On Sep 16, 6:59*pm, " wrote:
I have a bench supply that looks like this one:http://electronickits.com/kit/complete/powe/HY3005D.jpg
I've seen numerous "brand names" on the same type.

The supply works normally unless the load draws more than a few
milliamps (say 100 or so), in which case it will drop into current-
limiting mode and remain there until I power cycle it, even if the
load is removed.

That's called foldback current limiting; it's a positive feature, but
not in this kind of power supply; I suspect something is broken.
Open the box up; if there's a schematic printed inside, you're in
luck.
Otherwise, maybe there's a switch labeled 'foldback current limiting'?