SPD3303X-E vs DP832 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: jmiguelhdez
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 27, 2019, 11:34:08 pm
content: SPD3303X-E is a little cheaper(389.00), vs ~470 for the DP832?But is it good enough?looking at this video() seems dp832 had some issues, but other posts had good comments about it.But i couldn't find much info on the SPD3303X-E

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 12:27:21 am
content: Quote from: jmiguelhdez on November 27, 2019, 11:34:08 pmWelcome to the forum.What in particular do you need to know ?There's several threads comparing these 2 PSU's and more with info on SPD3303X and X-E. Forum Search will find them.FYI the X and X-E are identical other than the readout resolution.Dave did a teardown some 4 years back when these were first released and there's been a few changes to them since.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-828-siglent-spd3303x-precision-lab-psu-teardown/Early binding posts weren't right and they got changed really early on, the issue was if old short banana plugs were used they didn't engage far enough into the binding posts and be securely fastened resulting that sometimes they could fall out. Not now an issue with later units.The GUI was upgraded a good couple years back so more info was displayed on the default display as is pictured in this image:

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 03:54:23 am
content: Cool thing on SPD3303X is that is "hackable"

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 03:59:36 am
content: Quote from: ebclr on November 28, 2019, 03:54:23 amAlso true for the Rigol.I suggest searching the forum (magnifying glass on the left, not box on the right) for SPD3303X and DP832 and you'll find probably a dozen threads directly comparing the two with extra information. Long story short, both have had their problems and both have had them ironed out, so they're similarly performing units with slightly different feature sets. Take your pick, both will likely do the job you want.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 11:23:38 am
content: I own both; IMHO, the clear winner is the Rigol DP832 hacked up to DP832A functionality with no need to open the case. This got bigger as I typed and is almost a mini-review:Binding PostsThe binding posts are poor on the SPD3303X-E, even with the replacement binding posts sent to me by Siglent some banana plugs will fall out if you sneeze near them. The Rigol binding posts seem to take any banana plug in the galaxy with no problems.Fan NoiseBoth have noisy fans and I replaced both (details are in the forum somewhere).Channel 3My biggest complaint with the Siglent is that Channel 3 hasverylimited controls - it should only be called a 2.1 channel PSU IMHO. On the SPD3303X-E, Channel 3 can only be set to one of 3 voltages, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5V and the current limiting is fixed at3.2A! which makes Channel 3 almost unusable for me e.g. when testing or running a circuit that normally pulls 150 mA at 3.3V it's insane to only have a 3.2A current limit. The Rigol allows full control over Channel 3 up to 5.5V and 3.3A (at mV resolution hacked).Channel IsolationThe biggest gripe about the Rigol is that Channel 2 and 3 have a common ground (marked on front of case) but that hasn't stopped me from using it in any scenario so far - e.g. +12V, -12V, +3.3V needs to be done using Ch 2, Ch 1, Ch3 respectively. The Siglent has 3 fully independent Channels.User InterfaceThe user interface on the Siglent is clunky, you have to press the channel button then use the L-R cursor keys to jump between V, A, Timer, then use the fine button to cycle through the digits, all while turning the single knob. The Siglent display is also hard to see the values when they are selected unless you're looking straight at the screen (rather than from above). The Rigol controls look a bit weird in their circular layout but work well, you select the channel, and then enter the value, then press the V,A,mV,mA buttons e.g. 50  - you can still use the dial to adjust values too. The Rigol display is great from any angle.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 12:43:13 pm
content: To the OP: what is your budget? There are more expensive options out there which may be worth the extra money.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 12:49:03 pm
content: Quote from: jmiguelhdez on November 27, 2019, 11:34:08 pmI wouldn't worry too much about Dave's video, that's the only instance I've ever heard of of a failed Power FET in the DP832.I found the earlier thread when the exact same question you asked (DP832 vs SPD3303X-E) was asked,it's here.There's a post of mine about 2/3 the way down the first page that includes links to all the upgrades, modifications, and hacks for the DP832. Many Rigol's can be upgraded simply by using Riglol (not a typo, Google it). Then there's the awesome trick of creating a 'magic' USB drive that, when inserted, allows many Rigols to be made into their more expensive versions with a 1-line SCPI command.In the thread I just linked to above, Tautech (a NZ-based Siglent dealer) takes issue with my complaint about the binding posts but the issue is still there on my SPD3303X-E. In fact I think I'll sell my SPD3303X-E and get a second DP832.Happy Thanksgiving folks

author: jemangedeslolos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 01:56:00 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 28, 2019, 12:43:13 pmWhich ones ?Your opinion interests me

