What are the smallest and most functional for their size bench supplies? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2017, 05:00:57 pm
content: Both new and used? Silent would also be good.

author: Wirehead
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2017, 06:47:41 pm
content: I've been looking at some Gophert CPS-3205 - switching supply. Seem good.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2017, 07:23:19 pm
content: The Gophert units are very small and good value- minor annoyance is the terminals are on the back.Not used them extensively but seem to work OK & build quality is OK.

author: julian1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2017, 09:13:26 pm
content: Not particularly cheap, but the Keithley 2231A is three channel and very compact. This guy does a decent review,

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2017, 10:53:59 pm
content: Considering how many can be installed into one mainframe, the old Tektronix PS501, PS503, and PS505 have a pretty high density. Lambda has an old series of power supplies which were deep but had a small front area.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2017, 08:35:17 pm
content: I've become very fond of the Tekpower TP3016M. It's a small switcher - the size of a medium sized DMM. Silent, no fan. It has a bale like a DMM so takes up very little desk space. It puts out up to 30 V. Max power of 50W - up to 3.75A at lower voltages, 1.6A at 30V. For a switcher noise is not bad. Switchable output. Easy mod to add a power switch. I don't use it in my main lab were I have the room to own way too many PSUs. It sits on my desk in the house where I use to charge batteries, USB devices and to power small breadboard projects.

author: Co6aka
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 01:05:23 pm
content: Though not tiny, the R&S HMP4040 is small for a 4-output supply, feature rich, and they have smaller fewer-output supplies in the series. I have the HMP4040 on my bench and am quite pleased with it.R&S Video Demo:https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/products/test-measurement/power-supplies/hmp-videos/progammable-power-supplies-series-hmp_230818.html

author: nazcalines
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2017, 12:29:34 am
content: Quote from: julian1 on January 28, 2017, 09:13:26 pmThis one looks almost perfect for me until I saw the bit about the IDs sanded off from certain chips. Good grief, it's a bench powersupply not some DOD secret.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2017, 01:55:47 am
content: I absolutely *hate* the practice of sanding numbers off chips, it makes me all the more curious what they are.The funniest example was some little power LED drivers I bought a few years ago, they had the number sanded off the buck converter IC but the product description said what IC it was based on

author: Aeternam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 02, 2017, 08:03:44 pm
content: The R&S 804x series might fit your bill:https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/hmc804x-productstartpage_63493-61542.html

author: Wirehead
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2017, 08:02:23 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on January 28, 2017, 07:23:19 pmBuild quality looks very good actually, factoring in what this unit actually sets you back. Agree on the terminals.http://www.voltlog.com/voltlog-48-new-2016-gopher-cps-3205c-review-teardown/I believe the person who did this review is actually a member here. Good teardown pics & video.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 03, 2017, 09:29:55 am
content: Small means it'll be a switcher type.These small Manson ones don't have a fan by the sounds of it.http://www.manson.com.hk/products/detail/31

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2017, 07:14:54 am
content: I picked up a used HP6263B on ebay a few months back for $45. After a clean up and recalibration it's running beautifully, is fanless and all of the electrolytics are in excellent shape (checked everything with my Peak ESR meter).I also have some newer and bigger supplies but this one is excellent value and packs a punch for the size.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2017, 07:24:19 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 03, 2017, 09:29:55 amIndeed they don't, and Farnell sell them under the Tenma brand. I seem to recall Mike has an earlier model, I have one of the newer ones with some slightly iffy calibration.One day I must write some less shitty firmware for it.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2017, 07:44:25 am
content: Quote from: cdev on January 28, 2017, 05:00:57 pmThese have been good little SMPS, they do have a fan.......smart and for bench work it probably will rarely turn on.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/cheap-variable-switching-power-supply/You can find them on the bay or Aliexpress.

author: capt bullshot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2017, 07:53:32 am
content: For lighter loads, I've got these on my bench (at work):Heinzinger TN 32-64, Oltronix B202Both of them beeing linear and quiet (no fan) and of compact size. Wish I had the Oltronix at my home lab also, since it has a good tracking feature in case you need a +/- supply voltage. The Heinzinger is a well known brand for high voltage supplies of superior quality, but they do also low voltage ones.BTW.I hate the wrong order of the binding posts on the Oltronix. Most negative potential _must_ be placed most left and most positive potential must be placed right (if the binding post are horizontally aligned). Anything else is a failure to comply with common sense and intuition.

author: SingedFingers
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2017, 09:07:52 am
content: Quote from: ruairi on February 07, 2017, 07:14:54 amI had one of them for a few years. Lovely bit of kit. Runs cool and silent. Regret selling it. Still look for them on eBay in the UK but they are rare as anything over here.

