First power supply for hobbyist - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Powernun
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2020, 07:46:47 pm
content: Hi,I am in the market to buy my first power supply as a hobbyist. I am in the UK and looking at stores in Europe. I am looking for:Budget:£150 - £300Type:Ideally linear, but I don't have a strong preferenceOutputs:At least 2Max output voltage:At least 30VMax output current:At least 3AAn intuitive and easy to use interfaceCompact in size. This is a must due to my limited space, I can't fit the typical 40cm (16in) depth of power supplies but more like 32cm (12in) maxNot a loud fan (but I have no problem fixing that if needed)Preferably a known brand that is known to last (long warranty is even better)Programmable (this is bottom of my requirements)After countless of hours of research and reading these forums, I have shortened the list down to:1. Siglent SPD3303C+ Compact and light+ 3 outputs (1 fixed)+ Very nice interface+ Encoders instead of potentiometers+ Memory functions+ Coarse and fine adjustment+ Programmable+ 3 years warranty- Not the best looking (don't really care much about that)- I saw someone on youtube finding out a weird grounding issue with it (should not affect me)2. GW INSTEK GPE-3323+ Compact and light+ 3 outputs (1 fixed)+ Good enough interface+ Nice looking (don't really care much about that)- No memory functions- Potentiometers instead of encoders (I believe I would really hate that)- No fine adjustment- Not ProgrammableAll in all I am leaning towards the Siglent SPD3303C. Any other brands/models I should know of in my price range? I don't mind going used, but the used market in Europe is very dire unfortunately.

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2020, 11:36:15 pm
content: Are you new to the hobby? This is an important question because the learning opportunities in building your own power supply are huge and I recommend this for people new to the hobby.As for a single channel power supply, it is pretty easy to understand the power rating of the supply, on multi channel supplies you have to be careful that the max capability of the supply can handle all channels to their max rating. Of course that is dependent upon your likely hood of using all channels to the max.I didn't have time to look at both supplies but the Siglent immediately impressed me with one feature I consider important for digital work, that is the fixed supply with 3 settings. The last thing you want to do is to blow up a microprocessor due to turning the wrong knob. A "fixed" output with three common microprocessor voltage settings is a good thing. The only thing I'd like to see is that they make the settings more difficult to change.As for the other features, I'm not sure how to put this but you get what you pay for. A cheap supply has to cut corners in some manner. For a hobbiest though I can't see a problem with any of the cheap supplies for a first budget first. In a way they are like multimeters, sooner of later you will want an upgrade or multiple instruments.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2020, 12:30:48 am
content: Quote from: Powernun on May 04, 2020, 07:46:47 pmIf you can stretch the budget to the SPD3303X-E I'd strongly advise it over the earlier model.I've sold both and the later one has the so much better display and more capable SCPI command set for remote control via USB or LAN.The best website to check its display is the factory's one:https://int.siglent.com/products-overview/spd3000x/

author: John B
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2020, 12:55:56 am
content: The GW Instek GPE-3323 is a good starting choice. It is more limited in features, but it's simplicity is also appealing. It turns on instantly. The single turn pots will eventually be a downside, but that's not usually a problem, and sometimes that's preferable when you need to sweep a wider voltage range.I've only encountered 1 bug in the current not reading correctly, until the outputs were turned off then on again. Eventually you'll be buying more than 1 power supply anyway.

author: radiolistener
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2020, 01:12:56 am
content: I bought KORAD KA3005D and it works goodVery precise and pretty clean output. The only issue that I found is that it has a small uF capacitor on the output, so it may discharge a little more current to the load than you configure for output.

