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Thread: Workbench Power supply

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    Default Workbench Power supply

    I looking for a new workbench power supply.

    Variable AC/DC voltage and currents. Doesn't have to be real professional just for hobby/experimenting projects!

    Thanks all in advance

    chris

    P.S. Do I really need AC? I thought it would make for a complete potential source voltage requirements, but now that i think about it I'm not sure!

    Any thoughts on the necessity of having ACV as well?
    Last edited by cmangle; 29-04-18 at 04:03 PM.



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    Is it a good idea to get an all in one unit like this?




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    i have similar one to that and does the job well for me when
    fixing stuff and also need a psu to test my repairs as long
    as you dont need more than 15V





    Last edited by fandtm666; 29-04-18 at 06:28 PM.

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    Wow, fandtm666 MAX DCv out is only 15.0v?

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    Quote Originally Posted by cmangle View Post
    Wow, fandtm666 MAX DCv out is only 15.0v?
    yep but for me thats just fine because nothing i am repairing requires more than 12.0v dc
    Last edited by fandtm666; 29-04-18 at 08:50 PM.

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    I would not go for one that is part of a soldering station.
    Standalone is best.
    I have many that I use. Mainly self built. Silicon Chip or Electronics Australia based.

    2 off Twin 0-30V Supplies @ 1.5A. These are two independent 0-30V Supplies in the one box. They can be connected to provided +/- Supply or A single 0-60V.
    1 off Single +/- 0-20V Tracking Supply.
    All based on the LM317 TO 3 Regulator IC.

    1 off Commercial 0-30V Dual Supply that can be Independent, Tracking or Parallel with adjustable current limit.

    They all have their uses.

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    Reschs, at first the combined unit seemed neat, but there are a lot of re-branded(named) units like the unit fandtm666 has, and they ALL seem to have the same controls, features, and most likely guts inside, just different vendor.

    I also read on those units 852, 853 etc.bove, that they pose a fire hazard with the soldering/desoldering tools.



    Between the fire hazard and the 15vdc max, will probably have me go to separate devices. Really how often do I need desoldering equipment, nice to have but I'll barely use. Also for some reason there are a lot of electronic devices here in the states that require a 24-28vdc source.

    So a separate 0-30vdc/10a and a soldering station seems to be the front runner at the moment. Both devices below can be had for $63.00 USD.





    But you guys (mates in Oz speak) are way more technical/electronic/engineering experienced than I am, so I thought to glean thru your advice as to which equipment is best.

    Any more input would be highly appreciated !
    Last edited by cmangle; 30-04-18 at 05:28 AM.

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    AC isn't something I'd use a lot, but having a current limited P/S that delivers an accurate/stable voltage, right through it's current range is most useful. I've got a couple of different ones, one I built (0-30VDC fully regulated @ 5A with current limiting), a Integral Design 5020 ex military P/S (0-50VDC @ 20A fully regulated, with current limiting) and another dual 20V @ 5A with current limiting (from Jaycar I think). All useful for various different jobs, the big one I've even used for testing industrial welding wire feed boxes, that can draw about 15A @ 48VDC.

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    Variable output voltage and variable current limiting in a DC power supply are very good to have.

    I past employer built a number of power supplies featuring variable voltage output (2.5VDC to 30 VDC) and variable (foldback) current limiting (200mA to 5.0 A) with separate voltage and current meters and I was given one for my own private use.

    I have used it for many years now and found it to be an invaluable addition to the workbench.

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    im no techy, wish i was, & cant do any component level fixes
    except swap parts thing
    so do these scope thingies pick up motherboard problems etc?
    i just have a few atx psu's, a variable laptop psu, a multi meter
    a range of different mobo's, ram, cpu's
    https://www.facebook.com/philquad68

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    Quote Originally Posted by Philquad View Post
    im no techy, wish i was, & cant do any component level fixes
    except swap parts thing
    so do these scope thingies pick up motherboard problems etc?
    i just have a few atx psu's, a variable laptop psu, a multi meter
    a range of different mobo's, ram, cpu's
    Yes, "scope thingies" can help you trace faults, if you know what you're looking for, but the OP is talking about bench power supplies.

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    Quote Originally Posted by bob_m_54 View Post
    Yes, "scope thingies" can help you trace faults, if you know what you're looking for, but the OP is talking about bench power supplies.
    bob_m_54, In this thread anyway . . .

    philquad go to "ELectronics" Workbench oscilloscope thread!

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    Quote Originally Posted by cmangle View Post
    bob_m_54, In this thread anyway . . .

    philquad go to "ELectronics" Workbench oscilloscope thread!
    Yep, I thought he may have been confused is all. Actually philquad, another lowtech type of "scope thingie" is a Huntron Tracker. This device is used to compare circuits between a known good board, and a suspect board. It gives a visual display dependent on circuit characteristics. We used to have them in the RAAF, and they were pretty good for doing quick comparisons to determine if there was a fault on a board or not. I built an adaptor for a CRO, many years ago, that did a similar thing. It was mainly used for a quick check of components, to see if they were stuffed or not, but it could be used the same way as the Huntron Tracker.

    Similar to this one:

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    Made a standalone unit from EA or SC circuit based on Huntron tracker. Used it about twice, found it f_&0$3kn useless.

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    There is a bit of an art to using them, and to be able to recognise particular displays. But you do need a known good board to compare with.

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