Desktop power supply

[Phil54]

Hello all. I'm looking to buy a desktop power supply for simple hobby electronics projects. Does anyone have any recommendations regarding make, model and suitable voltage and current ranges?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Simon (Webmaster)]

Can't recommend a specific model - mine's made by Altai (probably from Maplin, but had it too long to remember) with 0-30V 2.5A single output. Seems to do what I need, although sometimes a dual supply would be useful for audio circuits. Might be worth considering if you need this.

[Phil54]

Much obliged, Simon.

Phil

[Simon (Webmaster)]

I should add that a power supply with an adjustable current limit is invaluable - set correctly it can prevent you damaging a circuit that is faulty or wrongly assembled. The extra cost can soon be recovered in saved components and (more importantly) time and frustration.

When testing a circuit set the voltage without the circuit connected, then turn the current control to minimum. Connect the circuit then slowly increase the current, keeping an eye on the display. If the current keeps rising beyond that expected, and the current limit keeps limiting the voltage, you have a problem.

I see Quasar do one with similar specs to mine: http://www.quasarelectronics.com/psu676 ... 30v-3a.htm. This isn't a personal recommendation and I don't know how it compares to others on price, I just came across it whilst looking for something else. Actually looking again that one has course / fine controls for voltage & current. Mine doesn't have these, and whilst sometimes useful (the one I use at work has them) they are by no means essential.

[Phil54]

I had looked at that particular Quasar power supply and thought it might be just the job.

Thanks again, Simon.

Phil

[abuhafss]

You can also build your own.

http://www.free-circuit.com/category/power-supply/

[Phil54]

Thanks, abuhaffs. I think that's a bit beyond my capabilities at the moment, but it's certainly something to bear in mind for the future.

Phil.

[electrik-gaschief]

Don't know if you've bought a PSU yet Phil54 but I can recommend one both in terms of performance and price:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Triple-Output ... 4aa44508e8

I bought one last December and it has been very useful. Only thing I would say is the voltage regulation isn't quite as good as that one sold by Qasar, however one rarely needs 0.01% REGULATION!!!

[Phil54]

Thanks, electrik-gaschief. I've still yet to buy one - I'm still at the stage where batteries are sufficient - but I'll definitely bear that in mind when I eventually take the plunge and get one.

[Weazel]

old desktop computer psu do fine there free if u look and just mod it to ur preference lots of cct on google to show this check out jaykar and dicksmith projects and clone some ideas