I am looking for manufacturer of good power supplies, preferrably a US-
based company.

I bought a Chinese Mastech 30v 10a CVCC power supply. It was cheap,
and upon arrival I see why. I'm new to this stuff and the manual is
pretty useless.

I would like to find a similar HP, Tektronix, or other high quality
comparable type power supply, so I can try to find/buy/download a
manual for one. I bet an HP manual would clear up how to use these
things.

Thanks a lot.

On May 3, 12:59*am, CharlesBlackstone
wrote:
I am looking for manufacturer of good power supplies, preferrably a US-
based company.

I bought a Chinese Mastech 30v 10a CVCC power supply. It was cheap,
and upon arrival I see why. I'm new to this stuff and the manual is
pretty useless.

I would like to find a similar HP, Tektronix, or other high quality
comparable type power supply, so I can try to find/buy/download a
manual for one. I bet an HP manual would clear up how to use these
things.

Thanks a lot.

Above mentioned should be good. Sencore makes high quality equipment
also.

On May 2, 10:59 pm, CharlesBlackstone
wrote:
I am looking for manufacturer of good power supplies, preferrably a US-
based company.

I bought a Chinese Mastech 30v 10a CVCC power supply. It was cheap,
and upon arrival I see why. I'm new to this stuff and the manual is
pretty useless.

I would like to find a similar HP, Tektronix, or other high quality
comparable type power supply, so I can try to find/buy/download a
manual for one. I bet an HP manual would clear up how to use these
things.

Thanks a lot.

If you are looking for a high end power supply I suggest lambda url:
http://www.lambda-gb.com/uk/index.htm
I have used them on various projects and found the supplies performed
quite reliably. They come in rack mount, din rail mount and direct
mount designs and several diffferent features such as programmability
are offered.

CharlesBlackstone wrote:
I am looking for manufacturer of good power supplies, preferrably a US-
based company.

I bought a Chinese Mastech 30v 10a CVCC power supply. It was cheap,
and upon arrival I see why. I'm new to this stuff and the manual is
pretty useless.

I would like to find a similar HP, Tektronix, or other high quality
comparable type power supply, so I can try to find/buy/download a
manual for one. I bet an HP manual would clear up how to use these
things.

Thanks a lot.

Delta powersupplies are very good, but i do not know of they are
avaialble inde US.
It is a dutch company
http://www.delta-elektronika.nl
http://www.delta-direct.co.uk/

Btw is not the same as the other delta power supply company
which is a Taiwan based company
http://www.delta.com.tw/

--
# A brainstorm to one person could be a slight draft to the other one.
# Cees Keyer, Amsterdam school of technology (change -at- in @ in E)
# dept. Electronic Engineering, Weesperzijde 190, 1097DZ Amsterdam, NL
# cees-at-ieee.org Voice: (+31)20-5951639, Fax: (+31)20-5951420

""Blattus Slafaly ? (3) ¼ "" wrote in
message ...
CharlesBlackstone wrote:
I am looking for manufacturer of good power supplies, preferrably a US-
based company.

I bought a Chinese Mastech 30v 10a CVCC power supply. It was cheap,
and upon arrival I see why. I'm new to this stuff and the manual is
pretty useless.

I would like to find a similar HP, Tektronix, or other high quality
comparable type power supply, so I can try to find/buy/download a
manual for one. I bet an HP manual would clear up how to use these
things.

Thanks a lot.


A power supply is a power supply. The cheapest one will do. I have good luck
with $18.00 power supplies. They either work or they don't. People who pay
$150 or $200 for a power supply are crazy. I've bought the cheapest for
decades. It don't have to last 200 years, I won't live that long and it will
be obsolete in a couple years anyway.



