Bench Power Supply Recommendations - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: brg
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 07:08:24 pm
content: Hello,I am looking for a Bench power supply that outputs at least 40A, 40V with constant current option, not something fancy nor connected to a computer, just one to do the job in reasonable price appx 150-250$. it should work with 220v, 50Hz input, mainly it will be used to test switch dc-dc power boards, battery charging.I have noticed in one of the eevblogs that someone recommended not to buy a switched modes and I wonder if it is because it doesn't reacts well with testing a dc-dc boost switch pcb circuits? also it was noticed for the fan noise.So, Appreciate if any of you who can assist to guide me to relevant brands /models ets...Thanks In Advance

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 07:27:42 pm
content: In this power range (1600W) you always end up with a switching power supply. Response to fast changing loads can be an issue as well as noise. I strongly doubt you'll find anything with such a small budget. I'd count on spending well north of 500 euro for something really old.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 07:32:43 pm
content: 40 amps at 40 volt with constant current capability for $150 to $250? For that price I would look for a cheap DC welder.

author: cncjerry
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 07:57:57 pm
content: You want an old HP system supply. I have one that is 20V at 50A but it goes to 24V. There are others. They are the best. I wouldn't go with a switcher as you will regret the noise. Search on craigs list locally.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 08:06:03 pm
content: The OP is in Spain. The used test equipment market in Europe isn't anything like the US. I got two HP6012A in for parts condition from Poland but even these where over 300 euro each including shipping and needed quite a bit of cleaning, new fans and new potmeters before they where useable. I consider myself lucky I got these power supplies.

author: brg
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 08:12:15 pm
content: Thanks,At beginning I considered to reduce the max A to appx 25A+- and use two in parallel in case 40A needed, is that change the picture?As for Jerry advice, this HP might fit, there is the question regarding reliability in used power supply of which parts usually get broken or if it is getting out of calibration? do you have any models you familiar with?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 08:19:00 pm
content: Best I'm seeing ATM would be anHP 6012A(0 - 60V & 0 - 50A). It's ~$500 shipped to Spain (input voltage just needs to be rewired internally for 220 or 240V operation).Manual.You can also run a couple in series to meet your specs to come close to your budget (i.e. 2x Sorensen DCS 20 50, which is 0 - 20V & 0 - 50A per unit).Off the top of my head, Sorensen, Xantrex, TDK/Lambda, and HP/Agilent/Keysight would be brands to look for (~ 0 - 20V & 0 - 50A is common enough). 40V models will likely end up costing you more unless you find a really good deal (i.e. DCS 40 25).Another would be a the Lambda TCR 20S50 (example; not sure if there's internal input switching for 230V or not, so need to check this out). The Sorensen DCS series has a 115/230V input so all you'd need is the correct plug.Sorensen DCS Operations Manual(covers 24 models).For disclosure, all of these ^ are SMPS models. Even if you manage to find a linear unit with that much output, I'd hate to see the price tag. Particularly in regard to shipping (locally would really be the only way you could manage this IMHO).Hope this helps, and good luck.

author: brg
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 08:28:31 pm
content: Thank you nanofrog,Lambda TCR 20S50 in series sounds like a good idea to start with, I will look for it on the web...

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 08:37:19 pm
content: Quote from: brg on December 10, 2017, 08:28:31 pmYou're welcome.I'd go with whichever is available at the closest price to your budget. So if you can find a pair of 20V,50A units for less than the HP 6012A, go for it. I'm just not sure you'd be able to come in under $500 to your door no matter which way you decide to go.

author: cncjerry
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 09:08:20 pm
content: sorry I didn't see the OP location, that makes it tougher. We see HP supplies out here in the bay area weekly.Unless you've owned a supply of this wattage before you might not be aware of how loud they can be. I disconnected the fan in my 1000W beast until I run it at higher powers as the noise is just ridiculous. I thought my HP analyzers were loud. I would check the sound levels if they are listed and take that into consideration as well.Quality-wise though, the older HP supplies seem to go forever. Many don't have front mounted terminals, I added them to mine.Another common "failure" is that a number of the sellers list them as defective when in reality they just didn't have the sense lines connected.

author: HalFET
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 09:12:20 pm
content: Quote from: cncjerry on December 10, 2017, 09:08:20 pmTDK/Lambda rackmount units do sometimes popup on company closure sales in Europe. I've seen a few on Troostwijk in the past I think.And if you think HP system power supplies are bad, try one of those HP/Agilent/Keysight Acqiris sampling cards.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 09:24:14 pm
content: Quote from: cncjerry on December 10, 2017, 09:08:20 pmI suspect it's a good thing I don't live out that way as I'd likely have been buried alive under a T&M gear avalanche by now.As per failure conditions like that, Shh...!Stop giving away secrets like this in the open; use a PM instead.