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 09:20:23 am
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on November 28, 2019, 12:49:03 pmYep I sure do !You have experience of just one unit and an early one at that which Siglent NA provided the free upgraded binding posts and yet you still had to fork with them rather than get some modern banana plugs.I've sold some dozens of these PSU's without a single complaint....even about binding posts !The first 10 pages of a Google search for others with binding post issues shows only your ongoing grizzling or some binding post hack for some Agilent PSU.Really you did yourself no favors drilling out the binding posts so to enable insertion of substandard banana plugs when for a few $ you wouldn't have had all this grief.Best you do sell your SPD3303X-E as I'm sure others with modern banana plugs will be very happy with it.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 12:31:17 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on November 29, 2019, 09:20:23 amYou want to have your cake and eat it too. There have been multiple people who had concerns about the binding posts on the SPD3303X-E. In a recent post you said "Early binding posts weren't right and they got changed really early on, the issue was if old short banana plugs were used they didn't engage far enough into the binding posts and be securely fastened resulting that sometimes they could fall out. Not now an issue with later units."If that's true and, as a buyer of a new unit, and having gotten 'updated' binding posts from Siglent only to find that they were exactly the same as the old ones, Siglent should replace my SPD3303X-E as they have, according to you, sold me a unit with the "arly binding posts  weren't right".Readers may like to know that Rob the Siglent dealer offers my "fork with them" binding post modification as a solution to several buyers, tryhereandhereandhereandin this posthe states that "I have revisited a new SDP3303X-E than came yesterday. Binding posts do seem a loose fit for banana plugs UNTIL they are fully inserted. The last ~1/4" is quite a firm fit, firm enough that you wouldn't want them that tight all the way"but what you fail to mention is that, if there are spade connectors fitted to the binding posts too, that pushes the banana plug even farther out.Rob, we can perhaps agree that my unit is a bad one but, if that's the case, reach out to your US counterparts and get them to replace my unit. I object to your accusing me of incompetently "doing myself no favors" messing up my product when I'm a Siglent buyer who clearly has been sold a faulty product - let's not even get into my experience with the Siglent scope with the missing capacitors.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 03:14:31 pm
content: Quote from: jemangedeslolos on November 28, 2019, 01:56:00 pmBoth options from the OP have their issues / down sides. If you are going to spend a couple of hundred then it may make sense to spend even more to get a really good device. That way I ended up with the Keysight E36313A. One of the features I like is the low current range (up to 20mA) which make the PSU capable of showing currents at the uA level. I vaguely remember seeing a PSU from another brand which also had this feature somewhere on this forum.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 05:19:56 pm
content: E36313A? That's an $1,800 power supply!

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 07:43:01 pm
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on November 29, 2019, 05:19:56 pmBut it has none of the downsides compared to the SPD3303X-E and DP832. BTW it seems to be cheaper in Europe.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 08:11:32 pm
content: R&S®HMP4000 is also an option if cost isn't a factor

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 10:59:27 pm
content: Even though I know nothing of your requirements, use case, or budget, I say that if you're willing to spend a few hundred dollars, you might as well spent eight thousand dollars and pick yourself up a Keysight N6705C. It really is the barest minimum anyone should consider as it is a supply you can grow into and has none of the problems that plague all of the lesser models discussed so far.

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 11:30:23 pm
content: Quote from: BillB on November 29, 2019, 10:59:27 pm8k is just for the fancy box. Be prepared for several thousand more to put the actual power supply modules in it.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 11:34:28 pm
content: Quote from: BillB on November 29, 2019, 10:59:27 pmWhy not get 3 of them? /s

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 11:48:32 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 29, 2019, 03:14:31 pmR&S HMC/HMP/NGM, and the Agilent "Mobile Communication DC Sources" all have mA ranges. I'm sure there are more as well.

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 01:10:35 am
content: Quote from: JxR on November 29, 2019, 11:30:23 pmWell, if you're going to spend $8K, you might as well spend $12K.Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on November 29, 2019, 11:34:28 pmThree would obviously be the minimum quantity someone should even consider, but I realize there might be some hobbyists or students on the forum and am aware that they might only be able to afford $12K at first. I'm not an elitist!

