B&K precision 9206 PSU - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Kanbus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2023, 05:01:09 pm
content: Hi all.In a weak moment when browsing through DBA (a Danish eBay equivalent) I saw a listing for the B&K precision 9206 PSU. I sent him an offer and i he agreed.The day after and 2500Dkr poorer (ca 350$) I picked it up.Did I really need this supply? Yes absolutelyUntil now, I've used one of those DPS5005 PSU modules and three lab-top power bricks in series and mounted in a box. This setup is working but the leakage voltage to chassis is much higher than I'm comfortable with.I haven't seen any reviews on the 9206 so I'll post some pics and my initial thoughts of it for the next person interested.My unit is like new. I even had the honour of pealing the screen protector offThe key specs:Output RatingVoltage 0-150 VCurrent 0-10 APower 600 WLine RegulationVoltage ≤ 0.01%+15 mVCurrent ≤ 0.05%+10 mALoad RegulationVoltage ≤ 0.01%+15 mVCurrent ≤ 0.05%+10 mARipple and Noise (20 Hz - 20 MHz)Voltage ≤ 50 mVppCurrent ≤ 15 mArmsProgramming ResolutionVoltage 1 mVCurrent 0.1 mAReadback ResolutionVoltage 1 mVCurrent 0.1 mAProgramming Accuracy ± (%output+offset)Voltage ≤ 0.03%+20 mVCurrent ≤ 0.1%+25 mAReadback Accuracy ± (%output+offset)Voltage ≤ 0.03%+20 mVCurrent ≤ 0.1%+25 mAThis thing is seriously heavy. 15kg. And I had it with me through the Copenhagen metro to get home.It's big too. 8.45” x 3.47” x 17.52” (214.5 x 88.2 x 445 mm).Having a keypad on a PSU with this high voltage, current and the programming resolution, it’s nice to have the keypad. All in all, I think the user interface is good. Maybe I would have liked it more if it automatically switched from set voltage and current to the measured values when enabling the output.I have had the need for a programmable PSU before, now I have one.It has both USB, RS-232 and GPIB interface on the rear panel.This is where the voltage sense terminals are too. Furthermore, there is a DVM input. Why this is only 0 - 60V on a 150V PSU is beyond me… I won’t use it anyway.Remember the 15kg? Why all the weight you ask?? This is a switching supply after all!It sure is, but they opted to using a GIGANTIC toroidal transformer before the switcher.One thing that does not impress me much, is the layout. It’s a bit cunfusing with all the wires crossing everywhere.I shouldn’t complain though. I can’t do it better myself.The huge output capacitance and the mounting of the caps is the same construction as on my HP E3631A. Right on the output banana jacks. It’s even floating in free air like on the HP.I think the former owner might have changed the rear fan. The wire was soldered and heat srunk and the fan is only mounted with two bolts. Maybe it always have been…It was easy to take apart and put together. Now it has found it’s resting place omong new friends.If you have any questions or want me to take some measurements, just ask.

author: Kanbus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2023, 05:02:46 pm
content: With friends

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2023, 08:48:40 pm
content: and you block vent holes? you should at least create 1/2 inch minimum space between your thingies

author: Kanbus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2023, 09:58:06 pm
content: The HP and BK both have the fan to the rear and vent holes on both sides. The TTI has the heat sink on the rear. The siglent's are not blocked. Where do you get the 1/2 inch from? It's not in the HP, TTI or BK manual or datasheet, and here it is not applicable to the siglent's. Ambient temp in the lab won't exceed 30c. But I can take some temp measurements under load if you fear for my equipments wellbeing?

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2023, 10:33:22 pm
content: I will say that the 920x series of power supplies from BK are absolutely fantastic. Keep your eye out for them on eBay, I got my basically new 9205 for cheap as well.Although they're very heavy and deep, they're hugely capable with a good UI and actually sane fan control curve for quiet operation. BK customer support was also great the last time I talked to them.

author: Kanbus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2023, 12:24:15 pm
content: Quote from: nidlaX on October 16, 2023, 10:33:22 pmI think I'll be very happy with mine too. The hp does not have any regulation of fan speed.What was wrong since you needed customer support, if I may ask?

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2023, 04:26:18 pm
content: Quote from: Kanbus on October 17, 2023, 12:24:15 pmNothing wrong really. My unit was missing one of the rubber bumpers, just requested to buy one from them.