Electronics > Beginners
Buy a cheap Power Supply or DIY/Mod my old PC PSU ?
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Discotech:
So I need a power supply for my breadboards I'm going to purchase so I can make some electronic circuits and I'm wondering whether it's better to just buy a cheap PSU like the one at Farnell http://uk.farnell.com/tenma/72-10480/power-supply-1ch-30v-3a-adjustable/dp/2251946?MER=bn_para_1TP_LastViewed_1 Tenma 72-10480 -  Bench Top Power Supply, 0-30V 3A with Single Output

or Use my spare PC PSU which is 700w and one of the high end types so probably has better components than the Tenma and obviously better reliability/safety features.

I was thinking of doing something like this I figure it would be a great project for me to wet my toes back into electronics and I was going to do it slightly different by not actually having to open the PSU as it's all modular so I can just connect the DIY side of it via the external connectors.

I'm just wondering if the components used in that youtube vid are acceptable for what I'm trying to achieve mainly the step up/down converter

The PSU on the 12v rail is capable of 696w @ 58a with 90% efficiency at 50% load so it should be capable of equalling the Tenma's 30v/3a which would be 90w

Also in regards to the converters is it difficult to add my own OVP and OCP to the circuit so I don't go over whatever the rated V/A is for the converter ?
james_s:
I've used those little modules and they work pretty well as long as you don't try to run them at the max current they claim to be good for. Building power supplies is fun and they make a good beginner project but if you have the budget you would generally be better off buying one that's all ready to go.
Discotech:

--- Quote from: james_s on June 02, 2018, 07:05:12 pm ---I've used those little modules and they work pretty well as long as you don't try to run them at the max current they claim to be good for. Building power supplies is fun and they make a good beginner project but if you have the budget you would generally be better off buying one that's all ready to go.

--- End quote ---

I have the budget but what I save by building my own PSU I could put towards a scope or other needed equipment no ? Would certainly get me closer to a DS-1054z if I can save £50 to £100 for building my own just as capable power supply
james_s:
It could, or you could end up spending more and cobbling together something that doesn't meet your needs. The choice there depends on how confident you are in your abilities to build something, and how much you value your time. If you are paid hourly, look at how much time you spend building and compare that to how much money you could make by spending that time at work. Of course that ignores educational value and satisfaction.

Another option to consider is buying used, I have seen some deals on decent used bench power supplies on ebay.
IDEngineer:
For another approach, read this thread:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/suggestions-for-road-trip-(portable)-dc-power-supply/msg1426994/#msg1426994
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