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 01:16:28 am
content: ROTFLMAO

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 01:20:20 am
content: @Billb: Stop making a fool of yourself. Like anything it is a matter of budget and how someone would value an item. You can compare it to buying a car. You basically have 3 options: buying a new cheap one which isn't quite right, buying a higher end used model or (if you can) spend more money to buy a new higher end car. Ofcourse there are always those who think the cheap car is equal to the more expensive car because it gets you from A to B but let's be honest: would you like to drive hundreds of kilometers in a car with poor seats and/or which is noisy like hell? I won't because it will make every trip annoying and I know better options exist so I look further.Cry once to buy a good tool.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 01:29:01 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 30, 2019, 01:20:20 amRight.Bill equipped his his full lab for less than the cost of just one ‘good tool’ !

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 01:43:42 am
content: nctnico, I agree with you 100%! As a matter of fact, I was just chatting about this with my chauffeur, I said, 'Jheeves, aren't you glad I decided to get the extended wheel base Rolls Royce Phantom?' I would have surely regretted getting the plain, non-EWB Phantom.Jheeves doesn't know anything about power supplies, however. I tried to explain to him why it just makes sense to get 3 Keysight N6705C's...

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 06:22:55 am
content: The OP never did provide a budget, so no real reason to hold back on recommendations. Although equating the recommendation of a very good and general $1.8k lab power supply to a ultra specialized +$10k power supply may be a bit over the top.I would personally go for something used myself over either the SPD3303X-E vs DP832. But if for some reason I could only choose between the two, I would go with the SPD3303X-E. I'm a bit biased against the DP832 though since I used to own one and had issues.Based on price alone, what does a DP832 honestly buy you that is better than the Siglent to justify the price increase (besides using standard terminal widths on the outputs). I do like the big display on the Siglent, looks good and easy to read.

author: Plasmateur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 06:38:55 am
content: In my opinion this is the current hobbiest lab equipment TrifectaCode:Rigol DS1054Z 4CH O-ScopeSiglent SDG2042X 2CH AWGInstek GPP-4323 4CH DC power supplyAnd if you were to upgrade it would probably be something like this....Code:Debatable spotSiglent SDG6022X 2CH AWGInstek GPP-4323 4CH DC power supplySame DC power supply.

author: Tom45
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 06:53:22 am
content: I have both and one thing I haven't seen mentioned is that the Siglent is a lot shorter in depth and will fit on shelves that the Rigol wouldn't fit.

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 08:22:55 am
content: Quote from: JxR on November 30, 2019, 06:22:55 amPerhaps. I was just having a bit of fun at nctnico's expense, whom I otherwise highly respect for making knowledgeable contributions to this forum. I truly do understand and agree with his point as a professional that time is money, and quality tools matter.I just didn't want the OP (who has implied a price range in his post discussing two models) to feel like he's less than because he's not considering a price range four times over that in his post.Everything has its place, and the Siglent SPD3303X-E is a perfectly fine supply for the money. In fact, some might be surprised that I use several in a professional engineering environment without issue. Not every use case requires a $10K solution, nor even a $1.8K one.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 10:26:35 am
content: BillBTell Jheeves that someone is making a fool of themselves but it's not you.PlasmateurI'd replace the Siglent AWG in your list with a Rigol DG1022Z that can be turned into a DG1062Z and have the 16 MPts/Chan option added using a 'magic' USB stick and a few simple SCPI commands.I'm guessingnctnicomight suggest thisKeysight E8267D PSG vector signal generator 250KHz - 44GHzthough. /s

