Here's a question for you: if you have the knobs and it is in remote mode, can your tweak the power supply? I think the panel would be locked out, wondering about the knobs.
I am going to go look for one of those supplies. I recently bought a bunch of supplies and meters. Hate to say how many supplies as I got carried away, but two full tektronix tm506 frames and a 503. Each supply has plus/minus 0 to 20v with an added 5v. So it is 12 x 2 plus the 12 +5v supplies. The variable supplies float so you can link them together to 400v. I have an old HP 0-24V at 40A that I can weld with as well. Having the multiple supplies allows me to set the current limiting for each stage which has proven useful.
The other thing that is a great deal right now and seems to be overlooked is the HP matrix switch. I just ordered one with four modules for $49 plus like $18 shipping. I can monitor the supplies easier using the switch. For $40 more you get a module that has a 4x4 (I think) isolated BNC matrix that is good to 300 MHz. There is another that is good to 1Ghz. So now I can switch various signals under test into and out of my meters and scopes programmatically.
Now I just have to remember what I was working on when I needed the supplies...
Yes, I've become a supply hog myself lately. Don't know why, but I just can't pass up a good deal on a quality supply. Just got myself a Power Designs 2020B as well to add to my collection and two more 5 1/2 digit voltmeters to add to the two 6 1/2 I already have. I think I've caught the "Voltnut" virus from you guys - not as dangerous as Ebola, but far more expensive!
As far as your remote mode question, I don't use this functionality, so sorry but I can't answer your question.
I can say this, these supplies produce a rock stable voltage when viewed with a 6 1/2 digit voltmeter into even the smallest of loads. The noise characteristics are very good also, given their peak output. Their
only shortcomings are weight (a back breaking 54 lbs or so each), the desk space needed to hold them and the inability to adjust/monitor voltage at the 1 millivolt "Voltnut" level.
If you're not a weightlifter and don't have a strong wife/friend to help you with moving and positioning the thing, don't bother getting one, because lifting them and moving them around by yourself is a bit**! I know, I've lifted and moved around both supplies. Just putting them on a high table by yourself and/or stacking them requires quite a bit of effort and smart posturing so as not to injure your lower back. It's not like a 55lb/25kg dumbbell, because the weight is unevenly distributed over the large area of each unit, so you really have to be careful with it.
Fortunately, they have handle belts on both sides which given the weight are quite comfortable to use. Got to hand it to HP for that and the use of one hell of a heavy transformer in these things, which is where I think the majority of their weight comes from. Well that and the steel framing, I suppose.