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 02:39:24 am
content: Quote from: SingedFingers on February 07, 2017, 09:07:52 amThey are very common here in the U.S.I'm happy to mail one on to you if you buy on Ebay here. P.M. me if I can help.

author: SingedFingers
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 01:12:48 pm
content: Thanks for the offer. I don't actuallyneedone (see the Test Equipment Anonymous thread) so willing to wait until one turns up

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 16, 2017, 09:28:48 am
content: For relatively low power stuff, I like my HP 621xA supplies - 0 to 12, 25, 50 or 100V at 10W, constant voltage or constant current output, both settings with coarse and fine adjustments. Stackable and convection cooled - no fan, so they're silent. They turn up fairly regularly on the 'bay, and with patience can be purchased for not too much $$.-Pat

author: SingedFingers
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2017, 09:47:37 am
content: Never see them in the UK annoyingly. They're pretty nice supplies.

author: magnehh
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2017, 10:04:29 am
content: What do you mean functional? Do you want programmability and digital setting/readout? If yes, then I'd say a psu like the Keithley one is the way to go.

author: DimitriP
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2017, 10:19:22 am
content: Nothing else is "smallest and most funtional". Zero ripple, ultra low noise, dead quiet. Works best when purchased new.The rest is a matter of preference and opinion, not actual size or funtionality.

author: SingedFingers
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2017, 11:06:38 am
content: This thread actually got me thinking and I knocked up a DIY power supply that does everything you could possibly need for basic low voltage electronics work. This can do the following things:* Provide any DC voltage between about 0 and 20 volts.* Provide 6v AC @ ~1A or 12v AC at 500mA.* Provide dual or triple rail voltages for opamps, digital logic at 100mA or so each.* Fit in a 5x4x2" space* Weighs less than 500g.* Has an earth anchor.* Short circuit protection.* Cost less than £20.* Doesn't eat up batteries.All you have to do is stick a 0-6, 0-6v 6VA transformer in a box and have a few parts lying around.* DC voltages? whop a bridge, cap and an LM317 or 78xx on the target you are testing or your breadboard.* 6v AC? Just plug it in (great for testing tube heaters!). 12V - stack the windings.* Dual rail/triple rail? Use 12v AC with one end grounded and the other end off a single diode, then stick a smoothing cap and linear reg on the end. Do this as many times as you need. Good for 100mA a channel easily which is fine for most op amp and HC digital work.* Short circuit protection? Fuse! Large box of spare parts.* Earth anchor? Earth!Here you go:Disclaimer: I know this is cheatingEdit: please excuse the crappy heatshrinking job.Edit 2: ... knocked up a dual rail +/- 15v discrete supply quick (as I didn't have any negative regulators handy):

author: rastro
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2017, 04:43:59 pm
content: The HP 6235A is first power supply I reach for. They really came up with a winner on this instrument.1. Three adjustable voltages: 6V, +18, -18.2. Linear with no fan.3. Easy to stash away until it's needed. (see picture next to coffee mug)Granted it doesn't have current control or my much current capability for that mater, but for something quick and simple it meets quite a few needs.-rastro

author: mdijkens
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2017, 09:16:33 pm
content: I have build a small one for easy bring along.It's based on the DP30V5A and I added a temperature controlled fan and some big capacitors in the smallest case that still fits.It is powered by any 5V-30VDC (max output is 1V lower). Most of the time, I use my laptop power adapter

author: mcinque
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 16, 2017, 10:51:53 pm
content: AimTTi PL series for me.

author: SingedFingers
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 12:41:15 am
content: I've got two TTi PL supplies. They're really large and heavy.

author: mmagin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 01:48:21 am
content: Quote from: rastro on February 16, 2017, 04:43:59 pmExcept for the lack of a controllable current limit, I love mine.

author: crazyguy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 03:30:56 am
content: Quote from: mdijkens on February 16, 2017, 09:16:33 pmDP30V5A is DC/DC Step Down ConverterThere is another model (DPH3205) which is buck-boost version, DC/DC Step Up/Down, it is quite good for laptop power adapter.DPH3205 160W Buck-boost Converter Constant Voltage Current Programmable Digital Control Power Supply Module Color LCD Voltmeterhttp://www.banggood.com/DPH3205-160W-Buck-boost-Converter-Constant-Voltage-Current-Programmable-Digital-Control-p-1105294.htmlOriginal manufacturer shop on Taobaohttps://shop59318659.taobao.com/category-926718292.htm?spm=2013.1.0.0.yygfQ0&search=y&catName=%EE%A3%B5%C7%CA%FD%BF%D8%B5%E7%D4%B4%CF%B5%C1%D0

author: SingedFingers
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 09:05:59 am
content: Quote from: mmagin on February 17, 2017, 01:48:21 amWire and fire!I've learned the value of a 10 ohm .25W resistor in series with your circuit in these circumstances. Visual and olfactory indicator of overload.