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 10:50:05 am
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on November 30, 2019, 10:26:35 amCmon Ted, you're not done your homework, 14 bit vs 16 bit.The one Plasmateur picks as first choice can be improved to 120 MHz and his second choice improved to 500 MHz.Want something cheaper and 14 bit, well SDG1032X is just $319 and can be improved to 60 MHz.We can play silly games all day.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 10:57:32 am
content: Quote from: BillB on November 30, 2019, 08:22:55 amI'm getting the feeling you feel less and need to justify your purchases. I don't think you are doing anyone a favour by insisting the cheap option is the best one for everybody. IMHO it is better to provide a wider range of options (even if they are more expensive or cheaper) to the OP to broaden the horizon and let the OP decide on what is the best fit for him/her.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 11:43:30 am
content: I'm shocked!SHOCKED!That the Siglent vendor should suggest that the Siglent product is better.I own aDG1022ZDG1062Z with the 16MByte/Channel option enabled. It works, I have had zero issues with it, it has no missing capacitors, and the connectors don't drop out in normal use. OTOH, I have had bad experiences with both Siglent products I purchased (new) but when I raised these with the manufacturer, returns were refused and I was sent replacement components to fit myself in both cases! I was simply not supported and had to argue for a refund in one case and am still suffering in the other. Given your outright cheer leading here, it's fair that I share such experiences on these forums Rob. From personal experience, I could not recommend Siglent regardless of whether they appear to be better than another brand/model on paper. Others may have different opinions but lets hear them from actual purchasers rather than Siglent vendors.Snide comments like "you're not done your homework" say so much more about you than they do about me Rob.Indeed, we can play silly games all day but how about you stop cheer leading so hard and I'll go off and do my homework?Peace be with you Rob.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 12:56:23 pm
content: From hands-on experience the SDG2000 series is a decent signal generator (it has had enough time to mature).

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 02:14:01 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 30, 2019, 10:57:32 amWould I love to have a $150K workbench? Absolutely! Would I use a fraction of its capabilities? Probably not.I am actually rather proud of myself for getting as much capability that I have for as little cost as possible. I'm also pleased that I convinced my company that A-brand equipment isn't always necessary. I was able to outfit a half-dozen engineer's offices with a few thousand dollars worth of equipment that serves their needs 80% of the time. Of course, the other 20% requires expensive, high-end stuff.The alternative was we buy a couple of A-brand pieces that would have been shared. The loss in productivity when people need to hunt down that 1 shared scope, then the probes, is substantial. Many tasks go uncompleted as a result. Now, productivity has greatly improved when the engineer can immediately reach across his desk and quickly diagnose a PCB bring-up issue with his $500 scope, $400 DMM, and $400 DC supply.I don't believe I ever insisted that the cheapest option is always the best, but wanted the OP to know that many times it's good enough.

author: Plasmateur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 12:31:41 am
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on November 30, 2019, 10:26:35 amThe SDG2042X is easy to hack up 120MHz....but at 120MHz the sine-wave looks a little gnarly.Look great up to 100 MHz, which is alot more bandwidth than the Rigol option. I also prefer 16bit to 14bit. I can see where the long memory depth might be a weighing factor for someone to go with the Rigol option.Now, if you wanna beat up on Siglent about something - talk about the DC power supply vs the Rigol option. For a long time I was going back and for on which one to pick. Ultimately I found the Rigol option to be better.But the DC power supply I'm suggesting, which is neither Rigol or Siglent, is a little more in price, and crazy in value just like the DS1054Z and the SDG2042X.IMO, These are just the best three devices someone can purchase in regards to value.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 12:42:30 am
content: Quote from: Plasmateur on December 01, 2019, 12:31:41 amThat GW Instek GPP-4323 looks interesting too as it can also serve as a 2x 50W DC load. OTOH the current readback accuracy isn't spectacular.

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 02:08:06 am
content: Quote from: Plasmateur on November 30, 2019, 06:38:55 amIt's actually quite funny where a discussion about power supplies may end up...At least regarding the SDG 6000X series of waveform generators (as suggested by @Plasmateur) with the current firmware, I can only recommend to wait a little longer until the flawy start-up initialization got sorted by Siglent so the insrument would output the signal that gets diplayed on the screen... (frst hand experience)Otherwise, my suggstion regarding the PSU is to get a DP800 series unit (or a used "A" brand instrument with a decimal keypad). During the last week, I specifically kept an eye on what "programming" method I used when testing equipment: It was about 95% direct decimal entry of voltage /current limit before enabling the output. Any device with encoder input only would have taken me probably twenty times as long to get the parameters right.Don't get me wrong, the encoder is still a valuable user interface, just not for initial basic testing. Moreover, the mechanical rigidity of the Rigol PSUs is something that shouldn't be neglected at a weight of 8+ kg (18lbs) of the instruments, and in my opinion Rigol is clearly in advantage regarding this subject. And above that, you can program cycles, ramps and what not for series cycling /testing of equipment. I'm not aware of any other instrument in this price range that would provide this feature (stand-alone that is). Admittedly, you can get similarly specified PSUs for less money, but if you only once need the advanced features that the DP800 series offers, the 100 USD/EUR or whatever currency you'll have to pay your instrument with, that this insrument is dearer than the next cheaper replacement, are neglible compared to the time saving the mentioned supply would provide.Anyway, for a hobbyist starting off into electronics, any of the PSUs mentioned in this thread will do the job.Cheers,Thomas

