Circuit Specialists 120 V DC power supply - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2021, 05:07:27 pm
content: Does anyone have direct experience with this series of inexpensive linear (not switch-mode) bench supplies?https://www.circuitspecialists.com/benchtop-power-supply-csi12001x.html?utm_source=Circuit+Specialists+Newsletter&utm_campaign=dbc936ade0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_04_10_04_05_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_dd242259e3-dbc936ade0-53258345&mc_cid=dbc936ade0&mc_eid=0be4a7cfb4This is the highest voltage unit in the series, 120 V DC at 1 A.The others in the same series are 50 V at 3 A and 30 V at 5 A.

author: maxwell3e10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2021, 12:32:59 am
content: Yes, I've used that one. It seems fine, although the controls are somewhat fiddly. One needs to check that current limit is set properly before using on anything sensitive.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 24, 2021, 02:57:07 pm
content: Very interesting that they provide the schematics on their website for some models. Someone was recently asking about making modifications to the CSI6010X in another thread.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/diy-usblan-monitoring-interface-for-bench-psu/

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2021, 03:39:12 pm
content: Awhile back we needed a dual +-100VDC supply at less that 1A to help with the development of an ongoing project. We had a couple SMPS that produced the necessary outputs but these were quite noisy and wanted to stay away from any SMPS so only considered linear types. TekPower was another linear supply we considered, but after viewing some the internal construction shyed away because the stuff we are working with is very expensive and a supply hiccup could easily destroy a few $K in chips.We found a dual linear supply from ODA (OPE-QI) that had the required outputs (two isolated 120VDC 1A, isolated 12-15V 1A, isolated 3.3-5V 1A) and it looked OK from the images, and was a small size. Couldn't find any detailed reviews or tear downs so decided to give them a try.The supply looks nice and works OK, however the interior build construction isn't that impressive, very old school and lots of "afterthought" components. The two large transformers had a terrible smell due to the sealing lacquer, and we had to burn-in the supply outside for a number of days, both the get rid of the smell and to establish some level of confidence in using the supply.Can't say I would highly recommend ODA, but if you can't find anything that fits your requirements, they may be worth considering.Edit: Forgot to mention the fan is very noisyBest,

author: LogicalDave
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2022, 08:19:12 pm
content: I took a quick look at their website and their power supply write-up is positively cringe-worthy. It was clearly written by someone with no electronics background who just googled terms, often getting them comically wrong. I've usually only seen this level of bad when language translation is involved, but I fear that, in this case, the author is a native English speaker who simply has no idea what power supplies are or how they are used. Circuit Specialists should get someone with at least a modicum of electronics and test/measurement expertise to review and edit their marketing material. If their supplies are good, it would be a shame for this to be the first thing prospective customers see.https://www.circuitspecialists.com/bench-top-power-supplies/page-2

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2022, 08:34:24 pm
content: I just looked at the manual for that series they posted, and I've seen much, much worse prose in such documents.What, exactly, do you object to? Was it in the manual, or in the catalog?The catalog blurb featuring "incredibly intuitive" and "simulate virtually every scenario" was obviously written in the marketing department.Some marketing types actually believe that knowledge of what is being sold is not needed, and may be counterproductive.