author: Mp3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2020, 10:28:42 am
content: I used one of these for quite a while without trouble, then did an atx power supply mod, now using a triple channel as my needs have expanded.https://www.parts-express.com/7a-dc-60v-adjustable-step-down-regulator-nc-power-supply-current-voltage-meter-buck-module--320-615

author: Powernun
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2020, 02:45:17 pm
content: Quote from: wizard69 on May 04, 2020, 11:36:15 pmI am very new to the hobby. I have been thinking of creating my own supply to learn and I am planning to do that eventually but for starters I wanted something reliable that works. Later down the line when I need another supply (like a high Amp one) I will be looking into creating one so that I can learn more.Quote from: tautech on May 05, 2020, 12:30:48 amI have been looking at that one and it is very tempting (also has a lot more reviews). In the UK the SPD3303C is £245 while the SPD3303X-E is £380 so an additional £135. I'm not sure if I would value a nicer display and SCPI commands an additional £135...Extra reviews though are definitely good. I'll definitely think about it.Quote from: John B on May 05, 2020, 12:55:56 amI do like the GW Instek one but since it's the same price I am leaning to the more feature complete (for me) Siglent. Good to know someone has had good experience with GW Instek though!Quote from: radiolistener on May 05, 2020, 01:12:56 amI have been eyeing the KORAD but the interface would drive me crazy, which is why I decided to go with a more expensive model.Quote from: Mp3 on May 05, 2020, 10:28:42 amI'll have a look at those, thanks!

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2020, 07:35:22 pm
content: Quote from: Powernun on May 05, 2020, 02:45:17 pmThe value in the better display is what is shown on it.....your voltage and current settings and the actual load values and also in watts.The info here might tempt you further:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-ads-firmware-file-format/msg1830584/#msg1830584None I have sold have givenanyissues.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2020, 12:56:18 am
content: Building a PS that is anywhere near as capable as the Siglents or similar supplies is a fool's exercise. It's not going to happen!Read the threads, see where the control loops oscillate, see where things go sideways, not a 30V 3A, but at 1V 3A where the series lossers have to dissipate a ton of heat. Read where the current control loops don't actually work. Voltage control is easy, current limiting, less so. How's their transient response? How about switching transients?I bought the very pricey Rigol DP832 and it works great. OTOH, I have been fooling around with electronics for nearly 60 years without it. Batteries and wall warts are still a viable solution. But the current limiting features of the DP832 have saved me a lot of problems with a Z80 project where I had a bus address conflict. The short circuit caused the PS to drop the output voltage to nearly 0A and nothing was damaged.I think you have gotten good advice on the various commercial supplies. Pick one and be happy!One of the commercial supplies was reported to have oddball spacing of the banana jacks (Siglent? And older model?). I have forgotten which one and whether it was corrected. This is a big deal if you ever want to use standard dual plugs or shorting jumpers. Ask around, somebody will know which manufacturer/model.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2020, 01:07:02 am
content: Quote from: rstofer on May 06, 2020, 12:56:18 amSPD3303X and X-E. Yep for some it's a deal breaker if you're to use banana to BNC adapters for coax PSU leads.Never have and never plan to.Shorting jumpers ?No need for that BS when you can series or parallel the outputs with a press of a button.

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2020, 05:04:01 am
content: If cheap and easy are high on the list you can get started with 3 terminal regulators and batteries. Wall warts are also a possibility.My perspective is a bit different as I first got interested in electronics in the 1970’s. I had absolutely zip in the way of cash so made due with whatever I could usually from salvage. From that experience I put power supplies very low on the priority list. I would suggest at least one high quality DMM, a scope or something like the Digilent tool mentioned often here, and possibly a signal generator.Yeah you will want a good power supply or two but I’d spend my money on the other stuff first. That is me but I would have ran through fire to have decent tools starting out.Quote from: Powernun on May 05, 2020, 02:45:17 pm

