Bench 12v Power Supply

[jtbinvalrico]

Opinions on something like this to bench test auto electronics, the wife’s rechargeable wine bottle opener, car stereo stuff, get 1 to 14 volts where needed...? I like the variety of front mounted outputs including the cig lighter output, and the variable voltage output and meters to see activity. I’m not concerned with weight. Seems a lot of radio operators use these, but is it fit for shop / bench / troubleshooting use?

https://www.gigaparts.com/mfj-4035m...MI3qSIka_W1wIVELbACh2Z_QUjEAQYBiABEgKV1PD_BwE

 

[knobby]

If it was my money i would look for a second hand astron variable ps. MJF is ok but a bit downmarket.

 

[MUD DAWG]

Unless you really need an adjustable range of voltages, a cheap $10 computer power supply will give you 3.3, 5, and 12 volt DC, with plenty of watts. And will run off 110 or 220.

 

[PhysicsDude]

That power supply is probably a little overkill.. 35 amps? If I need more than a few amps of 12V, I'm going to hook something directly up to a car battery.

I have a 0-30V 3A adjustable power supply that I've been using for 5+ years and Its never disappointed me, and it was less than $100 new. I have never needed more than 3A to test something other than things like starters and power window units.

I also use a computer power supply, and they now sell nifty adapters for them:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W0SBUJ0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But I much prefer using a traditional adjustable bench power supply. Keeping an eye on the volts and amps and the ability to limit both are very helpful while troubleshooting.

I'd get something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071RNT1CD/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[6PTsocket]

That power supply is probably a little overkill.. 35 amps? If I need more than a few amps of 12V, I'm going to hook something directly up to a car battery.

I have a 0-30V 3A adjustable power supply that I've been using for 5+ years and Its never disappointed me, and it was less than $100 new. I have never needed more than 3A to test something other than things like starters and power window units.

I also use a computer power supply, and they now sell nifty adapters for them:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W0SBUJ0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But I much prefer using a traditional adjustable bench power supply. Keeping an eye on the volts and amps and the ability to limit both are very helpful while troubleshooting.

I'd get something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071RNT1CD/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Those supplies seem to come in a wide range of voltage and current ratings, with constant voltage and constant current functions and one or two outputs. I have seen them with many brand names but they all look suspiciously alike, as if they all come ftom the same maker. We had one on the bench at work (Leader). No complaints. I would just detirmine my power requirements and look for the best deal. The prices vary widely, depending on who sticks their name on it. There is even a convenient place on the front, to install which ever brand label is needed.

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[kblee27]

I use this brand of DC power supply to charge car batteries.
Used it heavily, like every other day and it holds up well.
They have different voltage/amp versions.
It comes with all kinds of protection, like accidentally short-circuit the output or overvolt, etc.

Switching power supply, like this and those used in computers are a lot better and smaller, unless you like the weight and mass of traditional power transformer.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Fre...Supply-OVP-OCP-OTP-110V-230V/32812689682.html

 

[theoldwizard1]

The only thing cheaper is an old PC power supply, but it has no adjustment.

MegaWatt S-400-12 MAD IN USA 36 Amp 41 Amp Peak 9.5 to 15.5 Volts DC
(UPC 685256290230) $60.00. Buy a cheap set of Volt/Amp digital meters off of eBay.


Want full adjustability, buy a DC-DC buck boost converter with meter off of eBay. $10-$20 from China. Limited power.

 

[American Locomotive]

I'd go used. Get something like a Lambda, Sorensen, HP, or BK Precision.

Something like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lambda-20-...677693?hash=item3af6bce4fd:g:k28AAOSw401aAh34

 

[6PTsocket]

I use this brand of DC power supply to charge car batteries.
Used it heavily, like every other day and it holds up well.
They have different voltage/amp versions.
It comes with all kinds of protection, like accidentally short-circuit the output or overvolt, etc.

Switching power supply, like this and those used in computers are a lot better and smaller, unless you like the weight and mass of traditional power transformer.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Fre...Supply-OVP-OCP-OTP-110V-230V/32812689682.html

Switching supplies have their advantages. They are cheaper to build, lighter and smaller and are quite adequate for most purposes. The regulator is not as fast to correct as linear supplies which also often have a cleaner output and are best for critical applications. In many multiple output setups, like a computer, only one output is monitored for feedback to the regulator. The other outputs have no correction for load changes. I think it is the +5 that is the one that is regulated

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[HOTFR8]

I use one of these. OK, I admit it may not be the same but allows me to charge many items from a power point but need 12 volts to charge.

 

[jtbinvalrico]

Thanks all for the input.