36:24 pm
content: I don't think your budget is realistic, unless you're looking on the used market. Even used, all of that is asking a lot.I use an SPD3303X, and it has a fan that is not silent, but not bad. It's compatible with TestController software, so you can monitor/log with that. It has save/recall for up to 5 grouped settings.The SPD3303X-E is the same hardware, costs less, and can beimprovedto be the same as the SPD3303X specs.The only thing I don't like about this PSU is that the post spacing is not standard. If you can increase your budget, the SPD4000 series is nicer and with standard spacing.Thanks,Josh

author: thephil
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 05:04:31 pm
content: I have a Uni-T UDP3305S that i am very happy with. It's little brother (UDP3305S-E) is around 390€ in Germany. That's above your target price but I'm not sure there is a device that does all you want for that price.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 06:05:54 pm
content: Get two Korad PSUs. But make sure to get linear PSUs; switching PSUs are useless if you need to measure something in your circuit. Measurements will be swamped with noise. Been there, done that.

author: leja
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 06:52:21 pm
content: Thank you for all of your replies. I will probably go for one of the more expensive options and look on the used market.But as follow up questions:What would be a feature I could lose to fit my budget?Which of my requirements creates the biggest price jump?Which one would lead to the smallest functionality loss?I‘m guessing going for a single channel would be way cheaper, but would also remove a lot of versatility (unless of course I use two single channel ones, but I imagine that being more expensive)

author: leja
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 06:55:20 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on August 25, 2025, 06:05:54 pmI‘ve only really seen noise of about 10mV with switching PSUs and can‘t imagine that messing with any measurement I would be doing. Is my info wrong? How big is the difference really?Also, can you recommend any particular PSUs from Korad?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 07:27:15 pm
content: Quote from: leja on August 25, 2025, 06:55:20 pm10mV on top of a 100mVpp signal obscures all details. You just get bands of noise on your oscilloscope. Things get worse when using an oscilloscope or other equipment because HF current will be pushed from the PSU into the ground leads of an oscilloscope.QuoteThe Korad KA3005PS seems to have a good reputation on this forum. Cheap and it has been around for a long time.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 07:49:50 pm
content: PeakTech (see Reichelt for models and prices).

author: neverendingstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 10:32:17 pm
content: I think there is a requirements mismatch to start off: you want some nice features, but also mention switch-mode instead of linear for weight issues. Switch-mode power supplies are cheaper because they are noisy and lower quality (with some weird exceptions), which means you're starting out looking for a supply that has quality features combined with the lower-quality base tech (switching) - this is pretty limiting.There ARE switching power supplies that are quality and low-weight.... but they are odd ducks. I randomly happen to have one: a Sorensen PowerFlex XPF 60-20D. It is very light weight but they are stupidly expensive new - like $3K. It uses switch mode for gross regulation and then linear for final regulation to kind of get the 'best of both worlds' without the weight of a large toroid... for the cost of more than both worlds I guess.If you are willing to bend on the weight issue, I'd recommend looking on eBay for a used GW Instek power supply. They are quality, and they are cheap - they have been a popular choice for the education sector and because of that they show up on the secondary market in large quantities, which helps keep the price down. I use one for my main bench power supply (a GPD-3303S) and am very happy with the performance.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 11:36:54 pm
content: Another consideration is binding posts versus recessed (safety) banana sockets. Personally bindings posts are a must have for me.

author: leja
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 26, 2025, 06:36:08 am
content: Quote from: neverendingstudent on August 25, 2025, 10:32:17 pmAnd I always thought a switching mode supply would be cheaper. But I guess a hybrid one makes it more expensive again.I also would‘ve really liked a lightweight bench power supply, but it seems like linear is really the way to go. Thanks for the suggestion for GW Instek!