author: cncjerry
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 09:52:50 pm
content: I wonder which one of us not in the resale business, etc, has the most weight in gear? I think I will start a thread...

author: HalFET
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 10:06:57 pm
content: Quote from: cncjerry on December 10, 2017, 09:52:50 pmDon't underestimate RF gear... damned R&S RF signal generators weigh 20+ kg. Apparently they have a discount on milled stainless steel blocks

author: 4CX35000
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 10:56:08 pm
content: Quote from: HalFET on December 10, 2017, 10:06:57 pmI once moved a disused R&S PolySkop at work without the trolley. Never again.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2017, 11:38:56 pm
content: Quote from: 4CX35000 on December 10, 2017, 10:56:08 pm"Never again" is what your herniating disc said?

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2017, 12:28:18 am
content: Tall order on your budget but not all switch mode supplies are necessarily 'that' noisy. My Manson 15V 60A runs at under 5mV regardless of load and under 1mV most of the time. Worth looking out for the 30V 30A version?Internally they are built like a tank and all fairly simple circuitry to sort out.One cheap here in need of some lovehttps://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Manson-HCS-3602-Switching-Mode-Power-Supply-1-30VDC-30A/182776034929?hash=item2a8e4cf671:g:6xEAAOSw3z5ZwQcuNot sure what Freight to Spain would be but this is a beasthttps://www.ebay.com.au/itm/hp-harrison-6269A-DC-POWER-SUPPLY/112672007567?hash=item1a3bc6658f:g:l9cAAOSwmudaEq2T

author: HalFET
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2017, 06:37:09 am
content: Quote from: 4CX35000 on December 10, 2017, 10:56:08 pmI feel for ya!I made the mistake of having a CMU200 delivered at work on a day that I went by bus/train/bus. The elevators in the station weren't working... Starting to think R&S has stock options on stainless steel manufacturers...

author: donileo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 27, 2018, 05:50:25 am
content: Looking at the obscure manual for the HP6012A it states the input ratings are 120V/24A. How are you guys connecting this in a home environment in the US which I believe has 20A max wall sockets? I'm also on the hunt for a ~900-1000W power supply mostly for automotive and odd diagnostic work. Any other recommendations on good high, variable dc, power bench power supplies on a budget?

author: evava
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2018, 08:40:51 am
content: Quote from: brg on December 10, 2017, 07:08:24 pmIn your case I would not be reluctant to this brandhttp://www.gophertc.com/en/gpshttp://www.gophertc.com/en/compact?page=1And, later, if you are not able to locate your choice, then you may get help from Franky (99centhobbies) .

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2018, 09:57:04 pm
content: Quote from: donileo on March 27, 2018, 05:50:25 amRegarding receptacles, they can go up to 60A for 120V. And I'd suspect it originally used an IEC to NEMA L5-30P power cord (it's a locking type). The appropriate receptacle is the NEMA L5-30R. As this isn't found in a home environment, you'd have to run a new circuit between your distribution panel and your bench using 10AWG wire & a 30A breaker (for US/CAN installations).Power CordReceptacleFWIW, this particular PSU can be run from 220 or 240 VAC as well (see manual; it at least requires swapping out the PSU's magnetic circuit breaker, as the installed unit for 120V is rated for 25A).As per PSU recommendations, I've no idea what you're budget or current requirements are. Do note that 0- 10V, 20V,33V, 40V, or 60V output voltages with appropriate current outputs for ~1kW are relatively common values offered by manufacturers. Based on what info I have, I'd recommend a Sorensen DCS20-50E (0-20V, 50A). There are a couple on eBay ATM that would be worth a look.Elgar Sorensen Power Supply DCS20-50E with M9C Option*($425 shipped via the BIN option)Sorensen DCS20-50E(~$441 shipped via the BIN option)Both of these have a Make Offer option, so you may be able to work something out with one of the sellers.* The MC9 option adds 12bit communications (IEEE 488.2 & RS232C).

author: LaurentR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2018, 03:42:47 am
content: Quote from: evava on March 27, 2018, 08:40:51 amSee this thread on the Gophert:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/gophert-cps-6017-0-60v-0-17a-1000w-real/msg1322923/?topicseen#msg1322923