Author Topic: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL  (Read 251903 times)

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Offline george graves

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #275 on: December 06, 2014, 10:33:06 am »
Win 7 pro - no issues here.  Sorry, don't have the version number since I re-installed windows.  I think I downloaded it from their site.

The power supply has been running great - bought two - no issues.


Offline rr100

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #276 on: December 06, 2014, 02:09:49 pm »
Ok, my (as in the one I've found first...) software is called "KA3005P PROGRAMMABLE DC POWER SUPPLY V2.4". I really can't remember where I have it from but it was for sure linked from one of the big(ish) suppliers like digikey or something similar (somebody somehow trusted, at least in my mind...). It works on win7-64 but I did not test it for long time, the program looks fine but I wrote mine (see the quote below).
If the original software is so fragile like my software as at first for sure it won't be very reliable to be run for longer time (there's some garbage coming now and then).

Even if it is python and console-only mine won't work on windows without some rework, it is a tricky task (and os-dependent) to just read keys from the keyboard.

Well, I guess I can at least share what I've done until now.

https://github.com/vb0/korad/

From README

=========================
THIS IS HIGHLY EXPERIMENTAL
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK
WORK IN PROGRESS
This will control a KA3005P lab power supply
The device is hard coded (this is my default usb->serial device on raspi): /dev/ttyACM0
I've used quite a few modules (maybe too many), the only one a bit off-the-beaten-track should be https://github.com/magmax/python-readchar
Usage:
run kcontrol.py
It will output every 1.x seconds or so (there are some "hard" coded timers that can be easily changed) something like:
44mA 5.00V 0.22000W 0.25496mWh 0.050993mAh 4.3s SET:700mA 5.00V
As the power supply is locked for many seconds after any serial command I have added the following rudimentary controls:
v V lower v is voltage "-0.01", V, as in shift+v is +"0.01"
i I current down and up
o O output off/on
q quit
 

Offline pomonabill221

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #277 on: December 06, 2014, 07:12:52 pm »
Yes [it runs on win7-64], I'll let you know when I have access to that box, can't remember if it was Korad or Atten software.
Can't remember if it was over serial or over usb/virtual port - most likely usb.
BTW does the PS come with a serial cable? I can't remember and if it does I can't remember where I put it (if I ever had it) and is nagging me. Not that I don't have plenty of serial cables...
Thank you for the reply!
My PS did not come with a serial, only a USB cable, but I prefer USB anyhow, so don't be nagged any more!  :-DD

Thanks for the info though! I will look further and try and find the SW... I could use it for a few simple things...
 

Offline pomonabill221

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #278 on: December 06, 2014, 07:26:51 pm »
Hello,

I have tried the software on a Win XP system. (of course with blocked internet access).
The function of the software was fine but
the XP system had unusual (unstable) behavior after installation.
So I uninstalled the software. And system behaved as before.

For me the software seems to be somewhat crappy or even dangerous.
There is one file left after deinstallation. (KA3005P.aliases)

content:
[ÎҵĵçÄÔ]
ÎҵĵçÄÔ = "localhost"

That what I do not understand:
so for what in the world does a simple control program
for a power supply need a network access?

With best regards

Andreas

edit:
BTW does the PS come with a serial cable?
Mine came only with the (light blue) usb cable for connections.

Interesting that the OS was affected!  I, too, would remove the software if it affected my OS!  Don't need any more problems.
Strange file left behind?!?!?!  I agree... why do they need internet access  unless there was something in the help file, or "software upgrade"?

Thanks for the info!
 

Offline pomonabill221

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #279 on: December 06, 2014, 07:31:06 pm »
Win 7 pro - no issues here.  Sorry, don't have the version number since I re-installed windows.  I think I downloaded it from their site.

The power supply has been running great - bought two - no issues.
hhmmm.... I'll take a look and try it again.

I really only need it for a simple cycling test I want to run.. no real precision (I'm using my meters for that).
Mine has been running just fine as well for at least a year also.

Charging batteries, testing leds, supplying power for various testing, etc.

  Just remember the power turn on bump!  Mine has that, but others report theirs do not....
Overall, I do like the supply... it's small, fairly lightweight, and for what I want works fine.
 

Offline pomonabill221

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #280 on: December 06, 2014, 07:35:09 pm »
Ok, my (as in the one I've found first...) software is called "KA3005P PROGRAMMABLE DC POWER SUPPLY V2.4". I really can't remember where I have it from but it was for sure linked from one of the big(ish) suppliers like digikey or something similar (somebody somehow trusted, at least in my mind...). It works on win7-64 but I did not test it for long time, the program looks fine but I wrote mine (see the quote below).
If the original software is so fragile like my software as at first for sure it won't be very reliable to be run for longer time (there's some garbage coming now and then).

