Beginner dual tracking power supply plans? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: garymck
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 01:34:51 am
content: Hi,rather than buying a power supply, I would rather build one as a first project. Can anyone point me to a good design that has +/- 0-15 volts adjustable and say 1-2 amps, with current limiting?I have come across a few designs, but it seems after following links and comments, that they seem to have major deficiencies. Not looking for a high end build, just something that is workable and not going to kill other projects...cheersGary

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 08:25:05 am
content: Does the current limiting need to be adjustable?

author: garymck
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 09:07:37 am
content: Quote from: Hero999 on May 15, 2017, 08:25:05 amWould prefer the ability to do so...cheersGary

author: jeroen79
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 09:21:38 am
content: This old Elektor design stays symmetrical at all times.Even if the current limiter on either side is engaged.http://www.robkalmeijer.nl/techniek/electronica/electronicabladen/elektuur/1983/12/page30/index.html

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 12:27:37 am
content: Gary building your own is a great idea in principle...but...you need to source a good design, which is difficult enough, and build it, which is costly and prone to issues from parts supply/substitution, to making mistakes. There are some PSU designs out there that have switch on voltage overshoot issues that have never been fixed. These designs have been replicated, cheaply, copied and sold, yet they still include the original inherent problems!There are some good designs as well:https://circuitmaker.com/Projects/Details/Joern-Schmidt/jsLabPShttps://dangerfromdeer.com/2016/01/01/bench-power-supply-build-part-1/After all this it is easier to buy IHMO. What about this, $129 (and slightly better and cheaper than most copied ebay versions):https://www.wavecom.com.au/product_view.php?id_product=815A cheap one from E14, $85! 30V @3A...CV/CC...hey you couldn't build with features for that price! It has a warranty! Backorder though:(http://au.element14.com/tenma/72-2685/bench-power-supply-1-ch-30v-3a/dp/2563981If you want more than one output, buy 2 of the above or this:http://www.emona.com.au/products/electronic-test-measure/power-supplies/gps-2303.html#.WRpEfbhfYVZEven cheaper from E14:http://au.element14.com/tenma/72-2640/power-supply-bench-0-30v-5v/dp/247880002Anyway...FWIW. Brendan

author: garymck
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 04:06:22 am
content: Thanks to Wilfred for emailing me all the relevant details!cheersGary

author: garymck
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 04:13:27 am
content: Thanks Brendan,some interesting stuff in the links, now not sure whether to build or buy!see you on IIScheersGary

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 05:13:31 am
content: I enjoy building power supplies, they're simple enough to not be a major undertaking but complex enough to be interesting. You can always use another power supply if you later decide to buy one.

author: ggchab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 06:33:21 am
content: I watched the videos made by Gerry Sweeneyhttp://gerrysweeney.com/fully-programmable-modular-bench-power-supply/and, as a beginner, I found them very interesting.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 05:15:36 pm
content: Another option is to build a more basic power supply and then later buy a fancy dual tracking one. It rarely hurts to have another power supply on the bench.