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2020, 05:30:43 am
content: I built my own power supplies too when I was younger, commercial units were way out of reach back then, stuff was a LOT more expensive than it is now. I did eventually get a Heathkit triple output power supply from the late 70s as a gift and I still have that though I don't use it all that often anymore as it doesn't have constant current mode. Anyway they point is it all depends on your budget and your needs. Ultimately you will probably have multple power supplies, building them is fun but it's a lot of work to match the performance of even a budget off the shelf model these days.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2020, 01:33:53 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on May 06, 2020, 01:07:02 amMaybe to make a connection to the earth ground jack? I'm looking at the (-) output of the 1st channel on the DP832. I could tie that jack to earth ground with a simple banana plug jumper, of which I have a BUNCH. They're really useful for patching analog computers...Shorting links are sometimes used for this grounding scheme, if I can remember where I put them. Again, if you buy the links, you can bet they have standard spacing.There are also dual stacking plugs, again with standard spacing.The banana plug to BNC adapter is also useful with some mini-grabber test leads.All things being equal (specs, price, etc), I would buy the unit with standard spacing. Deal breaker? Well, if I knew ahead of time, I would buy something else. If I got surprised when I put it on the bench, I probably would cuss a little bit but I probably wouldn't send it back. Still, there's no excuse for getting the spacing wrong.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2020, 11:05:38 pm
content: The spacing and order of the outputs is zero cost to do right, yet for some reason the Chinese seem to insist on getting it wrong. I've never understood this.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 02:40:37 am
content: I use those dual stacking Pomona banana plugs all the time, I would definitely not buy a piece of equipment that had non-standard spacing. Not only is it a big inconvenience, it shows a lack of attention to detail and I'd wonder what else they overlooked.

author: radiolistener
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 03:03:36 am
content: Quote from: Powernun on May 05, 2020, 02:45:17 pmThe interface is very comfortable. I thought the control would not be convenient, but when I got it, the control turned out to be just perfect

author: JustMeHere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 06:16:09 am
content: I love my Tekpower TP3005Phttps://www.amazon.com/Tekpower-TP3005P-Programmable-Variable-Regulated/dp/B06XCQN82X

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 02:13:28 pm
content: The inexpensive Chinese buck-boost modules Dave has reviewed can get you started (when paired with something like an ATX power supply to feed it) with minimal cost and that will give you both current and voltage adjustabilty at the lowest cost. The most important thing IMHO is being able to have current limiting with a visual and audio indicator for when it trips and as fine granularity as to setting the levels. You determine what the amount of current your prototype is supposed to use when its working and set it to that plus 10% and if it exceeds that the power supply will tell you. That will (in my experience) save your parts even if you have made a minor hookup mistake. It lets you work on something and its very forgiving. If you dont have current limiting maybe you will still do okay but its very nice to have and likely pays for itself in time and money saved.Just make sure those buck boost devices are well ventilated and well fused.

author: ArthurDent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 06:02:45 pm
content: You've been given information on a few supplies and no matter which one you end up choosing it will not be perfect for your current (or voltage) needs and budget, but it will work. Eventually when you decide what facet of electronics grabs your interest you will be better informed on what you need for a second (and third) supply.Years ago I put together a small supply for the common opamp voltages at the time and it output 5V/.5A and +/-12 or +/-15volts/.2A. The actual supply was a small linear supply I saved from some piece of scrapped equipment and I modified it to select the two bipolar voltages rather than just have one bipolar voltage output. I had a mains ground terminal on the front if I wanted to use it and all the binding post were on the standard 3/4 inch spacing to allow the use of dual plugs. All the parts including the case were reclaimed so the only real cost was my labor. I haven't used it much in the last couple of decades but it will still work for the intended applications.What I now have for my main bench supplies are a GW Instek PSM-2010 with remote sensing capabilities (if I open the shorting links people were wondering about) that is good up to 20A and a GW Instek GPD-3303S triple output for bipolar or independent outputs. Both are high resolution 1mV/1mA settable which is a feature I like but also one that you pay extra for. I bought both these supplies on eBay as-is and the total for both was in the $180 range which is about what you're willing to pay for one supply. I admit I took a chance but the most serious problem I found was a blown fuse and a broken 5-way binding post. The binding posts on these supplies are spaced 3/4 inch apart which is also nice.These are very nice high resolution stable supplies that I couldn't justify buying at their full price. They are probably a little overkill for a first supply but I'm just showing what I went through to select some supplies. I also have many other supplies stored away that I may never get to use but I couldn't pass up at the asking price. Check the Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread to see how bad this can get.I also recently picked up a Riden RD6006W (wireless) supply that is 0-60V at up to 6A that is really nice for the price but you buy in 3 parts and assemble yourself.Here are some photos.

