Sub-$50 bench power supply?

[grenert]

Here's a link to the manual for the HP 6228B that Pars mentioned:

http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/06228-90001.pdf

[n_maher]

I suppose tracking isn't 100% necessary, I was just hoping that it would allow for the supply to maintain a balanced + and - rail but if it's a stable supply that isn't really a concern. I did some more digging this morning and I think this is what I'm looking for, just a bit on the expensive side of what I'd want to spend.

MASTECH VARIABLE DC POWER SUPPLY (HY3003F-3) 0-30V/0-3A - eBay (item 380190160888 end time Dec-30-09 14:42:05 PST)

[Mister X]

Tektronix CPS250 Triple Output Power Supply Tested NR - eBay (item 330388477040 end time Dec-26-09 12:22:00 PST)

Looks like it could be a good buy if the price stays reasonable....

[n_maher]

Thanks Marshall, I'll keep an eye on that but would really like to find one that can at least go to 25V. What would qualify as "reasonable"?

[dBel84]

I suppose tracking isn't 100% necessary, I was just hoping that it would allow for the supply to maintain a balanced + and - rail but if it's a stable supply that isn't really a concern. I did some more digging this morning and I think this is what I'm looking for, just a bit on the expensive side of what I'd want to spend.

MASTECH VARIABLE DC POWER SUPPLY (HY3003F-3) 0-30V/0-3A - eBay (item 380190160888 end time Dec-30-09 14:42:05 PST)

Nate , that supply looks very similar to the one stocked by circuit specialists.

Schematic and Product link

..dB

....similar price however too

[n_maher]

Yeah, I looked at the CS supplies and if I'm spending that much I'll just get one from them. I would, of course, love to spend less.

[n_maher]

Thoughts?

Power Designs TP340 Triple Output DC Power Supply #5498 - eBay (item 230417549465 end time Jan-04-10 13:38:52 PST)

[grenert]

Thoughts?

Power Designs TP340 Triple Output DC Power Supply #5498 - eBay (item 230417549465 end time Jan-04-10 13:38:52 PST)

I've bought an HP oscillator from that seller before. They are as honest as they can be (too low prices to really test something). Their shipping costs are also reasonable. Note the meter defect they mention. Don't know anything about that specific meter, but it's nice that it has a triple supply where all three appear to be variable (most have a fixed 5V and two variable).

My best luck has been with craigslist buying old HP supplies, which are bulletproof. They are heavy and not easy to ship carefully and cheaply. However, outside of Silicon Valley, these are not so easy to come by locally.