Power Supply 0-16V with High Current and Voltage Sensing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Federico993
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 03:43:31 pm
content: Hi, I am looking for a Power Supply with around 0-16V range and a high current (40-60A) with the Voltage Sensing circuit.Actually I have found thePeaktech 1570which is a 1-16V and 0-60A with voltage sensing circuit and the USB software where you can set the Upper Voltage Limit and Upper Current Limit.It seems to be a really great option for around 435€.It looks a lot like theBK Precision 1900Bwhich costs 650€.Do you know other Power Supply with similar characteristics?Maybe there is something better at this price? I would like to be sure to buy the right one before spending money.Thanks!

author: jogri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 04:03:35 pm
content: This is the original manufacturer of those PSUs:https://www.manson.com.hk/product/hcs-3600-usb/I have their 60V, 5A model and wouldn't recommend it, it's just a really cheap SMPS. I don't trust it with anything (it doesn't even handle electronic loads well...) and only use it to power a LiPo charger. If you don't mind having a bench anchor, maybe look around for a HP 6269B? Those are around 3-400 USD, but they weight 40+kg so shipping won't be cheap.

author: Federico993
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 04:33:17 pm
content: Hi jogri, thanks for the answer!I was watching the Manson HCS3600 and they are really similar.They are pretty small and lightweight. I need to use it for charging LiFePo4 battery banks but mostly for Top Balancing them (3,65-3,7V), so it's really important that it has Over Voltage Protection and fine adjustments.The High current is mandatory to charge high capacity battery banks and preventing the cells from overcharging before reaching the threshold voltage.I am also looking for one with the Voltage Sensing that avoids the Voltage Drop during charging with low voltage and high current.I would prefer buying something new and I was also watching theMastech HY3030EXbut it isn't available in Europe (high shipping price) and doesn't have Voltage Sensing.

author: jogri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 05:54:39 pm
content: You want to balance LiPo packs by just plugging two leads into a crappy PSU and hoping for the best? Wouldn't recommend that, one glitch from the PSU and you got yourself a burning bench. I heavily recommend a proper balanced LiPo charger (iSDT makes some really good ones for ~50 bucks), much safer than just hoping that the PSU doesn't overcharge/short out. Btw, a LiPo charger has remote voltage sensing via the balance connector.Out of curiosity: What kind of LiFe packs "needs" 40A charge current? Even my extremely oversized 3S/8P drone battery rarely gets charged with more than 12A.

author: Federico993
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 06:17:18 pm
content: I am here looking for a good Power Supply that is able to do this job. I was watching the Peaktech but as you have adviced, it isn't the best choice. Maybe someone can advice one that can work well.The battery banks are LiFePo4. For Top Balancing, cells are plugged in parallel, it means charging from 3,3V to 3,65V 1600A-2400A-2800A-3200A.