author: Powernun
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 10:06:16 pm
content: Thank you all for your suggestions.After looking at the available options in Europe and your suggestions, I have decided to stretch my budget and go with the SPD3303X-E for the following reasons:Has more reviews (and in general feedback) than the SPD3303C so I trust it more for long term use.I prefer LAN over USB for communicationI like how the display shows the set along with the current values for Voltage and Current. Also the graph display is nice.In the same price range, the Rigol DP832 is a comparable model, but is unfortunately much larger and harder to find.I contacted a shop which agreed to sell it to me for 10 euro cheaper and free shipping, not much but it's something.My only main drawback is the spacing between the banana jacks which I do agree with the comments that it shows lack of attention to detail. Nevertheless as actual functionality goes I highly doubt I would be affected, worst case scenario I make my own adapter with their spacing if I really need it.For the future, I am considering one of the Riden ones due to the fact that they can be flashed with open source firmware and they have a DIY aspect to them. But that's for when I feel the need for another supply.

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 10:29:01 pm
content: I’m pretty sure you will be happy with your choice. If this bug sets in solidly you will likely end up with a whole bench full of instruments. I call it a bug because it is better than calling it an obsession.The real question is what comes next. Bench DVM? Scope? Function generator? Divorce?Quote from: Powernun on May 08, 2020, 10:06:16 pm

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2020, 09:57:16 am
content: Cue the fellow Brit jumping in and banging on about used Thurlby/TTi power supplies... yes, that's me!

author: Powernun
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2020, 04:25:22 pm
content: Quote from: wizard69 on May 08, 2020, 10:29:01 pmJust wanted to give a quick update that I have been very happy with the SPD3303X-E. I'll probably not hack it until the warranty period is over but it's nice to know that I have that option for the future. Thank you again, everyone, for your suggestions. As for my next purchase, I quickly realised that I need a scope so looks like I'm headed for another big purchase...

author: ArthurDent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2020, 07:34:19 pm
content: It was good to hear back to see what you bought and how it's working out. Sometimes we're all left hanging as to what choices are made. When you get around to thinking about a scope I'm sure we will be willing to give you as many suggestions as there will be replies to your questions.

author: Powernun
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2020, 07:45:04 pm
content: Quote from: ArthurDent on June 08, 2020, 07:34:19 pmI actually started a thread on choosing a scope earlier in the day so any suggestions welcome!https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/first-oscilloscope-for-hobbyist/

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2020, 03:32:36 am
content: I understand wanting to buy a new power supply to get started, but does it have to be "NEW", new? By that I mean would you consider buying a used power supply? I don't know about your local area but if there is a local dealer in industrial / commercial used equipment it may be worth looking there. By doing so you can but higher end equipment avoiding the bottom of the barrel suppliers. Of course if these vendor are not price competitive then you are out of luck. Generally i have an aversion to new instrumentation simply due to the cost, especially if performance isn't drastically better.Quote from: Powernun on May 05, 2020, 02:45:17 pm

author: Powernun
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2020, 11:00:50 am
content: Quote from: wizard69 on June 14, 2020, 03:32:36 amUnfortunately in Europe the used market is quite dire. I searched quite a bit for used power supplies and unfortunately, there is nothing decent available (not even previously sold).

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2020, 02:36:06 am
content: Sorry to hear that. One thong to consider is that with the Wuhan virus going around I'm expecting too see a lot of businesses going under. So keeping an eye on local auctions might be a good idea. Internationally or over a wider area you can follow businesses like Dovebid and see what you can come up with taking that avenue . Of course you have to have the time to actually follow auctions but these are the places where used equipment dealers often pick up their goods.Also find out how universities and research organizations sell off stuff no longer needed. A huge amount of stuff leaves research institutions every year, some of it very lightly used.Quote from: Powernun on June 14, 2020, 11:00:50 am

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2020, 05:10:56 pm
content: Sadly I didn't look in Europe, but Dovebid has literally hundreds of power supplies up for auction over the next day to a week. One auction in New Jersey and the other Vermont.