My first power supply ? this one - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: mdronic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 03:55:38 am
content: Im now looking to purchase my first bench power supply. I have long saved up the pennies and after reading lots of forums still a little unsure. the one I liked the specs on the manson dpd3030 linear triple output 0-30v,0-3a x2 and one fixed 5v 3a.It seems to have current limiting though iam unsure if it has over temperature, over voltage and reverse polarity protection .While ive found some references here I don't know if its a good unit or peoples thoughts of whether its worth purchasing. Also any things they don't or like about it, can someone assist who has one.I dont have the skills or knowledge to purchase 2nd hand and fix as other threads have suggested and cant afford to be scammed. So I thought a good solid psu new from a reliable retailer (aus) at a good deal would get me going on some projects iam keen to start once I have the psu. Thanks for your assistance.Manson PSU Model DPD3030FeaturesSimultaneous digital metering of current and voltageTwin 4 digit meters with large LED display.Selectable Switchfor Normal and Series/ Parallel DualTracking modes.Precise control of voltage &current settings by wire-wound potentiometers.Laboratory grade line and load regulation and low rippleand noise.Variable Current Limiting with auto cross-over and indication (CC, CV)Third Output (AUX. : 1.5-6V, 5A) with display & overload LED.Retractable Alloy Handles.Floating ground output.SpecificationsMaster / Slave Independent Output Output Voltage Range 0-30VDCLoad Voltage Regulation (0-100% load) ?0.01% +3mVLine Regulation (±10% variation) ?0.01% +3mVRipple & Noise (r.m.s.) ?1mVrmsOutput Current Range 0-3ADCLoad Current Regulation ?0.2% +3mALine Current Regulation ?0.2% +3mARipple Current ?3mArmsRecovery Time ?100µ secondSeries Mode Output Output Voltage Range 0-60VDCOutput Current Range 0-3ADCLoad Regulation ?300mVTracking Error ?0.5% +10mVParallel Mode Output Output Voltage Range 0-30VDCOutput Current Range 0-6ADCLoad Regulation ?300mVTracking Error ?0.5% +10mVAuxiliary Output Output Voltage Range 1.5-6VDCRated Output Current 5A (5A foldback limited)Load Voltage Regulation (0-100% load) ?10mVLine Regulation (±10% variation) ?5mVRipple & Noise (r.m.s.) ?1mVrms

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 05:21:48 am
content: That power supply doesn't seem to be widely distributed, at least not in North America, so reviews are hard to find. Maybe it gets rebadged a lot, but I haven't seen anything else resembling it. Even though the appearance is a little on the cheap looking side, the construction doesn't seem too bad. Overall maybe a bit expensive for what you get, at least to me. For a starter power supply, I tried to stay in the under $200 territory.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 05:28:18 am
content: Quote from: mdronic on May 01, 2015, 03:55:38 amManson are the OEM for a few brands.I replied to you in the other thread and answered your questions.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/photos-manson-dpd-3030-triple-output-power-supply/You should also state your budget. If your buying new you might be spending the same amount as a Rigol DP832 which has the fancy buttons. Though you may get it considerably cheaper from an overseas source.http://www.rigolna.com/products/dc-power-supplies/dp800/dp832/

author: JBaughb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 05:49:27 am
content: This probably doesn't matter to anyone else but me, but I would always feel kind of strange looking at my supply and seeing "slave" written in such a prominent way.

author: mdronic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 06:10:28 am
content: Thanks what you said probably explains the very few references or reveiws to it. So essentially what you are saying is that its like buying an old linear but new?.Which is what I sort of figured thinking that being "simple" and a beast may be not so bad ? as ? less likely to break down or is this a just a fingers crossed hope. I looked at the Rigol dp832 and a TTI. The TTI I liked was I think PL303QMD or QL355T however way over my budget and would delay getting an oscilloscope in the far future one day. The dp 3030 is 2/3 the cost of the rigol for me so I thought even if somewhat outdated if robust and sturdy it would do the job. What you think ?P.S thought of putting stickers over the labels

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 08:20:01 am
content: I would not buy the DPD3030 new as they just seem too expensive. While they are robust, I think you can get more features for your dollar looking at something else. Again it's not small and weights a ton, for me this doesn't matter as I have a rack and it doesn't take up bench space. I can't really help on suggestions though as I already have what I need and buy secondhand.

author: mdronic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 09:19:37 am
content: Thanks for your help much appreciated. Broken foot material if dropped. Back to the drawing board.We seem to be limited here in options at reasonable price. I imagine the warranty would be difficult on OS units?. Anyone in Aus have experience importing test equipment or some suggestions of aus companies. ThxThere was another one I looked at OS though, so don't know re postage, if post to aus or the brand I think its an offshoot of mastech or something Volteq HY3005D-3 (199.99 US) variable linear triple out put 30v 5a however seems to be ? 110v so would be unsuitable.Ps shock is that your cute cat or generic

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 10:58:59 am
content: Something to keep in mind for this power supply but certainly also for others: a 4 digit display and a single turn pot (2700) to set the value could be a frustrating task.

author: john_p_wi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 01:11:59 pm
content: How about a Korad? I have been reasonably happy with the single version of this one:http://www.amazon.com/KORAD-KA3005D-3S-Precision-Adjustable-Regulated/dp/B0094MTK8S

author: Seekonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 08:17:07 pm
content: How about used. I have five very nice power supplies worth about $5,000 new made by Lambda and Xantrex. I don't think I paid $200 for all of them. OK, none of them worked but none of them had any kind of big problem. If you waited to save your pennies, you can wait for a deal on a power supply.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 08:40:07 pm
content: One option I will suggest is just buy something cheap to get started. Look for a version of the HY1803. There are several sold under various brand names, Mastech and Tekpower most commonly. The ones I've seen appear to be reasonably well constructed for the price (well under $100). The Korad would be even better, more expensive but more features also.I got by for the first few years with nothing more than an LM317 based supply built from a circuit in a Forrest Mims book. No current limiting and just an analog voltmeter. It was good enough for a long time. Back then a HY1803 would have been pure luxury.