Two single supplies vs one dual supply

[Awshua]

I'm finally thinking about getting some proper power supplies (at least proper within my very limited hobby budget).

I've seen Dave's videos on the Korad supplies (and subsequent fix), and they appear to be a descent supply for the money.

My question is, is there any advantage to getting two KA3005P single supplies as opposed to one KA3305P triple supply, especially given that currently the former would cost about $60-80 more?


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[Simon]

It all depends on what you are trying to do. Some people work with lots of power from one voltage source others may be working wityh lower power from multiple voltages. It really depends on the work you plan to do.

[MatthewEveritt]

Duel supplies typically have parallel tracking, which means you can draw more current. Obviously you can put two single supplies in parallel to get the same result, but you can't adjust the voltage with the outputs turned on else they'll 'fight'.

Same goes for series operation - it's possible with single supplies, but often duel supplies do it better.

[jeroen79]

It also depends on how the dual supply is connected internally.
If the outputs are isolated from eachother then tge dual or triple supply is just the same as the singke supply, but all in one box.
If they share a common ground then you are more limited.
Often the dual supplies have a panel switch to easily switch between isolated, parallel and series configuration, which saves wires.

[Awshua]

Thanks. I think the dual supply will meet my needs then. Honestly for anything I've done as of yet anything over 18v and a few hundred milliamps is overkill. It does look like they can be ganged either serial or parallel internally so should the need arise it shouldn't be an issue. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing something obvious.


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