--
Blattus Slafaly ? 3 7/8

I think you're taking a fatalist attitude. I have to disagree with you on a few
points. Experimenters need a PS with constant current or current limiting
capabilities (in case the breadboarded circuit is miswired or designed
improperly). Metering is another necessity for experimenters. Yes, the user
can always use bench meters for that, but it's sure handy to have those meters
built into the PS. Keeps everything neat and easy to monitor, and frees your
bench meters for probing the circuit..
Also, as a general rule, I like linear supplies for analog experimenting.
Switchers can cause tremors in analog circuits that will drive you crazy unless
you are aware of the source. Dual tracking supplies are great for analog
circuits as well, since many designs need positive and negative sources. Again,
keeps everything neat and easy to monitor.
People aren't "crazy" for paying reasonable prices for good equipment. The
extra cost of a well featured power supply can easily pay for itself by avoiding
destruction of expensive components because the power supply couldn't limit or
control the output current. Good power supplies don't become obsolete in a
couple of years, as computers do. With proper use and a little care, they can
last for decades.

Back to the OP's post...
Constant Voltage (CV) operation is the basic mode of a power supply. It means
that the output voltage is constant, regardless of current being drawn from the
supply (within limits, of course). The output voltage of an unregulated supply
will vary, depending on the current being drawn.
Constant Current (CC) operation means that the power supply output is a constant
current, regardless of the load resistance (again, within limits). The power
supply will vary the output voltage on order to maintain the current at a
constant level.
If the unit has current limiting capabilities, that means that if you are
operating in CV mode, and the current demanded by the load exceeds the supply's
current setting, then it will switch into CC mode at the current limit setting,
or it will shut down, causing the voltage to go to zero volts (or to a very low
value).
You set the current limit by setting the supply's mode to CC, then setting the
output voltage to the maximum voltage that you want your circuit to feel. Short
(yes, SHORT) the output terminals together, and set the current control to the
amount of current you want to supply to the circuit, or for the limiting to
occur.

If your supply has dual tracking outputs, that means the when you set the output
voltage of the master output, the other output will follow that voltage setting.
You control both output voltages with one control setting. That mode is usually
controlled by a Tracking Mode (or similar label) switch.

That's pretty much the basics of PS operation.

--
Dave M
MasonDG44 at comcast dot net (Just substitute the appropriate characters in the
address)

Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they bring a
smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.

I think you're taking a fatalist attitude. I have to disagree with you on
a few points. Experimenters need a PS with constant current or current
limiting capabilities (in case the breadboarded circuit is miswired or
designed improperly). Metering is another necessity for experimenters.
Yes, the user can always use bench meters for that, but it's sure handy to
have those meters built into the PS. Keeps everything neat and easy to
monitor, and frees your bench meters for probing the circuit..
Also, as a general rule, I like linear supplies for analog experimenting.
Switchers can cause tremors in analog circuits that will drive you crazy
unless you are aware of the source. Dual tracking supplies are great for
analog circuits as well, since many designs need positive and negative
sources. Again, keeps everything neat and easy to monitor.
People aren't "crazy" for paying reasonable prices for good equipment.
The extra cost of a well featured power supply can easily pay for itself
by avoiding destruction of expensive components because the power supply
couldn't limit or control the output current. Good power supplies don't
become obsolete in a couple of years, as computers do. With proper use
and a little care, they can last for decades.



Someone once told me, "buy good tools and only cry once" and I've found that
to be consistantly true. Not once have I looked back and thought dang, I
should have spent less money on this tool, but many times I've grumbled that
I should have bit the bullet and splurged on a better one.

Blattus Slafaly ? (3) ¼ wrote:

CharlesBlackstone wrote:

I am looking for manufacturer of good power supplies, preferrably a US-
based company.

I bought a Chinese Mastech 30v 10a CVCC power supply. It was cheap,
and upon arrival I see why. I'm new to this stuff and the manual is
pretty useless.

I would like to find a similar HP, Tektronix, or other high quality
comparable type power supply, so I can try to find/buy/download a
manual for one. I bet an HP manual would clear up how to use these
things.

Thanks a lot.


