Recommendation: Programmable Linear Power Supply

[c1ferrari]

Hi all,

I'm in the market for one of these...either new or pre-owned...preferrably 3 ch...1.5k max budget.
Thanks.

Hehe -- I almost left intact Poser rather than Power in the subject field.

 

[amirm]

The Rigol DP800 series is the go-to brand for engineers/hobbyists these days: https://www.rigolna.com/products/dc-power-loads/dp800/

The prices are quite reasonable in $500 to $800 range.

There were some design issues in the first generation model (heatsink too small on one regulator) so don't get a used one.

The down sides are fan noise, and very deep enclosure.

I don't have one though so no personal experience.

 

[March Audio]

Might want to look at the Keysight ones

http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5992-2124EN.pdf?id=2875298

http://www.keysight.com/en/pd-28045...-6v-5a-25v-1a?nid=-35489.1215252&cc=AU&lc=eng

More expensive $1100 to 1700 USD, but good quality.

 

[c1ferrari]

The Rigol DP800 series is the go-to brand for engineers/hobbyists these days: https://www.rigolna.com/products/dc-power-loads/dp800/

The prices are quite reasonable in $500 to $800 range.

There were some design issues in the first generation model (heatsink too small on one regulator) so don't get a used one.

The down sides are fan noise, and very deep enclosure.

I don't have one though so no personal experience.

Thanks, Amir -- I saw a version of this on EEVblog when he was recharging a Li-ion battery. The price is right! I think I'd rather the color version, though.

 

[c1ferrari]

Might want to look at the Keysight ones

http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5992-2124EN.pdf?id=2875298

http://www.keysight.com/en/pd-28045...-6v-5a-25v-1a?nid=-35489.1215252&cc=AU&lc=eng

More expensive $1100 to 1700 USD, but good quality.

I'll take a look...thanks. Would you be aware of any Keithley power supplies that merit attention?

 

[amirm]

Thanks, Amir -- I saw a version of this on EEVblog when he was recharging a Li-ion battery. The price is right! I think I'd rather the color version, though.

The color version is harder to use because it puts the three settings for each voltage on a circle! So you can't easily associate which is which with respect to the outputs. They do have a firmware update to make it look like the green one with three vertical bars and there is a youtube on doing the upgrade. However, I heard that they may give you a hard time in giving you that firmware.

 

[amirm]

I'll take a look...thanks. Would you be aware of any Keithley power supplies that merit attention?

Keithley stuff is also highend like Keysight so I would not hesitate to use their products.

 

[c1ferrari]

The color version is harder to use because it puts the three settings for each voltage on a circle! So you can't easily associate which is which with respect to the outputs. They do have a firmware update to make it look like the green one with three vertical bars and there is a youtube on doing the upgrade. However, I heard that they may give you a hard time in giving you that firmware.

Yes, the polar-type display should give way to the three columns -- but, in color!

 

[amirm]

It does stay in color with the new firmware. Here is the video that that I was talking about regarding the update. It shows the color screen at the end:

 

[c1ferrari]

Keithley stuff is also highend like Keysight so I would not hesitate to use their products.

I don't think Keithley garners the respect their products warrant.
Rohde & Schwarz and Hameg may be worth it ($$$), too!
My UPV needs a companion.

 

[c1ferrari]

It does stay in color with the new firmware. Here is the video that that I was talking about regarding the update. It shows the color screen at the end:

Some good vids on this Rigol, but -- GEEZ!
Color 'Classic' display has nice appearance.

 

[amirm]

Yeh, I am a sucker for color too .

 

[DonH56]

I tend to like the ones that have a button to shut down the display -- it tends to radiate noise that your cables can pick up even if it does not appear directly on the outputs. I have never used a Rigol so cannot comment but Keithley and Keysight make some really good models. There are also a number of programmable models by companies like Lambda and others that are more basic but offer good performance and some sort of serial or parallel cable (UART/RS-232/GPIB) program capability. Do check noise specs if you want a truly low-noise model, and expect to pay for it. Or build a filter of your own, usually a cheaper way. Also be wise to invest in an isolation transformer if using it for measurement purposes, but be aware higher-frequency noise will find a way and the CMRR of most devices falls off rapidly with frequency.

 

[c1ferrari]

I may demonstrate total prohibition of restraint and splurge for this:

http://www.tek.com/tektronix-and-keithley-dc-power-supplies/keithley-2280s-series

 

[amirm]

Man, that is one cool cat! I am tempted and I don't even need one!!!

They have combined their 6.5 digit meters with a power supply. Very nice idea. Then 10 na range for current is also very useful.

Get it, then send it to me to measure the Uptone ISO Regen with it.

 

[c1ferrari]

If I purchase it, Amir, I'll send it up.
Whom would you patronize for purchase?

 

[amirm]

Tequipment.net is the usual place for test gear. I went there though and it says both versions of this supply are discontinued! http://www.tequipment.net/Keithley/2280S-60-3/

Alternatively I buy through Amazon and they are stocking one unit. I would further investigate if the unit is discontinued.

 

[c1ferrari]

Wow...first I've heard of the 2280 series being d/c'd. It appears available elsewhere, however.
The 2280S-32-6 is listed as a current product on Keithley's w/s.

 

[amirm]

It is a recent product so surprising to see that. TEquipment guys are pretty good on chat. Engage them on Monday and see what the beef is and their best price. They have a discount for EEVblog members too and so just ask them about it.

BTW, be sure the max voltage and current meet your needs.

 

[c1ferrari]

Thanks, Amir. "Chat" via TEquipment w/s will have to compete with my students and the solar eclipse this Monday!
The only other 2800-series instrument is the 2280S-60-3. Which would you get?