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2025, 07:44:18 am
content: Quote from: leja on August 26, 2025, 06:36:08 amSome are, some aren't.Study and study datasheets.High power SMPS can be very good bang for buck as their lack of weight makes them more portable than a heap of iron and copper.....depends entirely on your requirements.

author: gamerpaddy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2025, 12:08:32 pm
content: RDTech RD6006 / RD6012 ticks all those boxes, except the multi-channel requirement.but they are compact and can be hooked in parallel/series with a short jumper lead.but just havent found a easy way to synchronize them turning on/off/settings etc.maybe unisoft will craft a firmware someday that can do this..ive been using two RD6012 for years now and just recently got a RD6030, alongside many other higher quality / priced ones that rolled in and out again.they are my first choice as they meet all of my requirementsand they seem pretty robust. pulsed loads, backemf, etc. nothing could kill them so far.they are front-panel modules that require 65..70V DCbut with the S400 case and a 65V 5A/10A Psu they are fully self contained unit.Remote control and logging can be done if you also get the RS485 modules and a RS485 usb dongle or using the WIFI module.they are about 105 bucks per unit (on aliexpress)50 bucks per module,30 bucks per psu20 bucks for a case5 bucks per rs485 or wifi module

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2025, 12:16:39 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on August 26, 2025, 07:44:18 amYep. The ones from Gophert and Rek are hard to beat price and quality wise. I use these as adjustable high power wall-warts though to power DC equipment. Not when I need to make measurements on a circuit.

author: leja
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 27, 2025, 07:34:35 am
content: Thank you for all the suggestions.I guess I will be looking for used PSUs from the models suggested and just see what I can find…For anyone that finds this post later:⁃ Siglent SPD3303X-E (“improvable” to SPD3303X)⁃ Uni-T UDP3305S(-E)⁃ 2x Korad KA3005PS⁃ GW Instek GPD-3303S⁃ 2x RDTech RD6006 / RD6012Now that I have a clearer understanding of LMPS vs SMPS I am also really interested in what the future may bring with improved (and still cheaper) SMPS power supplies

author: bateau020
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2025, 12:13:39 pm
content: Don't ignore the P versions in the Riden range: RD6006P, RD6012P etc. SMPS with a linear front.

author: MathWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 05:52:23 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on August 25, 2025, 04:36:24 pmI've had my 3303X for a few years now and I'm pretty happy with it. But what are the other buttons for ? I've used the Serial/Parallel buttons and Waveform. So what does the timer and IP/Store do ??

author: slugrustle
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 05:55:15 pm
content: I'm a big fan of the Siglent SPD3303C. It's a lower end model than 3303X but is great value for money:https://siglentna.com/power-supplies/spd3303c-series-programmable-dc-power-supply/

author: leja
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 06:46:53 pm
content: Thank you for all your suggestions so far. I think I will just have to see what I can find as used offers.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 07:04:47 pm
content: If you have the possibility (choice) to get a PSU with numeric key input, go for the one with a numeric key input. With your budget it will be hard to find one but being able to key-in voltages and current is much easier compared to turning a knob. Especially on PSUs where you have to move a cursor left/right to select which digit to change using a rotary knob.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 08:21:56 pm
content: Quote from: MathWizard on August 30, 2025, 05:52:23 pmRTFM! Sorry Rob, beat you to it.J/K. IP is for...an IP address and remote control/monitoring. It can also store presets for different setups.

author: slugrustle
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 09:10:43 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on August 30, 2025, 07:04:47 pmI personally like the knob and cursor interface. Usually, I'm adjusting supplies and loads up and down by small amounts, and the knob is great for that.

author: kite31
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 11:07:44 pm
content: Quote from: slugrustle on August 30, 2025, 09:10:43 pmWhile it is easy to enter a single desired value with the key interface, adjustments are more intuitive with a knob and selector, and hardly slower for initial entry. Live adjustments are more likely to be used on a load than a supply. I did not find the keyboard vs knob/selectors difference critical for my choices. My electronic load has both, the supply only knob/selectors.