Opinions about power supply - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: hellzakk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2017, 12:34:20 pm
content: Hi all, im thinking of buying my first psu but id like to know from you if i must go with a new one like a Rigol DP832 or go with an (or two) used ones like Agilent E3610A.The rigol have 3 lines 2 x 0-30V/3A+1 x 0-5V/3A, E3620A have 2 x 0-25V/1A... new rigol cost MUCH more than the used agilent but have much more A on the lines...any suggestions will be greatly appreciated

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2017, 12:43:31 pm
content: If 1A is sufficient for your needs go for the used E3620A. Why spend money on things you don't need?

author: hellzakk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2017, 12:53:54 pm
content: You are absolutely right, but as a beginner id dont know exactly if 1a will ever be my limit...

author: EncomLab
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2017, 01:34:18 pm
content: I'm an absolute beginner myself and a EE student to boot so have a pretty limited budget. My wife got me a Korad KD3005P PSU for Christmas and so far (granted only a few weeks) it has been perfect for my needs.https://www.amazon.com/KORAD-KD3005P-Programmable-Precision-Adjustable/dp/B018V3CQO0/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1483536797&sr=8-1&keywords=kd3005p

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2017, 01:54:18 pm
content: You never know. For a starting point 1A is fine to power most circuits. If you need more current for large loads later on, then buy a high current lab PSU, not now. And it's handy to have a few PSUs anyway.

author: slurry
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2017, 02:02:01 pm
content: Quote from: madires on January 04, 2017, 01:54:18 pmLet me count..1, 2, 3, 4...... i think i have at least 9 variable lab PSU's and a few with fixed voltage so i agree with you, you simply can't have too manyTS,go with the Agilent, quality lasts a lifetime.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2017, 02:43:05 pm
content: Both of those supplies are very nice, but constitute a large expenditure for someone who doesn't have some fairly firm ideas on what he needs.As I endorse the eventual need for large numbers of supplies, less shiny and capable supplies might make more sense while you are evaluating what you need. Trying to buy to cover the future is nice, but your interests might lead you to very high voltages or very high currents outside the range of the listed supplies. In the interim you might fabricate your own supply, buy power bricks or older used equipment.

author: Kappes Buur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2017, 07:06:44 pm
content: Previously I had a Zhaoxin RXN-305D. It did it's job quite well.Then as a present I got a Zhaoxin KPS3005-DU, it has some very nice features

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2017, 08:34:42 pm
content: I keep wanting to get a fancier power supply, and I probably will some day, but the E3610A I got does the job just fine and the more frugal part of me just wants to get a second one of those so I can do dual rail stuff. Sure, 60 volts, 5 amps...MORE POWER! but if you aren't actually building anything that needs that sort of power, save some money for other lab goodies and get the lesser power supply. Those 3610's are like rocks. It all comes down to the right tool for the job - until I hit a project I can't manage with the 3610 I will TRY to not buy more power supplies.

author: basinstreetdesign
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 03:18:16 am
content: OK. I'm just going to throw this out there and see who craps all over it.A homebuilt bench power supply is one of the best early projects for a diy-er who is just starting to do electronics.First of all, building a PS doesn't require having a PS. Just a meter. Having a scope is good, too, but is not a show-stopper.You may be able to get a better cheaper unit off the shelf than you can spend in parts for a home-built one but designing one that you can use for the next few years will pay you back in spade in more ways than one. You will learn a lot about power supplies. Especially linear ones as I would not suggest you tackle a SMPS at this point. Secondly, provided it works well, it will give satisfaction every time you turn it on.Secondly, you may spend a lot less on the parts for a home-built unit, too if you are a good scrounger or have access to a salvaged electronics store. Also, if, later on you decide you want another feature you can choose to put it in. That's much harder with an off-the-shelf one.My only caveat here is that if you choose to go this route make sure you research the subject well and build it well and with care. Do not mickey-mouse the thing or you will be swearing AT it more than you will be swearing BY it.