A power supply is a power supply. The cheapest one will do. I have good
luck with $18.00 power supplies. They either work or they don't. People
who pay $150 or $200 for a power supply are crazy. I've bought the
cheapest for decades. It don't have to last 200 years, I won't live that
long and it will be obsolete in a couple years anyway.



That maybe true how ever, a well designed power supply has much better
protection in it to save your attached devices. crap power supplies
tend to have poor regulation, voltage not in spec and when something
goes wacky with them, they can take out the devices that are loaded on
them or, they can just shut down silently or burn up with smoke and
possibly flames.

Powers supplies are not perfect regardless of cost how ever, most of
the higher end ones tends to guaranty performance and protection of your
devices.


--
http://webpages.charter.net/jamie_5"

In article ,
"Blattus Slafaly ? (3) ¼ " wrote:
A power supply is a power supply.

No they're not. Things like regulation and short circuit protection can
vary enormously.

The cheapest one will do. I have good
luck with $18.00 power supplies. They either work or they don't.

And a cheap SMPS with cheap caps is not likely to last long. An analogue
one with a poor transformer - the expensive part.

People
who pay $150 or $200 for a power supply are crazy.

It would depend on the rating of it. $200 would be crazy for a 1 amp one -
but not for a decent bench supply.

I've bought the
cheapest for decades. It don't have to last 200 years, I won't live that
long and it will be obsolete in a couple years anyway.

What becomes obsolete in a power supply?

--
*If at first you do succeed, try not to look too astonished.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Blattus Slafaly ? (3) ¼ " wrote:
A power supply is a power supply.

No they're not. Things like regulation and short circuit protection can
vary enormously.

The cheapest one will do. I have good
luck with $18.00 power supplies. They either work or they don't.

And a cheap SMPS with cheap caps is not likely to last long. An analogue
one with a poor transformer - the expensive part.

People
who pay $150 or $200 for a power supply are crazy.

It would depend on the rating of it. $200 would be crazy for a 1 amp one -
but not for a decent bench supply.

I've bought the
cheapest for decades. It don't have to last 200 years, I won't live that
long and it will be obsolete in a couple years anyway.

What becomes obsolete in a power supply?

Good question.. Maybe he is talking about a ATX PC power supply? All of my
AT power supplies are unfortunately obsolete, at least for use in modern
computers.

In article ,
Michael Kennedy wrote:
What becomes obsolete in a power supply?

Good question.. Maybe he is talking about a ATX PC power supply? All of
my AT power supplies are unfortunately obsolete, at least for use in
modern computers.

Indeed - but the OP talked about a 30v 10A CVCC PS. Not that I know what
CVCC is - Google suggests it's the Cuckmere Valley Canoe Club. Perhaps
they use some form of electrolysis to reduce friction? ;-)

--
*Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

In article ,
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

In article ,
Michael Kennedy wrote:
What becomes obsolete in a power supply?

Good question.. Maybe he is talking about a ATX PC power supply? All of
my AT power supplies are unfortunately obsolete, at least for use in
modern computers.

Indeed - but the OP talked about a 30v 10A CVCC PS. Not that I know what
CVCC is - Google suggests it's the Cuckmere Valley Canoe Club. Perhaps
they use some form of electrolysis to reduce friction? ;-)

Constant Voltage Constant Current. AIUI, the OP isn't talking about a
computer power supply, or a benchtop piece of test equipment, but
something to build into a chassis of a custom piece of gear. We stick
with Lambda or Power One and have good results.

Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

In article ,
Michael Kennedy wrote:
What becomes obsolete in a power supply?
Good question.. Maybe he is talking about a ATX PC power supply? All of
my AT power supplies are unfortunately obsolete, at least for use in
modern computers.
Indeed - but the OP talked about a 30v 10A CVCC PS. Not that I know what
CVCC is - Google suggests it's the Cuckmere Valley Canoe Club. Perhaps
they use some form of electrolysis to reduce friction? ;-)

Constant Voltage Constant Current. AIUI, the OP isn't talking about a
computer power supply, or a benchtop piece of test equipment, but
something to build into a chassis of a custom piece of gear. We stick
with Lambda or Power One and have good results.

