HP / Agilent / Keysight E3615A PSU

[JaspaJami]

Im looking for a really basic PSU for my lab. 0-15v i think is mostly needed, with small currents normally.

I have been offered Agilent E3615A for a 110€ (includes 24% VAT) in a good condition.

Is that PSU ok? No big issues etc?

I think in future is going to build bigger another PSU (if i dont find cheap good one), but i think at the moment these specs should be ok for me (two channels would be better...)

https://www.keysight.com/en/pd-838292-pn-E3615A/60w-power-supply-20v-3a

[iainwhite]

That family of power supplies are excellent and very reliable. I have an E3610A and an E3611A which work really well.
One thing to make sure of is that the input voltage is correct for your territory - these power supplies do not have universal inputs.
I assume your location is 220/230V ?

[Fsck]

They're excellent. I have one, a 3620 and a 3630.

[JaspaJami]

That family of power supplies are excellent and very reliable. I have an E3610A and an E3611A which work really well.
One thing to make sure of is that the input voltage is correct for your territory - these power supplies do not have universal inputs.
I assume your location is 220/230V ?

Good point. Yeah, im 230VAC country and if i buy that one its locally and it has also 230VAC.

[gslick]

That family of power supplies are excellent and very reliable. I have an E3610A and an E3611A which work really well.
One thing to make sure of is that the input voltage is correct for your territory - these power supplies do not have universal inputs.
I assume your location is 220/230V ?

Good point. Yeah, im 230VAC country and if i buy that one its locally and it has also 230VAC.

From a quick look in the manual it appears that you can change that if necessary.

https://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5959-5310.pdf

Agilent E361xA 60W BENCH SERIES DC POWER SUPPLIES
OPERATING AND SERVICE MANUAL FOR MODELS:
Agilent E3614A, Agilent E3615A, Agilent E3616A, Agilent E3617A

INPUT POWER REQUIREMENTS
This power supply may be operated from nominal 100, 115, or
230 Vac 47-63 Hertz power source. A label on the rear panel
shows the nominal input voltage set for the unit at the factory. If
necessary, you can convert the supply to another nominal input
voltage by following the instructions below

Line Voltage Option Conversion
Line voltage conversion is accomplished by adjusting two components:
the line select switch and the rear panel fuse F1. To convert
the supply from one line voltage option to another, proceed
as follows:

a. Disconnect power cord.
b. Turn off the supply and remove the top cover by lifting the
cover upwards after taking it off from both sides of the chassis
by inserting a flat-blade screwdriver into the gap on the lower
rear portion of the cover.
c. Set two sections of the line voltage selector switch on the PC
board for the desired line voltage (see Figure 2).
d. Check the rating of the fuse F1 installed in the rear panel fuse
holder and replace with the correct fuse if necessary. For 100
and 115 V operation, use a time delay blow 2 A fuse and for
230 V use a time delay 1 A fuse.
e. Replace the cover and mark the supply clearly with a tag or
label indicating the correct line voltage and fuse that is in
use.

[iainwhite]

From a quick look in the manual it appears that you can change that if necessary.

Nice!   The 3610/11 that I have are hardwired to 110V.
Also, I see from the photo that the 3615 has remote sensing as well.  So it looks to have several upgrades compared to my supplies.

[JaspaJami]

Quite many of these HP PSU:s have switches for the correct voltage at PCB.

[anotherlin]

Im looking for a really basic PSU for my lab. 0-15v i think is mostly needed, with small currents normally.
I have been offered Agilent E3615A for a 110€ (includes 24% VAT) in a good condition.
Is that PSU ok? No big issues etc?

Yes, the E3615A would be a perfect fit. At 110 euros the price is right.
It is a basic linear power supply but that's proven technology, very reliable.
Plus, it is passively cooled with big radiator by the back. No noise on the bench.

[bd139]

I'd go for a Thurlby / TTi PL series one if you're in Europe. As good as the HP performance-wise plus current damping, remote sense and separate output switch. Can get them for less than the 110 euros as well if you shop around. My main supply is a PL154 which kicks out 0-15V, 0-4A. Has a log pot for the current limit which gives you precise low current setting as well. They do a PL330 which is 0-30V 0-3A, PL320 0-30V 0-2A and a PL310 0-30V 0-1A (I have one of them as well). Not paid more than €60 each for mine

I've had two E3630's. The HP ones are good but the transformers are buzzy on some of them, the case is total shit, there is no separate output switch and there are some with some serious issues that need correcting. Also RIFA X2's in the inlet and the damn adjustment trimmers for the metering are right next to the unshielded mains switch terminals.

[larsdenmark]

Where do you get a Thurlby power supply at those prices? I've searched Ebay and there doesn't seem to anything available near those values.

[bd139]

Typical. There's none on ebay at the moment 

Look at the sold prices for the single channel models.

[jpb]

Where do you get a Thurlby power supply at those prices? I've searched Ebay and there doesn't seem to anything available near those values.

A rather tatty one (the display seems to be missing a segment) at £45:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thurlby-Thandar-Variable-Bench-Power-Supply-30V-2A-Tested-Working/142798428910?hash=item213f731aee:g:eYYAAOSwuvla~YuH
But yes, they seem over-priced and not in good condition at present.
I bought my PLQM320D for £160 brand new (new old stock) but that was a few years ago. I've been very pleased with it and it is the one that I default to using despite having recently acquired a Hameg (R&S) and an Agillent supply.

[bd139]

Stay away from the black and white and brown cased ones. They are problematic. Grey ones are ok!

[Haasje93]

Hi!

I have a 3612A, these are very nice power supplies. I use mine for all kinds of testing, just because that one goes til 120VDC.
I can advise you to buy the 3615A.

Christiaan