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Modding a bench power supply

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josephpate:
I'm relatively new to electronics but I'm a quick learner.  I bought a bench power supply before I found Dave's videos on youtube so I ended buying the kind he warns about not buying:



It doesnt have a load switch near the output(s), and it has one of those horrible single-turn-pots that make it impossible to tune effectively.

I've been considering modding it to add the load switch since that seems relatively straightforward, but I wasnt sure about changing that pot.  Would I be able to just remove the one that's there and replace it with a good quality ten-turn-pot?  Or is there some added circuitry/wiring that distinguishes them from the single-turn variety?  Most of the images I've seen show them looking  identical to single-turn-pots, but I figured I'd ask anyway.

Thoughts? Hints? Suggestions?

Psi:
Yep, as long as you get the same specs a single and multiturn pot are interchangeable.

The max power/current is normally a bit less with a multiturn pots. There wire is thinner because the multiturn mechanism needs more room.

However that shouldn't effect you, the power requirement for a voltage/current control pot is tiny.

Monkeh:

--- Quote from: Psi on July 26, 2012, 03:19:25 am ---The max power/current is normally a bit less with a multiturn pots. There wire is thinner because the multiturn mechanism needs more room.

--- End quote ---

Not if you're comparing with the average carbon pot. 10-turn pots are normally rated 2W or more. Carbon pots top out at half a watt.

josephpate:
Alright so what type/brand of pot would you recommend?  Also how would I figure out what type of pot is in the p.s. currently?  take it out and hope it has a model number stamped on it?

pickle9000:
Bournes makes excellent multi turn pots
The pots should be marked but can be measured.

Pay attention to details.

- take a pic or write down the hookup
- will the new pot fit, is it going to hit anything?
- will the knob fit?

...mike

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