Even if it is python and console-only mine won't work on windows without some rework, it is a tricky task (and os-dependent) to just read keys from the keyboard.



Thanks for that... I'll take a look and give it a try.
 

Offline Jan E L

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #281 on: January 19, 2015, 11:49:42 pm »
It’s about 2 years since the fail, and upgrade  :-+ And people seems happy with the mod?

I'm looking to buy the KA3005P. But on EBay all the pictures where you can see the data plate in the back still shows AC 220 V. And no 110/220 switch  :o |O
What’s up with that? Still old ones the Wun Hung-Lo distributors got there greedy hands on. And still offer to the public? Or just old pictures still being used by ignorant sellers?

What EBay sellers are confirmed to sell the upgraded one?



To be sure I kind of decided to order from a big Germany shop. That would be safe I thought?
But the Technical details claims: Operating voltage: 230 V. And in the linked .PDF user manual it states: "110/230 V AC/ 50/60 Hz". But the picture of the back of the power supply says "AC 220 V".  :-//

Sent them a request. But nothing heard yet and I'm soon out of time before I have to order someplace.


Or something I missed? I thought the upgraded one was rated 240VAC? So whats up with the 230VAC and 220VAC with no 110/220 switch?
« Last Edit: January 20, 2015, 12:18:42 am by Jan E L »
 

Offline David_AVD

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #282 on: January 20, 2015, 01:39:45 am »
The push buttons have a horrible feel to them, the action is poor and you sometimes need to stab it a couple of times.  The rotary encoder action is also pretty poor.

Having the presets is handy though.  I've never used the remote control port.
 

Offline Jan E L

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #283 on: January 22, 2015, 12:49:20 pm »
Just to confirm. If the production date are 2013 and newer. It should have the hardwire update?

I see that on Corad homepage (http://koradtechnology.com/en/cp-2.html) it's also rated 220vAC on the picture and are the same picture many EBay sellers use.
I guess the conclusionon is that if you buy a new today it's almost certain you get a new version no matter what the picture says?
 

Offline HighResolution

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #284 on: January 31, 2015, 02:59:10 am »
I received mine a few weeks ago.  Haven't been able to use too much but I wanted to check if to see if there is any overshoot when the output is switched on.
 

Offline pomonabill221

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #285 on: January 31, 2015, 05:44:51 am »
What is this a picture of?  AC turn on? Output turn on?
 

Online Andreas

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #286 on: January 31, 2015, 06:01:22 am »
can only be output turn on.
In default state after power on the output is always off.

More interesting would be the following behaviour:
- switching off mains by drawing / switching the AC-Line (without using the switch of the supply).
- intermittend switch off / on of the AC line (so that the output just is not switched off automatically).
All with low output voltage (5V / 3.3V) and low load (a few mA).

with best regards

Andreas
 

Offline HighResolution

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #287 on: January 31, 2015, 06:19:13 am »
can only be output turn on.
In default state after power on the output is always off.

More interesting would be the following behaviour:
- switching off mains by drawing / switching the AC-Line (without using the switch of the supply).
- intermittend switch off / on of the AC line (so that the output just is not switched off automatically).
All with low output voltage (5V / 3.3V) and low load (a few mA).

with best regards

Andreas

Yes it was output turn on.

Here are some captures of intermittent switching on/off (output set at 3.3V and 10mA):
 

Online Andreas

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #288 on: January 31, 2015, 11:05:21 am »
Hello,

time scale is much too fast (I do not think that you are able to switch in less than 10 us.
And I do also not see any 3,3 V. Did you do AC-coupling?

The sub 1us (low energy) spikes are EMI from contact bouncing which is induced most probably as common mode interference into the scope.

With best regards

Andreas
 

Online Andreas

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #289 on: January 31, 2015, 11:23:20 am »
Just a hint:

If I do that with my analog scope with around 12 mA load at 5V/0.5A setpoint. I Can see sometimes (with 10 or 20 ms/div) voltages going up to around 6 or 7V DC peak with a slow decay lasting several 10 ms.

Those peaks might have enough energy to kill sensitive cirquits if you rely on the power supply as low voltage regulator.

Unfortunately I can do no screen shot.

With best regards

Andreas
 

Offline george graves

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #290 on: February 05, 2015, 12:42:37 pm »
Just to confirm. If the production date are 2013 and newer. It should have the hardwire update?

Yes. Anything in 2015 should have the fix - that was a small batch. 

I've have two that I abuse often.  No issues.  The fans are annoying, so I'm going to make a video on the difference on them and a off-the-shelf PC fan.

Offline PeterFW

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #291 on: February 05, 2015, 01:19:11 pm »
Hello Folks!
I bought mine early this year from a german vendor and noticed something.
It looks different from the ones i saw on the web, the posts are missing, it ony has sockets.

