Entry-level power supply: Korad KA3005D or Riden RD6006?

[robdejonge]

The ancient bargain basement one I have conks out all the time, turns out is incredibly noisy even when it is working, and so I thought it might be time for me to spend some money on a more reliable bench power supply. My budget is $100, so nothing really serious or even 'entry level' is possible. We're talking discount level stuff here. After some research, the two main options are :

• Korad KA3005D is often recommended on here as a great starter. I'm worried about fakes, so if this is the recommendation then pointers to assess if something is a genuine Korad would be much appreciated.
• Riden RD6006 generally gets decent reviews. It seems to have similar functions and with the small S12D case fits really nicely on my desk. Bench, sorry.
• Owon SPE3051 is another option (does it bother anyone else that the graph goes the wrong way?) but I suspect it doesn't deliver the same quality as the previously mentioned options.
  

Use case: I'm a novice, know nothing but want something reliable. Play around with simple low-voltage circuits, microcontrollers, DIY projects, etc. I'm based in Thailand at the moment, so my options are pretty limited in terms of buying stuff. AliExpress is really the only practical option for me.

I'd appreciate your thoughts and comments on this selection. Alternatives are of course welcome, although I'm not sure there are many good options at this price point.

[ataradov]

Out of the listed options - Korad hands down. It is the only linear supply. Others are switching supplies and are really noisy. You may not care at the beginning, but why go for a worse tool?

I'm not sure how to sort out fakes though. Or if they even get faked.

[radiolistener]

Korad KA3005D

[Electro Fan]

Yep, Korad
You can call or email Korad and ask for an authorized seller in your area, or there is maybe some chance they will sell you one from the factory but it’s likely they will point you to a solution to avoid your concern about a fake.

[ledtester]

Every beginner should have at least one good linear supply.

[voltsandjolts]

Be aware there are some reports of the Korad unit overshooting at power on.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/power-supply-overshoot-when-disabling-output/msg867194/#msg867194

[robdejonge]

Overwhelming vote on that one! Thanks everyone!

I've just ordered the Korad.

Seller said it is genuine. When they sell fakes, sellers are typically quite open about this here.  If it turns out to be a clone after all, I'll return it. Have very good experiences with this sort of dispute resolving in my favor. Hopefully that won't be needed though!

Paid $65 for it only! It'll be here in a few days, I'll report back my findings.

[robdejonge]

Be aware there are some reports of the Korad unit overshooting at power on.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/power-supply-overshoot-when-disabling-output/msg867194/#msg867194

I saw that in a video posted by Dave too. I'll check when I've received mine if it exhibits the same behavior.
Is this a reason not to buy it for my use case of hobby electronics?

[voltsandjolts]

As long as you are aware, it's not a problem.
Mostly, I power circuits with a regulator in place so wouldn't be an issue anyway.
Just if you are powering, say, low voltage logic directly at 3v3 or 1v8 it would be a problem.

Where did you find it for 65USD? Good price!

[robdejonge]

Mostly, I power circuits with a regulator in place so wouldn't be an issue anyway.

Yeah, most of the microcontroller boards I use have regulators on them as well. I guess, as you said, I just need to be aware.

Where did you find it for 65USD? Good price!

It is a good price, isn't it!? If it's the real deal anyway. I bought it on a (Tencent-owned) marketplace here in Southeast Asia called Shopee. A bunch of Thailand-based sellers are offering it for $65-$70, which is where I am. Free shipping!

[Electro Fan]

Did you get the KA3005D or the KD3005D?  You probably want the KA.

The KA and KD have different user interfaces - the KA has more direct / easier access to the various setting functions; the KA also has an output on/off control button.

In case you are going with the KD this is a good operation video:  https://youtu.be/41EpY3b9304

[robdejonge]

Pfew. You had me running for Order Details there to confirm :-)

KA ordered!

[Electro Fan]

That’s cool.  Not sure how you got it for ~$70 but if you did it will be a great deal.  Keep us posted.

[robdejonge]

Due to the very low price I was still a bit worried it might be a knock-off, so I contacted Korad. The excellent team there offered to confirm, asking me to send a few photos over. I did, and they confirmed that indeed it is a genuine Korad KA3005D that I was able to buy brand new for $65.

Excellent score. I'm very pleased.

Thanks to everyone for the advice given!