author: Plasmateur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 05:39:44 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on December 01, 2019, 12:42:30 amHey, can you elaborate on the current readback a little bit? You and TurboTom are making me want to re-evaluate my response.TheRigol A seriesappear to have the same readback current resolution, but the programming resolution is 1ma whereas theGPP-4323'sprogramming current resolution is 0.1ma.Also, Turbo Tom brings up a great point about programmability. I fully automate whatever I'm doing, so a front panel interface isn't a big deal for me so long as I can initially get the hang of the instrument...it's all sending SCPI commands via python going forward from there.Programming waveforms (1Hz or lower) can be done on the GPP-4323 as well. But I'm wondering....is the extra channel superior to what a DP832A can do?Would be great to have a spreadsheet sticky likethis oneabout power supplies and sig gens.Or a poll sticked every one in awhile where people can vote on what the best value O_scope/Sig_Gen/DC_Supply - which would complete what the undisputed trifecta is (for different price tiers). And we can all yell at each other and get really angry about our opinions.

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 09:16:09 am
content: Quote from: Plasmateur on December 01, 2019, 05:39:44 am

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 09:36:10 am
content: Quote from: Plasmateur on December 01, 2019, 05:39:44 amI'm guessing he is referring to it not having different current measuring ranges like: 10A/1A/100mV/10mV/etc. Basically, you can read small currents directly on your power supply without having to use a DMM. I think the Instek is about the same as the Siglent and Rigol in that regard. It honestly isn't really something you get at that price point for new gear. For me, it is a feature I prefer to have in a power supply like nctnico.I'm also big fan of multi-quadrant power supplies. I remember seeing this Instek line a few months back, and they looked really nice for the price. Honestly, I would much rather have one of those than the Rigol or Siglent. I personally think you made a great choice.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 10:07:28 am
content: Quote from: Plasmateur on December 01, 2019, 05:39:44 amSuch a poll is utterly useless because everyone's needs and budget are different. Forcing a 'best solution' on people is the worst thing to do. Just leave the options open and be clear about the pros and cons.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 10:11:16 am
content: Quote from: Plasmateur on December 01, 2019, 05:39:44 amLook at the specs of the GW Instek. Current readback accuracy is (IIRC) 0.3% +10mA. I'd like to see that at 0.05% or so because in that case you have (about) the same accuracy as a 4.5 digit DMM. Part of the added value of having digital readouts on a PSU is not needing extra DMMs to measure voltage and current.

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 01:03:47 pm
content: Quote from: Plasmateur on December 01, 2019, 05:39:44 amThe keypad on the Rigol is a nice feature though, and being able to punch in a value and go is very handy. But, that does takes up panel real estate, too.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 02:27:28 pm
content: Quote from: BillB on December 01, 2019, 01:03:47 pmI'd say a keypad is a must have on a more advanced PSU. Turning knobs is slow and tedious.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 06:17:03 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on December 01, 2019, 02:27:28 pmWe can apply the same line of thought to multiplexed vertical controls on scopes yet they have general acceptance in todays world.Much is now the UI works that make what might seem a daunting interface is actually quite simple, quick and effective to use.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 06:36:46 pm
content: Sorry but that is a apples versus oranges comparison. On every PSU I own which has a keypad I use the keypad because it is quicker and more precise. Don't try to sell lemons for oranges.Shared vertical controls on an oscilloscope are far less annoying compared to needing to turn an encoder endlessly. The root of the problem is that a digitally controlled PSU has a much finer grained control versus a PSU which has 10 turn pots (which are on the edge of being tedious to use). This translate on needing to rotate the knob on a digitally controlled PSU much more (unless ofcourse it has very good accelleration but that is something both Rigol and Siglent are not known for).