Correct regarding CV/CC but the OP is more than likely talking about a
variable bench supply :-) He is also asking for help how to use it, and
may be looking for what the difference between voltage and current and
what an adjustable current limit (damm useful!), sense connectors and
ground lift/connect may be used for.

Such things will be glossed over in the average chinese manual as those
concepts are self explanatory for the engineer person specifying and
buying such a unit. HP's (and most US written) manuals may be a bit more
forthcoming?

His is probably like Mastech's http://multimetercenter.com/hy3010Df.htm

Anyway, My experience is with Thurlby (TTi) bench power supplies, don't
know if these made it much in the US direction - but popular here in the
UK for business and education use.

We need the OP back ...

--
Adrian C

In article ,
Adrian C wrote:

Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

In article ,
Michael Kennedy wrote:
What becomes obsolete in a power supply?
Good question.. Maybe he is talking about a ATX PC power supply? All of
my AT power supplies are unfortunately obsolete, at least for use in
modern computers.
Indeed - but the OP talked about a 30v 10A CVCC PS. Not that I know what
CVCC is - Google suggests it's the Cuckmere Valley Canoe Club. Perhaps
they use some form of electrolysis to reduce friction? ;-)

Constant Voltage Constant Current. AIUI, the OP isn't talking about a
computer power supply, or a benchtop piece of test equipment, but
something to build into a chassis of a custom piece of gear. We stick
with Lambda or Power One and have good results.

Correct regarding CV/CC but the OP is more than likely talking about a
variable bench supply :-) He is also asking for help how to use it, and
may be looking for what the difference between voltage and current and
what an adjustable current limit (damm useful!), sense connectors and
ground lift/connect may be used for.

Such things will be glossed over in the average chinese manual as those
concepts are self explanatory for the engineer person specifying and
buying such a unit. HP's (and most US written) manuals may be a bit more
forthcoming?

His is probably like Mastech's http://multimetercenter.com/hy3010Df.htm

Anyway, My experience is with Thurlby (TTi) bench power supplies, don't
know if these made it much in the US direction - but popular here in the
UK for business and education use.

We need the OP back ...

He stumbled in here from Google (so I'm among many who only saw replies)
and probably can't find his way back.

In article ,
Adrian C wrote:
Constant Voltage Constant Current. AIUI, the OP isn't talking about a
computer power supply, or a benchtop piece of test equipment, but
something to build into a chassis of a custom piece of gear. We stick
with Lambda or Power One and have good results.

Correct regarding CV/CC but the OP is more than likely talking about a
variable bench supply :-)

Just curious what use a constant current constant voltage bench supply
would be? Or does it mean *either* constant voltage or constant current?

--
*If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

Just curious what use a constant current constant voltage bench supply
would be? Or does it mean *either* constant voltage or constant current?


For bench supplies, it's either, so I put a slash in my answer between
CC/CV.

It's a supply where you wind up the voltage to what you want and then
you set the current limiter to what you consider a safe maximum to the
load circuit you are fooling with.

If the load demands more current than your limit, the supply will reduce
the voltage to maintain the great law of Ohm. So essentially it will be
delivering constant current (CC) to the load and flashing warning lights
which will tell the user something is wrong with the circuit.

(Though in some circumstances ignoring the warning may be useful for
things like charging nicad cells which should be charged using the
constant regulated current.)

If you have no current limiter in force, then the supply works in
constant voltage (CV) up to the point of smoke (or blown internal fuse
or some other limiter) for excessive current delivered.

The following explains using a supply from HP for the point of view of
an EE student.

Basics of Power Supplies -
Use of the HP E3631A Programmable Power Supply
http://www.ese.upenn.edu/rca/instruments/HPpower/PS3631A.html

--
Adrian C