Power supply recommendations. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2012, 11:31:57 pm
content: Hey fellas,I need a power supply. Can somebody suggest me one under 200 dollars?-Cheers

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2012, 11:44:30 pm
content: I got 1.5 V batteries and put them in series in different size battery holders. You can get most of the useful voltages you might need with two, three, four, six, eight batteries etc. Only costs a few dollars.

author: Short Circuit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2012, 12:04:49 am
content: If you tell your requirements, you might get lucky and receive some suggestions for free

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2012, 12:32:39 am
content: Preferably adjustable amps and volts. Amps 0 to 3+. Not sure about volts, but lets say 0 to 30+

author: Shaun
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 11, 2012, 03:30:16 am
content: Myself and MetalPhreak have both got this recently:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Programable-Variable-Adjustable-DC-Power-Supply-0-32V-0-5A-USB-/270890248628?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f125129b4#ht_500wt_1413I paid $115 + $75 USD shipping (from the seller above). Took about 2 weeks to get here.MetalPhreak has also done some quick youtube vids on it too if you go searching.

author: alangarf
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 11, 2012, 09:17:43 am
content: What are you using the supply for? 0-30V 0-3A is 90% of the time to my mind total overkill, and it also gives you a higher potential of blowing your circuit to pieces; "DAMN I left the voltage at 24V when i thought it was only 3.3"I've got numerous supplies and most never go above 12V and maybe an amp at best. I have a dedicated large linear supply that I use if I need to supply a motor driver or something that needs considerable power. But I wouldn't catch myself dead powering my usual day today requirements with it.Be like having a large two handed hammer drill as your only drill, sure you can put up small shelves with it, but a small electric hand drill is much more suitable.Don't let ego and big numbers guide you, look at what you'll be using it for and go for that. A 12V 2A wall wart and a LM317 with a 10 turn pot is an awesome little supply. You can easily add current limiting too. Dave's new LT3080 supply look extremely useful too!-A.EDIT: bad grammar naughty.

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2012, 09:26:46 am
content: Bump. Not enough replies.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 13, 2012, 09:44:27 am
content: Quote from: Mint. on January 13, 2012, 09:26:46 amDo you really expect more replies with this kind of attitude?Quote from: Mint. on January 10, 2012, 11:31:57 pmIf you want good answers, you need to make sure to ask smart questions. The answer from Ian is perfectly valid considering the only requirement was price < $200.Compare that question to something like (completely made up):QuoteThis one is much more likely to get useful answers.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2012, 02:05:17 pm
content: Quote from: Mint. on January 13, 2012, 09:26:46 amwait for the dave kit, or "mecha's" kit.

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2012, 10:17:34 pm
content: If all you need is low current low voltage for breadboard stuff, there are plenty of low cost solutions based on simple adjustable regulators.I use my little breadboard power supply boards for most stuff, since it's mostly 5v/3.3v and I can power it from a 9V battery, or any spare plugpack with enough voltage to avoid dropout.The VanTek unit Shaun linked is more than you'll probably ever need as a hobbyist. All the "big brand" power supplies are going to be much more than $200.