I used different laboratory power supplies, but a year and a half ago I got a Gophert CPS-3205 II laboratory power supply, which turned out to be almost perfect.
The power supply is controlled by two buttons, a switch and a push-pull encoder (knob that rotates and can be pushed). Its two indicators display voltage and current. This model provides 0 to 32.3 volts and amperage up to 5.1 amps.
The source operates in three modes:
1. Voltmeter. When turned on, no voltage is applied to the output terminals, the indicator works as a voltmeter for external voltages supplied to the terminals.
2. No current limitation. The required voltage is supplied to the terminals, the current is limited only by the protection (5.1A).
3. With current limitation. Set voltage and current limit The output voltage is automatically adjusted so that the current does not exceed the set. This mode is convenient to use for charging any batteries, as well as for testing LEDs.
The "ON / OFF" button switches the output voltage on and off.
The encoder sets the voltage and current with an accuracy of the least significant sign of the indicator (0.01 V and 0.001 A). First, when the encoder rotates, the current or voltage value increases and decreases in units the least significant bit, but this does not mean that only the least significant bit changes: after 0.09V there will be 0.10 and so Further. You can turn it up to 32.3V, but it will take a long time, so you can press the encoder so that the higher digits change by rotating it. Each press in a circle changes the variable digit, while on the indicator it starts to burn brighter.
In fact, in practice it is simple and convenient, although the explanation is complicated.
The "Lock" button locks the encoder so as not to accidentally knock out the value.
The V / A switch sets whether the encoder is changing voltage or current.
On the rear panel there is a standard power connector (a cord with a European plug, of course, included) and output terminals.
The power supply is switched-mode, due to this it is small and light (only 700 g). It has no fan and is completely silent.
Its only drawback is that it is not very convenient that the output terminals are located at the back. Recently, a new model NPS-1601 came out, in which this drawback was eliminated, and the parameters are the same - 32V 5A.
These two models cost almost the same: my CPS-3205 II costs $ 42.54, the new NPS-1601 costs $ 43.30 with delivery from Russia.
In fact, Gophert manufactures many power supplies with different voltage and current ranges. I recently bought myself an expensive CPS-1660, giving a current of up to 60 amperes and will use it to test wires, cables and extension cords.
The Gophert NPS-1601 or CPS-3205 II laboratory power supply is one that I can definitely recommend to everyone. It is inexpensive and very convenient.
© 2020, Alexey Nadezhin
For ten years I have been writing every day about technology, discounts, places of interest and events. Read my blog on the site ammo1.ru, in LJ, Zen, Mirtesen.
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