Bench Power Supply

[BuddytheReow]

Can anyone recommend an inexpensive adjustable power supply? I’ve got some low power tubes I want to breadboard, but need the power. Is 30v enough in general? 50v? I have no idea and don’t know much about them. I don’t need the crazy 200v for amplifier type builds. Also it should be relatively small since my workbench is pretty limited on space. That and I need to walk it over to my amp to test out my builds. Thanks!

 

[vigilante398]

I would say 30V is plenty, this is the one I use (LINK) You can also get the 5A output version (most likely plenty for anything you'll ever need) for $20 less. It's not super fancy, though it does have a USB interface if you want to control it via computer.

 

[BuddytheReow]

I would say 30V is plenty, this is the one I use (LINK) You can also get the 5A output version (most likely plenty for anything you'll ever need) for $20 less. It's not super fancy, though it does have a USB interface if you want to control it via computer.

So, are the $20-30 ones on Amazon just straight garbage for our application? $80 seems pricey to fire up a few tubes once in a while

 

[vigilante398]

So, are the $20-30 ones on Amazon just straight garbage for our application? $80 seems pricey to fire up a few tubes once in a while

Got a link the $20-30 ones you're looking at? I'm not familiar with anything in that price range, but that doesn't automatically mean they're garbage.

 

[BuddytheReow]

Perhaps I'm looking at the wrong thing. On Amazon I search for "adjustable voltage regulator"

 

[fig]

Those are like the buck converters...some use an LM317. Not hard to build...two adjuster resistors (or a pot)

 

[Cybercow]

These are inexpensive, but you have use a DMM to set the voltage levels.

https://www.amazon.com/Jameco-Kitpro-Dual-Output-Adjustable-Regulated/dp/B00B88A06W

 

[fig]

I'll add one of these little adjustable regulators, and a volt-display (I bought a bag of them) for you as well. In the pic I have 9v IN, 3.3v OUT.

This wouldn't help you get from 120VAC to DC, but we have that covered.

 

[vigilante398]

Perhaps I'm looking at the wrong thing. On Amazon I search for "adjustable voltage regulator"

Depends on your goal. If all you want is occasional adjustable power for occasional tinkering then something like that would fit the bill. A full-on benchtop power supply is nice to have from a reliability and ease-of-use standpoint in my opinion, but definitely not essential for most builders/tinkerers.