Any tips for a Power Supply?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Justin
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 12:03:52 am
content: Hey everyone.Please excuse me if i'm posting this in the wrong section or whatever. This is my first time here, so I need to explore around a bit.Anyways back on topic, I've had my Hobby on electronics for about a month now, and I feel like I need a real lab (Not just a Multimeter and a few rusty parts from RadioShack). I've heard its a better idea to build a Power Supply rather than to buy one, which does make since because it seems that simple. Unfortunately, I barley have a clue on what to do. So assuming I can get all the parts I need fairly easily, do you more experienced engineers any tips on making a Power Supply? Or should I just buy one. If I should make one, can you give me the parts and a schematic of the entire thing?Thanks.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 12:33:47 am
content: You can build if you want to, but I'd recommend buying instead. Preferably used as they've depreciated to the point they're cheaper than building, unless you've the expensive bits already lying around (transformers, heatsinks, and enclosures = expensive parts).Lots of threads on models and brands, but generally, you'll want something with both adjustable voltage and current (limiting). Ideally, you'll want a 10 turn pot rather than a single turn/s (fine + course if there's 2 of them); either can be modded to a 10 turn pot. 10 turn pots are more expensive, so they're left out of budget units, but makes it easier to set what you're after.Also, if you'll go into your user profile and set your country, your nation's flag will be displayed under your userID. Makes it a lot easier, particularly for posting links.

author: dentaku
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 01:00:15 am
content: It's good to learn about power supplies because it involves lots of basic stuff that's always good to know.You could build a power supply on a breadboard as an educational experiment but for a power supply you use every day it's probably better just to buy one.For a beginner you could build something out of a wallwart/plugpack and some fixed regulators that would give you +12V, +9V and +5V or something like that if you don't need + and - voltages or the ability to adjust the voltage.I have one set up on a breadboard right now built out of a transformer from an old stereo and various other parts but I still haven't managed to finish it and built it for realHere's a series of videos on AC, DC, transformers, rectifiers and regulators.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL36AB5C6DA12CF293

author: gdewitte
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 02:07:20 am
content: I really like (for a variety of mostly historical reasons: I used to work for HP/Agilent/Verigy and used them extensively) the HP 6214/6216/6218/6212 series of CV/CC series 10W power supplies. They're often available on eBay for < $50 or so, can be connected in series/parallel for more voltage/current, and seem to survive most abuse.

author: Mandelbrot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 06:50:21 am
content: I suggest designing your own power supply, buying the parts, and then buying a commercial power supply to troubleshoot why yours doesn't work the way you think it should. This way you get the experience of designing your own, and worse case scenario, you have at least one working power supply for future projects.I agree that an old used HP from ebay is a good choice. The HP E3610A is another model to look out for. I'm sure you can find many other suggestions from other threads on the forum.

author: Arch
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 02:16:56 pm
content: When I was in this situation I got this unit from amazonhttp://www.amazon.ca/Elenco-Triple-Output-Power-Supply/dp/B0002DT0GU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1407334393&sr=8-3&keywords=elencoWas a neat experience and I've had no problems so far. Obviously though some of the parts in it are pretty cheap (binding posts, pots, knobs mainly). Recommend to get one of those t-rex wire strippers in advance though!I wouldn't say I know enough to confirm if it's decent or not but it works for me