author: mdijkens
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 09:15:53 am
content: Quote from: crazyguy on February 17, 2017, 03:30:56 amI also looked at that one, but it needs a lot bigger case with the extra pcb. My #1 design-goal was small size. I can take my psu in the pocket of my jacketand have CC and CV capabilities with me

author: crazyguy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 09:50:22 am
content: Quote from: mdijkens on February 17, 2017, 09:15:53 amThis one is very small (pocket size, CC/CV capabilities)B3603 DC LED Digital Controlled Step Down Driver Power Modulehttp://www.banggood.com/DC-LED-Digital-Controlled-Step-Down-Driver-Power-Module-p-910096.htmlhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/b3603-dcdc-buck-converter-mini-review-and-how-the-set-key-could-be-fatal/

author: cat87
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 11:05:04 am
content: Well, if price isn't an issue, then the ZUP series from TDK-Lambda are very nice. They have quite a range of available voltage/current.https://us.tdk-lambda.com/lp/products/zup.htmI've played around with some of these and seem really nice, though for some reason the remote operation through RS232 was painfully slow. Another annoyance is that the terminals are on the back on the unit.

author: mcinque
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 12:34:45 pm
content: Quote from: SingedFingers on February 17, 2017, 12:41:15 amReally large? Heavy? I don't agree with you. A DP832 is really large and heavy.

author: SingedFingers
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 01:00:02 pm
content: I take that back. They have shrunk somewhat!

author: iainwhite
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 03:45:47 pm
content: @SingedFingersIs it my poor eyesight or did you not connect your green jack to the input ground? Or did you want it to float?

author: SingedFingers
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 04:23:45 pm
content: There's an earth wire to the anchor point on the transformer but it's hidden underneath the red and black wire bundle - you just can't see it.Well spotted though!I just knocked up the chassis for a voltmeter to go with it:I'll do some magic with a TLC271 and some resistors later and make DC, AC and RF probes for it and draw the calibration out on the meter panel.This could be addictive. Already got a low distortion sine oscillator on the breadboard that works that will fit in one of these casesThis won't see more than about 30v or the mains though.

author: Karel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 04:27:06 pm
content: Something like this?http://www.electrobob.com/peaktech-6225a-review/

author: iainwhite
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 05:08:06 pm
content: Quote from: SingedFingers on February 17, 2017, 04:23:45 pmYes, I can see why - I do like the building-block approach, plus your internal construction is pretty neat. I like it!

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2017, 04:41:27 am
content: Quote from: Cubdriver on February 16, 2017, 09:28:48 am+1 on these supplies. The silence is a beautiful thing. Chances are you'll have to (or atleast you should) replace all the old caps inside but that's pretty straightfoward and then you can enjoy a really simple and useful supply. I have two.

author: kwass
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2017, 06:36:50 pm
content: Quote from: TimNJ on March 02, 2017, 04:41:27 am+1 again! I love these old, little supplies. I was hoping that the new, little E36102a (03a, 04a, 05a, 06a) from Keysight would be a great replacement they're tiny and digital but apparently they have a pretty loud fan and are of course quite expensive for a low power single output DC supply.http://s7.images.keysight.com/s7viewers/flash/genericzoom.swf?logo2=false&serverUrl=/is/image/&contentRoot=/skins/&locale=en&config=Keysight/KEYSIGHT-IMGSET&image=Keysight/PROD-2584632-IS

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2017, 07:44:58 pm
content: I've been fortunate in that so far I haven't had to go into any of them to do anything. I do have one I still need to try to put together (idiot sent it basically loose in the box and it got trashed), but so far I haven't been ambitious enough to get out my epoxy and play with a 3D puzzle. I think I have almost all of the bezel chips in the plastic bag...-Pat

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2017, 08:26:44 pm
content: I recently purchased 2 of those HP 6216A supplies for cheap. One working, one not. Hoping for an easy fix on the non working one. It's nice to have a working one and a schematic to help with trouble shooting.Does anyone know if there are any significant changes with the newer "C" versions (other than a different case) ?? I've had no luck finding a schematic online for the "C" versions.

author: technogeeky
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2017, 09:22:04 pm
content: Quote from: crazyguy on February 17, 2017, 03:30:56 amNote that Rui Deng also has an "original" store on Aliexpress too. And yes, these are not so much power supplies as excellent converters; you really need some other source of power for them.

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2017, 09:29:16 pm
content: Quote from: mtdoc on March 02, 2017, 08:26:44 pmAs far as I know, no. When I was looking for the 'A' models I currently own, I feel like seeing that the 'C' models were not made in the USA. From the outside it looks like the front panel PCB is different. Also, it looks like the pots were changed from coarse+fine (outer/inner) adjust to just coarse? I reckon the circuit would be identical but maybe they swapped out some of the obsolete parts like axial electrolytic caps in favor of radial. But this is all just speculation.

author: ted572
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 04:31:37 pm
content: Hello: I posted the GOPHERT CPS-3205E Power Supply Calibration Procedure, Specifications, and general comments on easily improving the LED Display Contrast for any of the GOPHERT Power Supplies.If interested please go to ->https://www.eevblog.com/forum/other-blog-specific/new-2016-gopher-cps-3205c-review-teardown/msg1181084/#msg1181084