I'm already lost, don't know how to use an external power supply

Question

Hey Experts or whoever wishes to point me in the right direction first,

I'm a programmer, mainly web development but also have experience in java, c, and python, anywho... I'm trying to get into the electronics game so I got a book. "The Hands-On Xbee Lab Manual" by Jon Titus.

I got a whole bunch of parts, got to experiment 3 where it's time to use my 3.3v power supply and I'm looking at this thing like it's from outer space. The following link is the power supply:

http://www.digikey.ca/product-search/en?x=-1315&y=-73&lang=en&site=ca&KeyWords=285-1887-ND

(LS25-3.3v, if the link doesn't work)

I've tried googling these power supplies and other external power supplies but I can't find any examples, only datasheets and such.

It's got screws I'm assuming wires need to be wrapped around for the input/output but since the input is 100-240VAC am I just supposed to strip an cheap extension cord and wrap it around these screws, plug it in and hope it doesn't explode in my face?

Any direction would be great. I appologize for such a preschool electronics question but I'm just starting out.

Thanks!

Former Member · Accepted Answer

Best not use that type of power supply it's generally used inside enclosed equipment. Also it has a 6 amp output so if you make a mistake in your soldering or create a short circuit in a bread board it will get instantly fried. Best option is a variable bench power supply as in the following example; http://cpc.farnell.com/_/in05524/power-supply-bench-led-30v-3a/dp/IN05524 Try RadioShack or any local hobbiest store for a Variable Bench Power Supply You can use it for lots of projects requiring different supply voltages, charge small batteries and most importantly limit the current so that any errors will kill the supply voltage and not the project. Hope this helps.

Former Member · Answer

I live in North Wales so I'm the wrong side of "The Pond" for best advice as our mains supply is different (and more dangerous), but this is a start. From the image on the link, it looks as if the two right hand terminals are the low voltage output, but I can't make out the symbols on the other three. Perhaps the left two are AC inputs which usually have a "~" symbol or similar, sometimes with the voltage range. That middle terminal might be an earth (ground) for the mains input, or 0V for the output side. It looks as if you slacken the screw, insert bare end of wire then tighten screw to clamp wire. I can't see what the extreme right end (blue bit) is. Personally, I'd put it in a case with leads from its terminals, especially the mains input ones, to insulated terminals on the outside. At least put some insulating tape over the mains input terminals after you've connected the mains lead. I'd also include a fuse in the mains live lead (rated at 20 divided by your mains voltage) and perhaps a resettable fuse in the output with a rating to protect your equipment. That might be much less than the power supply's 6A rating; perhaps only 1A. I hope this forms a basis for your thoughts or for questions to ask people locally. Best wishes & stay safe. Old Frank