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Buying power supply

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NemoVanHelden:
Hi,

I want to buy a good all-round power supply, but it will be used mainly for audio and small signal analog stuff ( at least to begin with). I read in a thread here that a switching supply is not suitable for this purpose.

What kind of power supply would i be looking for?

ptricks:
Switching can be used for analog but you will have to spend more money to get optimal results. Linear supplies are what most recommend for analog work. Linear supplies are basically a transformer to convert the mains voltage to a lower voltage, followed by a rectifier and capacitor, then some sort of regulator. Really pretty basic stuff which is why a lot of people just build their own.
The LM317 is a common part and circuits are everywhere on how to use it, it is also cheap.
If you want to spend the money though look on places like ebay for Linear power supply.

NemoVanHelden:
Ok, sounds like i should get a linear supply for my lab then.
The only con is that the weigh a lot more, and I'd like it to be little lighter as i will probably be moving it a bit around. If i wanted a switching supply that can be used for the purpose mentioned in the first post - what price range am I looking at? If you have one or two specific models to suggest I'd be very grateful.

ptricks:

--- Quote from: NemoVanHelden on December 04, 2012, 10:57:37 am ---Ok, sounds like i should get a linear supply for my lab then.
The only con is that the weigh a lot more, and I'd like it to be little lighter as i will probably be moving it a bit around. If i wanted a switching supply that can be used for the purpose mentioned in the first post - what price range am I looking at? If you have one or two specific models to suggest I'd be very grateful.

--- End quote ---

It really is going to depend on what analog circuits you are working with , how much current, and how sensitive the circuits will be to noise. For example, working with some analog circuits like an opamp with high gain, a lamp on the desk with a CFL bulb can  inject noise into the circuit.


If you just need low current linear you should be able to use something like this and the weight shouldn't be that much because the transformer required is going to be small.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/15V-1A-Digital-DC-Power-Supply-Regulated-Precision-Variable-Test-Equipment-Phone-/370630154870?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item564b475a76

Yaksaredabomb:

--- Quote from: ptricks on December 04, 2012, 12:55:46 pm ---If you just need low current linear you should be able to use something like this and the weight shouldn't be that much because the transformer required is going to be small.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/15V-1A-Digital-DC-Power-Supply-Regulated-Precision-Variable-Test-Equipment-Phone-/370630154870?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item564b475a76

--- End quote ---
For 35 USD shipped that actually sounds fairly reasonable.  Granted it's not very fancy and not terribly capable but it looks like most of the basic things are there (current and voltage meters, switched output with test point, reasonably sturdy enclosure, test leads).  I was planning to build my own (eventually) but I'm not sure I could for near the same price and have it be (or at least look) anywhere near as robust.

Has anyone actually bought one of these or better yet, taken one apart?  I searched the forum for "PS1501S" and came up blank.  I'm sure a person would be much better served spending $100-$150 on something better known with more outputs and greater power (or building their own), but if all you've got is $35 or your requirements truly are this low maybe this is a good pick.

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