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

author: benpharr
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 03:20:10 pm
content: I had a HY1803D variable bench power supply and it finally died on me. It would never properly regulate voltage anyway. I'm looking to take a small step up in quality and possibly features. My requirements are simple (at least 13.8V max and current limiting) and my budget is $150, though less is better. I am a simple hobbyist working with microcontrollers and low power ham radio transceivers.One model that has caught my eye is the Tekpower TP3005T:http://www.amazon.com/Tekpower-TP3005T-Variable-Linear-Supply/dp/B00ZBCLJSY/Does anyone have any other recommendations? Are there any features I "need" but simply don't know about?Thanks in advance,Ben

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 03:30:52 pm
content: Look out for the power supply made for the cellphone repairmen. They come with a 3 to 4A adustable output, an analog current meter that allows you to capture surge and know (guess) the state that the DUT is, a volt meter input, a USB socket for charging need, a RF signal strength detector. I do not have an ebay link for you. Aliexpress is selling. Something like thishttp://m.aliexpress.com/item/32437425333.html

author: rgawron
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 04:14:20 pm
content: I have this one and I'm happy with it.http://www.tme.eu/en/details/nsp-3630/one-channel-power-supplies/manson/Here I've wrote more about it (the whole thread my also be useful for you):https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/small-power-supplies-do-they-exist/msg807010/#msg807010

author: moya034
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 04:19:12 pm
content: HP power supplies are built like a brick shit house and you can get them reasonable priced on ebay. I just got a HP 6286A 0-20V 0-10A PSU recently and really like it. Biggest filter capacitor I've ever seen too!

author: ErikTheNorwegian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 04:27:50 pm
content: Hi.I just bought one of these.. very good powersupplay. Strech your budget a little.. it kost $199.00 , BUT you get a free gift... up to a 30$http://www.circuitspecialists.com/hantek_pps2320a_power_supply.htmlThe free gift:http://www.circuitspecialists.com/free-gifts.htmlNumber of Channels: 3Maximum Output Voltage: 64 volts (32 volts Channel 1 & 32 volts Channel 2)Fixed Channel 3: Adjustable from 2.5 volts, 3.3 volts and 5 volts at 0 to 3 ampsModes: Constant Current ( c.c.) , Constant Voltage ( c.v.), Parallel, Serial, Split-Rail( negative and positive voltages)Regulation ( CV): <0.1% =5mV (1,3A): <0.02% + 5mV (1>3A)Regulation (CC): <0.02% +3 mARipple and Noise (CV):<5mV RMSRipple and Noise (CC):<3mA RMSAC input: 120VAC 60Hz/50Hz +/- 10% (USA style power codRise Time ( output voltage) :<100ms with or without load presentFall Time (output voltage) : < 100ms with or without load presentDisplay Accuracy (Voltage & Current): +/- 0.5% plus 2 wordsProtection: OCP ( Overcurrent Portection), OVP (Over Voltage Protection)Cooling: Thermostaticly controlled fanSize: 8.6" x 5.6" x 13.6" ( 215mm x 140mm x 340mm)weight: 16lbsTemperature for accurate Operation: 0- to 40 Deg CelsiusHumidity max for accurate operation: <801 year limited warrantySoftware:USB InterfaceCompatible with WIN7 andoldewr versions of WINDOWS5 programmable presets ( voltage & current )Manual/Preset/Software methods of control (CSV file)CSV data logging10mV to 10 V user selectable voltage step size

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 05:13:13 pm
content: Don't buy a switch-mode power supply.Don't buy one of those bare "module" things off ebay.Don't buy a power supply with a fan.In many situations, one or more of the above may be acceptable, just not for a first and/or only bench power supply.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 05:34:30 pm
content: Given that you live in the US, you can get quality used bench supplies at very reasonable prices with due diligence (even dual and triple output are possible on your budget, and are actually a better value for the money IME).Well worth the effort IMHO.For example, there's currently a listing for aHP 6236B(triple output; 1x 6V @ 2.5A, 2x 0-20V @ 0.5A, CC, CV, linear type).Besides HP, you could look for other names such as (some examples linked that are good value IMHO & within your budget):Systron Donner (TL8 3; no returns on this one, but there are others listed)Kepco (MPS-620M)Lambda (LPT-7202-FM)Sorensen (Raytheon)Harrison (another name for HP)Tektronix (CPS250; rebrand, but it's well built)Trygon (another name for Systron Donner)Power Designs (TP343B; needs cleaned up a bit).Or try general terms such as "lab power supply", "variable power supply", "dual output supply", and so on (sifting through these can yield some really good bargains if you're careful & patient).

