I'd like to get a DC power supply to aid in component testing and I am looking for some recommendations. I have been limping along with a 9v battery and my old battery charger for a while and neither are very good.

Ideally I would like something that I could change the voltage (1-14v) it would not need very many amps, maybe 30amp max for most items. Having a bunch of different probes and clips would be great.

Just curious if anyone has some recommendations.

Thanks
Mike

 

I'd have previously directed you to Radio Shack, sadly they are no more.

 

On the budget end of variable dc power supply....
https://www.amazon.com/Tekpower-HY18.../dp/B000CSQK5E

 

The amperage is going to be the problem.
Your garden variety lab-type power supply available on ebay and such will be good for adjustable voltage from 0-30VDC. Unfortunately, current will be limited to 5A.

We have a sweet little power supply at work that is what I have described above. We use it for testing proximity switches and such. It has tested many a low current automotive component.

I am sure higher current power supplies are out there, but I will assume they are going to be spendy.

Good Luck!


Seth K. Pyle

 

Any 12v car battery and a 3$ rheostat from home depot would work...

 

Yup, I have a full size RV "house" battery with built in screw down terminals on my workbench for this.

Works great and in a pinch can be used to jump start a dead car.

 

For the bench an ATV / motorcycle battery would be my choice, lot easer to move and takes up less space.

 

I used my jump box. I also ended up melting some wires together which was pretty fun, but that's mainly because I'm a dumbass.

Might want to check Ebay or Craigslist for some used older surplus models. Lots of commercial businesses dump that stuff when they buy new, and you might find a really good price on something plenty good for this purpose.

 

If your voltage requirement is not precise, Parts Express has a power supply rated at 24A @ 12V, for $59 right now. Unfortunately the voltage is not adjustable, but that may or may not be a problem for your uses. (parts-express.com part #129-004 no affiliation)

 

Grab an old computer power supply. Wiring diagrams are available online for the pinouts and add connectors as you need to.

Lots of other repurposing can be done with these as well (one powers my led outdoor lighting on the house).

-scott

 

I was at a Radio Shack in Minneapolis on Monday.

 

Variable volts will have amp issues, but what do you plan to test at other than 12v which is conveniently located in car battery and/or charger? I would tap into it with a PowerProbe any version should do, newer is better.

 

I bought one of these a couple of weeks ago and so far I love it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Gregg, that thing is amazing! I'll need to consider that if my recent acquisition doesn't work out.

I picked up up this from the local industrial supply for $30


Thsnks again everyone for your suggestions.

Mike

 

Doesn't everything on these cars take 12V?

I've got a spare 928 battery on the bench. It's got battery connectors with screw-down connections and short wires off those with one having a 25A in-line fuse.

Super handy for bench-testing.