But i can not remember if i had it open, i usually have a peek when i buy new gear.
I must have had it open and checked if it was old (faulty) stock but i can not remember.
Since it is still on my bench, it must be "new" inside.

Greetings,
Peter

 

Offline rr100

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #292 on: February 06, 2015, 08:32:40 am »
Mentioned the same about the binding posts. Didn't like it much but it makes the unit much less vulnerable if transported. Also makes it straightforward to connect shrouded "banana" connectors.
 

Offline george graves

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #293 on: February 07, 2015, 03:38:26 am »
I like the change to the sockets.  The two I bought right after they did the fix on them are still running strong.  No issues beside the sickly beeping tone used, and the fan noise at high amps.

Also PeterFW, your front panel is different.  You have M5 where other units have "LOCK"


Offline GoneTomorrow

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #294 on: April 03, 2015, 09:09:21 am »
Just received my Tenma 72-10480, which is basically a rebranded Korad, though interestingly only 3A and not 5A. It still has the binding posts rather than sockets.

Naturally I immediately performed a teardown, and found the construction unsurprisingly identical to the Korad. Interestingly though, all the caps, at least on the output side, were from what I could tell genuine Rubycon caps. 105°C jobs too, which seems to be a step up from the "wan hung lo" caps that were in the Korad, assuming they ARE genuine.

Anyway, I caned the thing on my redneck load tester (10 ohms worth of nichrome wire in a bucket of water) over a couple od fays and it hasn't complained yet, so that's not too bad.

One issue I did have initially was a rattly fan. This initially sounded like bad bearings, but upon further investigation ended up being the fan control being very coarse in whatever it does. There must have been some very sharp edges in there, which were causing a mechanical and then audible movement in the fan. Bodging on a 33uF electro across the fan smoothed it out and now the fan no longer makes any nasty-bearing noises.

All in all, reasonably happy with the unit so far, but of course the real test will be time.
 

Offline bitwelder

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #295 on: May 03, 2015, 08:47:27 am »
Also PeterFW, your front panel is different.  You have M5 where other units have "LOCK"
That's something I've noticed as well. Apparently the majority of photos of KA3005P (or their rebadged versions) I can see on the market have the M5 LED on the front panel (and are probably 220V only), but some of the units for sale in US (e.g. those from SRA Soldering) seems to have the LOCK LED instead, and apparently universal 110V/220V input.

Is that version with the LOCK only made for a specific reseller? E.g. I couldn't find a clear source for it on aliexpress.
 

Offline torch

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #296 on: August 03, 2015, 06:50:54 pm »
I came across this Korad recently and headed to EEVblog to see what people thought of it, only to find this thread. It seems like, with the problems fixed, this might be a decent cheap PS for a hobbyist like me. Certainly the post-fix videos show it will handle some abuse.

One question: whatever happened to Triosmartcal, the distributor that stepped up to the plate and stood behind their product? The links in this thread all lead to some blog page now. Did they go belly up?

Second question: has anyone looked at this new triple supply? :
http://www.sra-solder.com/korad-ka3305d-precision-variable-adjustable-30v-5a-dc-triple-linear-power-supply-digital-regulated-lab-grade

I'm wondering if it's two KA3005's stuffed into one case, with all the appropriate upgrades or if it's a completely new animal, potentially with all new problems.
 

Offline David_AVD

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #297 on: August 03, 2015, 09:29:16 pm »
One question: whatever happened to Triosmartcal, the distributor that stepped up to the plate and stood behind their product? The links in this thread all lead to some blog page now. Did they go belly up?

There seems to have been a slight change in name and their web site is here.
 

Offline coromonadalix

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #298 on: August 14, 2015, 03:39:55 am »
Thats why i don't use any variable switch mode psu, they sometimes badly support inductive or capacitive loads, i had one die in front of me with an solenoid with an 1n4007 protection diode ... ?

Sometimes the reaction/feedback speed is slow ...  bad design, bad implementation  etc ...

Since i use linear "old" fashioned psu's, like Kepco, Hp/Agilent,  I  never had any problems after that.

The best switched modes psu's i've tested, where from Xantrex.   Oh! man  many times i have tried to kill them, pushed them to their limits.   Rock solid in every aspect, but $$$.

That's why i love teardowns, we can see the inside guts  :)
« Last Edit: August 14, 2015, 03:42:24 am by coromonadalix »
 

Offline torch

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Re: EEVblog #315 - Korad KA3005P Review/FAIL
« Reply #299 on: August 14, 2015, 10:51:24 am »
Well I pulled the trigger on the triple version (ka3305P). I guess somebody's gotta be first. I'll take pictures when I get it open...
 


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