Products > Test Equipment
Power Supply: Build or Buy?
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Fungus:

--- Quote from: Caliaxy on May 05, 2023, 06:33:36 pm ---For general use, I'd get a linear triple power supply, with +/- 0-15V for circuits that require differential power (e.g. op amps) and +5V (for logic circuits).

This kit on Amazon seems basic but OK. It provides everything you need, including transformer and enclosure, for under $80. You have to solder it yourself. Some users improved it over time (with multi-turn pots for finer voltage adjustment and output meters - read the reviews). It doesn't limit the current output, so you have to be careful. I have no experience with it.

--- End quote ---

I wouldn't want a power supply that doesn't have readout of voltage and current. That's like using a CRO instead of a DSO.

Current limiting is fairly essential for me, too. Negative rail? Not so much. I rarely use op-amps and if I do I use R2R versions to avoid having to put fancy power supplies in the finished device.

The last part is just me, obviously, but the first part stands.

David Hess:

--- Quote from: Fungus on May 06, 2023, 04:56:54 am ---I wouldn't want a power supply that doesn't have readout of voltage and current. That's like using a CRO instead of a DSO.
--- End quote ---

I have enough multimeters that using a power supply without built in readouts does not bother me.  It is enough to have an indicator showing if the power supply is in current limit.
bdunham7:

--- Quote from: br4n_d0n on May 03, 2023, 09:49:15 pm ---
* 24volts @ ~3amps (for powering a soldering iron)
* 100-120volts @ low amps (gives me the ability to electroplate/anodize in the future)
* Whatever voltage/amps I'll need in making some small electromagnets
--- End quote ---

For  your 24V soldering iron, I'd get a dedicated switching supply.  I have one of these (not for soldering irons) and it seems pretty decent and is made in Taiwan.  It is DIN-rail mounted and so is intended for use inside a control panel.  You'd have to make up a box of some sort for it because the line voltage terminals are exposed.  It's not the only choice, but it is one I know will work.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/134508829833

Also, the much more powerful Meanwell LRS-350-24 that powers certain 3D-printers is also a possible candidate because they are widely available, work well and are pretty cheap ($35 on Amazon) due to their popularity.

For your electroplating, I'm assuming you want a limited current supply (a few mA) and I'd also recommend a simple, dedicated supply but this is one you can build.  I'd start with a small, isolated step-down transformer and then a voltage multiplier circuit. You can read the Wikipedia article on voltage multipliers and I've provided a link for what I think might be an appropriate transformer.

https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/410/F48_050_C2-781070.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_multiplier

As far as electromagnets, you'll have to clarify how big, etc.  You want either something pretty well protected or something you can fix yourself since you can generate some pretty wicked inductive spikes with large coils. 
BeBuLamar:
I don't see much point in using 24VDC power supply to power a soldering iron. Get an AC powered soldering iron and save the 24VDC iron for when you want to use it on battery.
br4n_d0n:

--- Quote from: BeBuLamar on May 06, 2023, 02:31:19 pm ---I don't see much point in using 24VDC power supply to power a soldering iron. Get an AC powered soldering iron and save the 24VDC iron for when you want to use it on battery.

--- End quote ---

I've had the soldering iron for a few years now so purchasing another one would be a waste of money. Having a bench PSU that can do double duty when I feel like it would be more worth it IMO.
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