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 06:38:45 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on December 01, 2019, 06:36:46 pmI'd bet some don't have detented encoders.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 06:41:00 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on December 01, 2019, 06:38:45 pmDoesn't matter at all. For kicks I just tried using the knob on my E36313A to set it to 10V. I stopped at 4V because I already rotated the knob more than I'd need to get a 10 turn pot to the end. Pressing 3 buttons to get to 10V is quicker and easier. There is no amount of argueing which changes that.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 06:46:42 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on December 01, 2019, 06:41:00 pmOh, so you can't select which digit you want to adjust ?Yep, that's something you need a numeric keypad fix for.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 06:54:35 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on December 01, 2019, 06:46:42 pmThat is even a worse solution. Now you need to push even more buttonsAnd it is potentially dangerous too. I have a DC-load which works that way and using the digit selection mode it is very easy to set it to a much higher current than required.

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 07:07:53 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on December 01, 2019, 10:11:16 amThat is what I get for scanning the datasheet to quickly. Numbers bled together and I read 0.03% (like the voltage accuracy).I'll admit the accuracy is not the greatest on the Instek. Although the fact that it can has programmable current sink for the same price as the Rigol would make me choose the Instek over it. I still don't have a dedicated electronic load because I mostly deal with low power circuits. The 50W sink capability like the Instek has would cover most of my use cases (if I didn't already have this capability).Regardless, any of the power supplies in this price range means I'm going to have to eventually use a DMM to get a more accurate current measurement. I would still rather buy a couple used Agilent "Mobile Comm DC Sources" for the same price just to have the lower current measurement ranges.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 07:10:01 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on December 01, 2019, 06:54:35 pmNope, not when the digit selected is highlighted or you're making major adjustments with the output ON.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 07:17:47 pm
content: Ofcourse you make adjustments with the output on. Think about stepping through several voltages/currents and measure efficiency (for example).

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 07:37:26 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on December 01, 2019, 06:46:42 pmHonestly I would say this is the reverse way of thinking about it. The Siglent needs thisbecauseit doesn't have a keypad.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 08:03:17 pm
content: Quote from: JxR on December 01, 2019, 07:37:26 pmAlternate.Unless you've used one for a bit and become accustomed to the UI how could you know ?TBH when they first came out I had similar thoughts but now having used the single channel SPD1305X on my bench for a while I find it quick to set. I was gunna put a SPD1168X on the bench but when I needed another bench PSU I didn't have one of them in stock.Still, I might offer the 30V 5A one to someone cheap as used and still put the 16V 8A model out there.Either has 1mV/mA resolution so there's no need to hack a SPD3303X-E to X model and I don't need a 3 output 8kg PSU for the few projects I do.

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 08:13:27 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on December 01, 2019, 08:03:17 pmBecause I have multiple power supplies, most with both keypads and knobs. Including ones that allow you select/change a single digit with a knob (4 of my power supplies do this). You really think this functionality is hard to imagine even if you didn't own such a supply?I should point out supplies without keypads that don't have this function to select a single digit to change via the knob are beyond annoying to use. I could care less about having this functionality if I had a keypad...although I'm certainly not upset about having both.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 08:14:52 pm
content: Well luckily for the Rigol owners you can choose and use either method, haha. For hobbyists they usually go the siglent because it's cheaper and smaller though. The more limited 3rd channel, non-standard output spacing, lack of keypad etc... Just doesn't matter. You could have significantly reduced performance and it still wouldn't matter. Cost and size are some pretty basic requirements.

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 08:40:18 pm
content: Quote from: maginnovision on December 01, 2019, 08:14:52 pmI agree that the Siglent price point it is hard to beat for a new linear power supply. I keep mentioning buying used, but that always comes with risks. Risks that someone just getting started is not likely to want to deal with. Getting good deals on used equipment can also be highly dependent on your location in the world.At the Rigols price though...I would start considering other options.

