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Topic starter
2021-03-12 8:49 pm
I realise cheap isn't a good word when asking about Chinese built bench power supplies, but is anyone using one? Which make/model?
I've watched so many reviews and tear downs that my mind is spinning. I would only use it with microcontrollers, sensors and breadboard circuits etc, so my voltage and current requirements are relatively low. It's impossible to know which power supplies are safe or which will fry my circuits. I doubt a cheap PS will have an additional switch/button to toggle output, but that would be a nice optional extra.
I know I could buy some parts and build one myself, but I don't trust myself enough to mess around with mains. Not yet, anyway!
TheOutlander reacted
2021-03-12 9:28 pm
My first power supply was the DROK that can do 0-50v and up to 15 amps. Sorry, I don't remember the exact model number, it's been a long time. I purchased the metal case with fans on Banggood. It was cheap and more than powerful enough for a starter kit. It was a little bit of a pain to install in the case but I think you can get those preinstalled as well. I did need to get my own power supply for it. Anything higher then what you plan on setting it to(possibly plus 10%?). It is the one that Dave Jones gave a fairly good review and said it was good for the price but he also had the magic smoke escape from a cap right after it. I believe they fixed it though.
Part of me would have wanted one of those rectangle ones I see all over YouTube. But then I remember how much space I had at the time and I am happy I got the on I did. Great price for the functionality and it's as small as you can get. At least for that time it was, it could have changed now.
YurkshireLad reacted
2021-03-13 1:29 am
I use a battery pack I made to be a mobile charger for my 5 volt devices. Since covid I have not been toomobile so I ended up using it to power my projects if I need anything other than the USB port. The output uses a regulator so I can turn it down or up if I need any other voltage.
2021-03-13 1:55 pm
I tend to overanalyze, still doing so in relation to the desktop power supply. On my workbench I have a repurposed ATX power supply and I use wall warts for a couple of things (like fan for soldering fumes).
My electronics bench is a bit crammed, so I scour the universe looking for ideas!
"Hardware eventually fails. Software eventually works." - Michael Hartung
2021-03-14 8:58 am
I am also looking for such a device. My main problem is that I have to move my "workspace" back and forth from storage to dining table in most cases. So weight and size matters. If there was a device that "did it all" in terms of power and measuring, I'd be more interested in that. Despite a higher price.