Bench PSU - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: ehcaes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2011, 01:58:50 pm
content: Hi guys n girls, I currently need opinions on the best quality bench psu that can be got for <= 500.all feedback appreciated.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2011, 02:32:36 pm
content: Need more information.What voltages and currents do you need?Anyway if you are spending $500, I would seriously consider getting two power supplies.Definitely want at least a dual output power supplies with supplies that either can be used as separate isolated supplies or tracking +/- supplies. For a second supply, you could probably get away with a smaller single output supply, but it is really handy to have that extra independent supply available.The new ones with the digital displays, power meters, etc are pretty nice, but older style supplies do the same job. The older transformer based supplies with linear regulators will be heavier and perhaps lower current, but will almost certainly have less output noise. If you are working in audio, it may be a factor.You may be able to get a couple of excellent second hand HP supplies, and have change left over. The older HP supplies use common parts and the manuals are easily available, so repairs are easy - particularly with no digital circuitry.If space is limited, or you need a high current supply in a small space, then you will be looking at something new.Richard.

author: ehcaes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2011, 02:54:01 pm
content: Will probaly need about 30v max and 5amps DC digital display would be nice but not essential, not for audio work just hobby use at this stage, but whatever I can get that would be nice for the future a bonus. not looking at cutting corners just want the best I can get and will get another if the need arises.thnx

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2011, 02:59:24 pm
content: ehcaes .. there is tons of information about Bench PSU at the EEV.Use the search function, and if you find the proper candidate, you can ask for more details.Just my 0.2$

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2011, 04:08:55 pm
content: I have an old HP 6227B supply - dual 24v at 2 A and the outputs can be paralleled to give a single 25v at 4A, or in series 50V at 2A. Large dual meters.250uV of noise 20hz to 20MHz, 0.01% load regulation, 1mV line regulation. Reasonably compact design.I got it for under $100 on ebay, but I was probably lucky.No microprocessors or switching power supplies inside, so easy to repair if it ever does break down.You definitely can look at the new supplies and you get great specs, but for $500, not necessarily the quality. The digital displays on some are far too slow. On a power supply you need to see a problem instantly, so a display that updates once a second is not good enough.The HP supplies are usually still working great after 30 or 40 years. Not so sure if many of the new budget ones from China will last as long. Quality new lab power supplies still cost well over $1000.Richard

author: Ronnie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2011, 04:33:43 am
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on September 22, 2011, 02:59:24 pmMay be you mean 0.02$ which is equivalent to 2 cents

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2011, 05:08:16 am
content: Ok I will return the teasing by saying that I am big spender .. LOL

author: vl400
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2011, 06:47:40 am
content: I picked up an Agilent E3631A on eBay awhile back, fantastic supply and will fit your budget if your also looking at used.

author: ehcaes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2011, 01:36:34 pm
content: Thnx ppl damn those agilent supplies are sexy beasts, cant manage to find one though that has 2 inputs that will do 0-30v @ 5 amps max independently any ideas? Maybe kiriakos has some feedback to make instead of just being a smart @#% picking on newbies to make hisself feel better.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2011, 01:45:01 pm
content: I had show you the way to find the treasure of this forum, instead of swiveling your little sword at my face,just do the dive so to find the treasure.

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2011, 01:50:08 pm
content: Quote from: ehcaes on September 23, 2011, 01:36:34 pmI think you just killed any chance of anyone else helping you.Noobs that ignore advise from respected members tend to get ignored.As kiriakos said, there is a wealth of info regarding these devices on this forum, just search and you will find.Regards

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2011, 05:09:42 pm
content: Since a lot of info amassed on eevblog is reference quality, I don't think it bad to bump old threads that have the info you need. Why not search the archives and ask a question on what you find. Using money alone as your limit doesn't help because you can get lab grade analog PSU for under $100; a used Agilent analog E3610 single PSU is typically < $200 on Ebay and $400 new and my cheapo Mastech does a good job for $80.

author: ehcaes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2011, 06:39:47 am
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on September 23, 2011, 05:08:16 amis what I was referring to.

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2011, 09:24:06 am
content: Quote from: ehcaes on September 26, 2011, 06:39:47 amThat doesn't make sense.Your response a few posts earlier was absolutely uncalled for.

author: AlsInd
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 03, 2011, 05:36:10 am
content: i would have to say that spending $500 on a psu is rather extravagant... especially if it is your first one. i suppose if you are a millionaire and want to waste money... well... it is your money to waste but seriously... as others have stated, you can get a nice psu for under $100. personally, i like psus that have two meters because switching between V & A on a single meter is a pain in the a$$! i do have a couple of HP 6218C psus for high precision low power work (0-50V 0-200ma) which are single meters but all my other ones are dual. if you are going to be doing a lot of work it is a good idea to get a low power high precision psu like my HPs and then have cheaper higher powered ones as well. i usually have at least 4 psus in my lap at a given time. all my psus together cost me less than $500 although all but one were not fully functional when i got them so that helped :-)cheers,al...