author: hansibull
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 08:49:43 pm
content: I had to take this exact choice a few years ago, and the two main candidates were the Siglent SPD3303X-E and the Rigol DP832.I have limited bench space, and the Rigol is deep and heavy! The Siglent is significantly less deep and is more practical in terms of physical size and weight. The Siglent also has a bigger screen. But in the end, I ended up buying the Rigol, and here's why:* The Rigol is a bit more expensive but is "hackable" to get 1mV/1mA resolution. You can also turn it into a DP832A quite easily.* Independent control of the third channel* Standard spacing between the banana connectors* At the time the Siglent did not display the set voltage and set current on the screen. This seems to be fixed now though.*The Rigol has a keypad!!*The Rigol has dedicated V, mV, A and mA keys!!The last one can't be said enough. When you have 1mV/1mA resolution it's just slow and painful to use the wheel and arrow keys to set the voltage and current. How do I know? It's absolutely possible to use the arrow keys on the Rigol too. But why would I do this when I have a keypad and dedicated unit keys? A keypad is multiple times faster, especially if you're switching to an odd setting where you need to twist and tweak a lot to get there. And with a keypad you don't need to turn off your output, it will simply jump to the new set voltage.Want to set your voltage to 16.67V at 0.1A? You can just start to type, no matter where you are on the screen or what the previous voltage/current was:  [.]   [.]  On the Siglent this would be a few dozen twists and presses to get the same setting.TBH I think Tautech's argumentation against having a keypad is just silly. I'm sure he would call it a nice and useful feature if it were present on the Siglent. Having a keypad on an instrument like this is a must. I think everyone agrees on this.And BTW, I'm no Rigol fanboy. I just got myself an SDG2042X signal generator (with a keypad), and it's just a fantastic piece of gear But I wouldn't have bought it if it didn't have a keypad.

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 09:03:29 pm
content: FWIW although I have a DP832 on the bench, I find I rarely use it, unless I need multiple rails.I’m much more likely to use one of the two straightforward single channel bench supplies also available which have direct current limit and voltage setting entry from two knobs, and 10mV & single digit mA current readout resolutions. Less menu fiddling and quick boot time too.YMMV of course, my use case is almost all low voltage mixed signal.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 09:05:01 pm
content: Quote from: JxR on December 01, 2019, 08:40:18 pmHmm, like what? My requirements when I bought the Rigol were keypad(preferred not required), 30V output(25V would work), programmable, linear, minimum 3 channels and front outputs. With the discount it was 450 or so. I have one power supply with rear outputs and to get myself to use it I ended up attaching very long 8ga wires and 20ga sense lines so that I could run wires to the front and still have length for connections(40A output). It can also sink about 120W so that would be another positive, but it's single channel as well. It was almost as much as the Rigol but significantly heavier and larger and took 3-4 hours to fix it. Realistically not having 3rd channel monitor would still keep me from buying the Siglent and the next cheapest new option is the Rigol. Used though... I'm not as familiar with the market or its options.

author: Plasmateur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 09:30:18 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on December 01, 2019, 10:07:28 amFor sure. I agree everyone's budget is different. That's why there would be a tiered list....but thinking about what you're saying, getting into the higher dollar range - the poll becomes utterly useless.At the lower dollar range however, I don't believe this is the case. Not from how many times I've seen people recommend a DS1054Z or a SDG2042X on these forums. And those cases, it would be "If you're gonna buy new...."Anyways. If not the poll, at least the spreadsheet sticky kinda like how there is one for Oscopes and Multimeters.

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 09:45:59 pm
content: Quote from: maginnovision on December 01, 2019, 09:05:01 pmWhen you are approaching the $500 range there are options like this now:https://www.tequipment.net/Instek/GPP-4323/DC-Power-Supplies-/-Lab-Power-SuppliesWhich is a 2-quadrant supply. When I first purchased a DP832 back in the day the Siglent 3303X and that particular Instek didn't exist. I'm just saying that once you get closer to that price point there are other options to consider today.Quote from: maginnovision on December 01, 2019, 09:05:01 pmHaving to deal with rear outputs is always a hassle. If the output is in the front, then the sense lines are almost always in the back (if it has external sensing). I like to make hammond enclosure boxes with banana jacks for the force/sense lines that bring all the outputs from the rear that then sit on my desk. While the supply sits up on the shelf.