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2015, 06:08:23 am
content: My needs are similar to yours (hobyiest working on microcontrollers) and am happy with the latest version of this one one. Small, light, quiet and easy to operate. There are two variants, with different max voltage/current combinations.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2015, 06:32:02 am
content: I asked about the Tekpower TP3005T a while back. Check out some teardown pictures and measurements done by another member:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/tekpower-tp3005t-variable-linear-dc-power-supply/msg719478/#msg719478I have two HP-6216A 0-30V 0.5A linear supplies from eBay around $50. One a little more the other a little less.http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Hewlett-Packard-Variable-DC-Power-Supply-6216A/262159201562?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140602152332%26meid%3Dd1c5eba00e1943519d11b2c8f2864878%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D262058665833

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 03, 2015, 06:58:15 am
content: Quote from: rdl on December 01, 2015, 05:13:13 pmThis is how I view power supplies as well. My main bench supply is an Agilent E3610A. If I need 13.8 volts with more current(for amateur radio gear) I also have a Samlex SEC-1223.I like linear bench supplies with no fan whenever possible.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2015, 07:42:25 am
content: I have a couple of 3610s myself, I bought them used off ebay. One is an Agilent and the other is an older HP. Neither was over $150 including shipping. I actually have six power supplies now. None are switch-mode and none of them have fans. I really, really dislike loud, noisy power supplies.

author: KubaSO
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2022, 09:22:55 pm
content: In case anyone needed it: I've reverse-engineered the secondary section of the Kepco 620M. The schematics are here:https://github.com/KubaO/T-M-Reverse-EngineeringIt's a beast

author: KG7AMV
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2022, 09:30:32 pm
content: Save a little more and get a Siglent SPD3303X-E Mine is Very Accurate After Calibration using the instructions in the service manual. I think its the only PSU MFG out there that gives Calibration Info.Also look for Siglent in amazon Whearhouse deals. Single Channel Siglent SPD1305X go for about 200 shipped.

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2022, 10:52:33 pm
content: I agree entirely, I believe SMPS work well in the system they are designed for. In a bench supply you don't need spurious signals running amok.In SMPS applications these spurious signals are outside of the intended device powered. You do not know that is the case when using a bench PS on different devices.I do like triple PS, when powering gear that requires them, I don't know if you intend to do this.Quote from: rdl on December 01, 2015, 05:13:13 pm

author: Old Printer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2022, 02:29:51 am
content: I have several of the old HP 6216A supplies and really like them. Built like a tank, very serviceable, and the service manuals are easily available online. Mine averaged $50 70 shipped on eBay. Two can be setup for a +&- supply for opamp circuits.

author: mansaxel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2022, 06:45:10 am
content: Second the recommendation on hp/Harrison supplies. They're eminently serviceable, cheap on your side of the pond, and so high quality that anything remotely as good, new, would cost 4 digits dollars.I have a 6206 and a 6237, and use them a lot. (I also have a 3A 2x32V Uni-T and a big, 10A 2x35V TTi, and there's a 3-voltage Oltronix lurking in the repair queue. I'd like to get hold of a 6209b for the high voltage; that would be used for valve work and as transfer standard for checking multimeters.)Further, supplies are one of those things you really early need more than one of, so by buying used you can get further along your needs. Just like multimeters (this only partially explains why I have something like 10 of them, though). In your case, I'd initially look at one variable for lab work, and one fixed at 13,8V for running the radio gear. Then progress with another for the lab. If you do opamp work, a lot of time and hassle can be saved by getting a dual-voltage one.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2022, 08:51:35 pm
content: The biggest downside of the older PSUs is their inaccurate metering. A PSU like the GW Instek GPP-4323 or Keysight E3631x series have accurate (4.5 digit) metering which doesn't require external metering (=extra DMMs) to measure output voltage, power and current.At some point I wanted to get extra DMMs to measure voltage and current on a bench PSU when it dawned to me that the PSU itself should have adequate metering.

author: abeyer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2022, 09:51:07 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on July 25, 2022, 08:51:35 pmSeems like you could get 5 good older HP suppliesand5 decent 4.5 digit DMMs (that you'll also have for other uses) and still come out ahead of the retail price of buying that Keysight new.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2022, 09:54:55 pm
content: Quote from: abeyer on August 02, 2022, 09:51:07 pmYou'd need 10 DMMs to measure both current and voltage and still have no way to show power usage. Now look at the volume 10DMMs and 5 PSUs would take. Besides that you have the issue with the burden voltage across the DMMs that measure the current so you'd need sense wires as well. It simply is better to start with a PSU that has accurate metering built in.

author: abeyer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2022, 10:33:14 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on August 02, 2022, 09:54:55 pmYeah of course, I was being facetious, I don't expect anyone to actually do that -- but pointing out the benefits of a multi-thousand dollar option is in a thread about what are good options on a $150 budget seems kind of pointless. Yeah, you're right, if you exceed your budget by an order of magnitude, you can get better gear.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2022, 10:53:08 pm
content: None of the options I proposed costs multi-thousand dollars! The GW Instek GPP-4323 is over budget but not out of reach. Also on the used market you can get power supplies with accurate metering. For example the Agilent 66311B and it's brothers can be obtained for low prices with some patience (or by just low balling sellers on Ebay; some do know their asking price is way too high and happily accept a much lower offer).

author: abeyer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2022, 11:10:51 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on August 02, 2022, 10:53:08 pmAh ok! That makes way more sense -- I think we're in agreement then, I was just totally perplexed when I threw that keysight model in google and was getting all results in the $1500-$2000 range, but I think it was just mangling the search to one it thought was "more appropriate"