Electronics > Beginners

Power supply advice please (I live in the UK)

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HobGoblyn:
Been watching EEVblog #168 How to set up an Electronics Lab

Been into electronics since a kid (used to build kits from Tandy's in the 1970's), now I want to take up the hobby in a serious way.

Now due to ill health, I've had to retire at 54 (don't want any sympathy), haven't got loads of spare money, but want to set up a reasonable lab, so that I can start learning properly and have most things I could need. 

Not to worried about components, can get them cheap as and when needed (got a load of caps, resistors etc, plus a load of Ardunio bits to be getting on with). But I want to get the big things now, due to finances, I don't want to have to plead with my lovely wife to buy big  (for my finances)  items in months to come, I'd rather get most of it over with now.

I have some things already, have a  Hantek DS05102P Oscilloscope, have a couple of meters.

I've been going through the youtube blog and Dave recommends getting hold of an analogue Oscilloscope. Looking at ebay, they don't seem very cheap, I presume this isn't really needed?

I do need a power supply, Dave suggests getting a kit, but I can't find any on the UK.  When looking at pre-built ones, I do see a lot of similar looking (presumed made by same company and rebadged) power supplies on ebay/amazon. Was thinking about something like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E7OGHJM/?coliid=II5WG08YUD1N2&colid=L5N3DCOD52K1&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

But reviews on things like power supplies and soldering stations all seem very mixed, or numerous so called different sites all recomending exactly the same top 10 (suspect they are fake review sites).   Thoughts on a power supply for a beginner, is the one I selected suitable?

My soldering iron is okish (Antex Xs25w) but not a soldering station, video says I must have a soldering station. That's a minefield as there's a load of rebadged cheap stuff out there. Any advice on a cheapish good one?

Then he recommends getting a hot air rework station, again loads around, haven't a clue whether they are good or cheap crap.  Any suggestions for a cheapish good one please?

Most other things in the vid I already own. I know it's a bit of a how long is a piece of string question, I don't expect to be working on mains voltage stuff that much, only if repairing something that breaks.

Many thanks

Hob




Totalsolutions:
Hi Hob
Same here I can fix things as they break. Take a look at “My Mate Vince “ on  YouTube.  I use soldering irons , Weller but 4 or 5 with different bits and wattage, but not a hot air rework station (yet). Good quality basic tools from Wera  or CK or Wiha. Even Stanley and Draper pro. All good brands really. A very good programmable power supply in valuable. Get your Xmas list in.

Jwillis:
The biggest expense on a linear supply is the transformer so many companies get around that by using a switching supply in place of the bulky expensive transformer.So a cheap power supply will do fine that delivers 2 or 3  amps at 20 to 30 volts is fine.
You don't need a soldering station right off the start .There are adjustable soldering irons that will do fine for the beginner.
They won't have the power as a fancy station but 50 to 60 watts has served people well for years.If you plan on using SMC (Surface  Mount Components) then a a hot air work station is a must . But you could get by with a hand held hot air gun similar to this
It probably won't replace a large chip but smaller components it would probably be alright.
Cheap and good is a hard proposition.
 

Terry01:
I have the 30v 5A version of that power supply and it's served me well for 18 months-ish. I like it as it has all the safety features on it and is quite accurate and it also hasn't blew up or electrocuted me even though i've made loads of beginner mistakes!  :-+

tggzzz:
There's a good argument to be made that if you can't specify what you need and why, then you don't need it.

With skill and imagination, you can get away with remarkable little equipment. For example, I designed and built my first computer (6800+128bytes of RAM, switches and LEDs) with only the front panel switches and LEDs and a multimeter. Learned a heck of a lot :)

Your question about PSUs... The answer very much depends on the required power and voltage. I have a few old Farnell/Coutant PSUs that I ought to flog.

Consider going to nearby hamfests; there is a lot of surplus equipment there, some of which will be good value.

Consider contacting a local Hackspace/Makerspace; they will have equipment and - more importantly - experienced people with ideas.

Look on gumtree, and on fleabay for local items that you could examine before buying them with cash.

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