We were looking for an inexpensive lab power supply. Nothing for calibration or anything like that. The big selling features for our intended use:
- 3 selectable output ranges, up to 36V (we needed up to 32V) with the low end being a solid 16V, 5A range.
- Can be connected in parallel to increase output current
- Inexpensive, we got ours online for just $270. This should be easy to squeeze by any budget approvals!
The good:
- Comes with a power cord and some very pliable connector wire + plugs for the unit, alligator clips on one end.
- Has remote-sense connection.
- Has front and rear panels for the output. The rear connectors are spring loaded that can work with stripped, tinned leads.
- Yes, it does have 3 output ranges and yes, they do seem to work. The output didn't seem overly noisy (a quick measure showed less than 40mV noise, which was indistinguishable from the baseline "no supply" measure on our measurement. Please keep in mind we're not here to characterize this thing with any degree of serious accuracy). The datasheet claims < 30 mVp-p, so their claims don't seem totally out of line.
- Very small, compact size. Clean design that doesn't feel "cheap"
- Nice clear digital LED display. Output on/off button and a "review" button for showing the set values when the output is off.
- In my experience, the output was very stable. It remained at the set point (as confirmed with external multimeter) day in and day out even after power cycling. This is quite nice as I don't have to worry about checking the output each and every time. The display accuracy is claimed to be ±1% + 15 counts. In the first few weeks of usage, it seemed to be out by much more than this. However, at the time of this writing, it seems to have settled down and I can count on the display accuracy. I don't know if the initial problem will pop up again.
The bad:
Well, for a $270 power supply, I suppose there isn't a lot to complain about really. It performs as advertised. The clean design means they opted for some "indented" connections on the front, like the ones used on DVM's. This means you can't screw on any stripped wire to the front connector. You'll have to use the back or extend with alligator clips.
The one biggest gripe I have is with the output adjustment dial. It's not a smooth "analog" dial, but has detents and the design is such that it is not possible to make fine adjustments to the output voltage, it jumps in something like 10-15mV increments. For some applications, this may not matter, but this could present a problem for someone hoping to hit specific voltages on the lower end (e.g. powering 1.0V, 1.2V or 1.8V devices). Honestly, this is probably quite minor and I've just been spoiled by some really good equipment (to be fair, driven by need) that I use for device characterization.
Summary:
Good, inexpensive lab power supply that can be easily extended in capacity by adding a few more in parallel. Easy to use, compact, performs as advertised and I would buy it again, if I needed a "cheapy" that doesn't need remote/computer control.