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 10:39:30 pm
content: Quote from: hansibull on December 01, 2019, 08:49:43 pmThe SPD3303X-E is also hackable to 1mV resolution as well.Quote from: hansibull on December 01, 2019, 08:49:43 pmThe limited 3rd channel and non-standard spacing are probably the two biggest problems with the Siglent. Oh, and the lack of a sense input is a bummer, too.Quote from: hansibull on December 01, 2019, 08:49:43 pmIronically, even with the SDG2042X having a touch screen, I do use its keypad and softkeys almost exclusively!But for a DC supply on sale today for $330, the SPD3303X-E has a lot of features that for me make up for the lack of a keypad.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 10:58:41 pm
content: Quote from: BillB on December 01, 2019, 10:39:30 pmThat is one way of looking at it. OTOH you can also say you are spending $330 (which is a fair amount of money) and you are still compromising.When I looked for a bench power supply I ended up with the following short list: GW Instek GPE-2323, Siglent SPD3303X-E, Rigol DP832 and Keysight E36313A (in order of increasing prices according to a local webshop). I my opinion both the Siglent SPD3303X-E and Rigol DP832 have too many compromises to justify the price. If there is a 3rd channel it should be a fully functional one (freely adjustable for both voltage and current limit) and every channel should be fully isolated for maximum flexibility. So in the end it was between the GPE-2323 (which is a bare bones PSU) and the E36313A (which has all the bells and whistles). If I had to make a selection again today then I'd take a long hard look at the GW Instek GPP-4323. It isn't very cheap but doesn't seem to have any compromises.

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2019, 11:34:23 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on December 01, 2019, 10:58:41 pmMaybe next time you should consider the Keysight N6705C?I'll see myself out.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2019, 12:30:01 am
content: Quote from: JxR on December 01, 2019, 09:45:59 pmI couldn't use the 3323 due to the limited 3rd output(if it had 1V it'd work), would have to go to the 4323. Looks alright even though the Rigol length is much better for stacking meters on it. I probably would've considered it if it were around. Especially if the lock actually locked channel on/off. It's the one thing I don't like about the Rigol. Luckily my other supply like the 40A has both output and sense at the front and it is what I use most of the time, but if I need more than 3 amps it's what I use.

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 02, 2019, 03:14:11 am
content: Quote from: maginnovision on December 02, 2019, 12:30:01 amYeah, I actually meant to link the 4323. I corrected it.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2019, 07:52:02 am
content: Quote from: BillB on December 01, 2019, 11:34:23 pmNo; you are being ridiculous again. The N6705C is much more expensive and lands you in SMU territory which is overkill for a bench PSU. The GW Instek GPP-4323 OTOH costs about 50% extra compared to the hacked Rigol and Siglent offerings. If you pay for the unhacked Rigol and Siglent counterparts the price is pretty much on par.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2019, 09:40:59 am
content: nctnico, Well spotted,BillBWAS being ridiculous

author: jmiguelhdez
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 10, 2019, 07:30:30 pm
content: Thank you everyone for the responses.Yeah, i didn't provide info on the budget. While i didn't had a fixed budget i was thinking less than 1000 for the PSU because i think i need more equipment too.i got a SDS1104X as oscilloscope.I graduated with a BS on EE but to be honest i have been working on Firmware development for almost 11 years to the point that i have forgotten most of the electrical side of things.So i want to refresh my memory on several topics.at this moment i don't think i would justify expensive equipment, even though i know there is value in it. i just need to get some momentum and actually study and develop home projects.I figured by the point i feel the need for something more advanced i would have already get some years of use and would exactly know what i need next.So i was looking for a starting Bang for the buck kind of thing.for what i have read so far, it looks dp832 seems like it.i will consider GPP-4323 too

author: Mortymore
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2019, 10:44:48 pm
content: If it helps, a review on the GW-Instek GPP-4323http://www.electrobob.com/gpp-4323-power-supply-review/

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2020, 01:02:04 am
content: Quote from: hmjgriffon on July 13, 2020, 12:25:46 amI've bought loads of stuff from TEquipment.net and can recommend them. There's a thread here that lists the discount code.

author: MathWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2020, 01:25:18 am
content: Quote from: hmjgriffon on July 13, 2020, 12:25:46 amI have the 3303X (I upgraded it) and I love it for what I'm doing so far. But when I go to get another 1, for more channels, I'll check out that 4ch Instek.I can't comment on my PSU at any amount of load, because I haven't had to work on or play with any thing that needs it.It tracks great at low loads, I should at least hook it up to some power resistors and the scope someday.Another button or 2 instead of the "Fine" would help a lot.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2020, 09:56:13 am
content: Quote from: hmjgriffon on July 13, 2020, 12:25:46 amI did the search for you, the latest code ishere.