Best triple output power supply?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: TechItApart
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 04:39:55 pm
content: Long time lurker, first time poster! Hello everyone.I have searched this question and not found much but if anyone could direct me to a better thread that would be appreciated.Does anyone think there is anything better out there than the Rigol DP832 for the money?My maximum budget is about £400 (~$550?) and I'm finding the Rigol at the £380 mark.I just want something which is accurate and will last. My previous crappy Korad (Tenma in the UK) supply died and I want something well made.I've also seen the Siglent SPD3303 series, especially interested in the "C" model since I don't like the screen on the more expensive ones.Of course there's Dave's favourite Atten PPS3205T-3S as well.Any more I should be looking at?Cheers

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 04:54:42 pm
content: What are the specs you are after?One option is a bunch of used HP 361x stacked togetherCould be cheap, each "channel" is customizable by buying the model with the range you need, and all are discretely made and repairable

author: TechItApart
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 05:26:38 pm
content: I like the Rigol spec of 30/5V 3A, that would be fine for me. This is just going to be used for some power supply testing and hobby stuff, so nothing too serious but I want something decent.What's the HP supply? I've had a look on eBay and Gumtree (UK's Craigslist website) and decent old test gear is really hard to find and surprisingly expensive. Thanks for any advice.

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 06:04:19 pm
content: Basically HP/Agilent had a nice series of analog supplies: E3610, E3611, E3612 etc that sometimes pop on ebay cheap. Different part numbers correspond to various voltage/current ranges. So in my case I just stacked 3610 and 3611 on top of each other and had a "dual" supply with very nice specs. Sometimes you can also find E362X series, that are already dualHere is Dave's video on 3610A

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 08:16:58 pm
content: Power supplies are heavy so it is best to buy in the local market (if buying off ebay).In the UK TTi supplies are good and come up on ebay quite often. I bought mine as a new-old model from TTi viahttp://www.test-measure.co.uk/but sadly they're now out of stock.TTi also sell ex-demo kit if you contact them direct.

author: PaulAm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 08:29:40 pm
content: Everyone loves digital meters, but if you can live without them, you can find a 6236b for under $100 and, at worst, you may have to replace the output filter caps. I picked up one for $50 and it's the supply I use the most. I now have 3 HP power supplies stacked on my bench. I got rid of the last of my crummy ones when an HP 6114A showed up. Who can't resist being able to dial in the voltage to the mV?When I've bothered to check, setting 5V on the 6236b with the analog meters is generally accurate to +/- 20mV. Close enough for me.You could also look for a Power Designs unit; those seem to be under appreciated and are fairly inexpensive.

author: nfmax
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 08:32:08 pm
content: Quote from: reagle on December 31, 2015, 06:04:19 pmI have the E3630A in this range, which is a triple supply with a common terminal in a shorter version of the same case. These are very nice, compact, quiet, well-behaved supplies (i.e. no overshoot or crossing of rails at switch on/off). The E3620A is a dual, isolated supply, 0-25V at 1A. Supplies from E3614A to E3617A are higher power, single range supplies with over voltage protection. Slightly quieter and supposedly more reliable than the 30W dual range E3610A - E3612A 30W supplies (these are all singles).I can also highly recommend the TTi supplies if you have the space and sturdy shelves. Built like a brick edifice and highly reliable - they go on for years!

author: rich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 10:41:06 pm
content: Quote from: TechItApart on December 31, 2015, 05:26:38 pmWhat do you mean you can't find an inexpensive supply on gumtree? 5A, 0-20V, £10 what's not to like?https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-kitchen-appliances/dc-power-supply-2-20-volts-5a-variable-homebrew/1146118910I agree, lots of equipment on ebay is surprisingly expensive, but there are still deals to be had if patient. Not much right now, but it might be the festive holiday season's fault. Alternatives are auctioneering sites if you have the time to invest - mikeselectricstuff has posted some of his auction hauls in the past - admittedly x-ray scanners are not everyones first choice in lab equipment, but there may be some links to get you started.

author: PTR_1275
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 11:03:38 pm
content: Another vote for the tti (thurlby thandar instruments) power supplies. I use a few of the pl330 series at work (30v 3a). I also have rigol dp832 sitting next to them.The rigol is good if you are directly in front of it. If you are a little bit away, the display can be hard to read due to it's size. Don't get me wrong, I love the features and amount of info crammed into the display.The tti power supplies that I have are linear, fanless and repairable. Tti is a uk company too so there might be more chance of getting them at a good price. They are heavy so shipping will be costly. They do make multiple channel versions (pl330d is a dual channel).

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 11:36:06 pm
content: Another few brands to look for are:Systron Donner - since you are in Australia you might have better luck finding this gear. I have a rather crappy TL8-3, which is not impresdive, but will be a pretty good basic power supply.Kepco//Lambda - These are often more industrial used units, models from the late 60's through 80's are encountered. They are usually really well built, though most(if not all) transistors are long obsolete. A good starting point, not sure how common they are outside of NA.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 11:44:32 pm
content: i dont like the GWinstek triple output psu.The led display update is too laggy/filtered It bugs me when i turn the dials and it takes 250ms before the display reflects the voltage