Adjustable DC power suppy?

[Sigman]

Looking for recommendations/suggestions/advice on an inexpensive adjustable DC power supply (probably 0-15 volts?) for small LED projects.

Any guidance and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I realize one typically gets what they pay for, but this shouldn't be "rocket science", eh? I'd like to keep the purchase price on the low end if possible. Thanks!

 

[Floating Spots]

I use ebay.
You can use the search terms Sorensen or Xantrex or bench supply.
You can get them fancy or cheap.
I like the Sorensen and Xantrex supplies.
(I think my favorite is the XT series.? They are a linear 60 watt supplies that come 7v/6a, 15v/4a, 30v/2a, and 60v/1a flavors).
They are pricey new, but go for 1/10 or less on ebay at times.... I've gotten the XT series for $50 delivered, working (they list at 785 new).

 

[robk]

Take a look at this thread: Power Supply
Very nice unit for the price.
Rob

 

[Doug Owen]

If you're game for a bit of playing, how about using a 317 to get the adjustable voltage from a fixed 'wall wort' or table top supply (under $5 each if you look about some). Using say an 18 Volt unit would allow you to put two LM317s in series, one to set voltage, one to limit current and still get to 12 volts or more. While cheap, simple and dependable, it does have a problem with not going under 1.25 Volts (although this is not often a problem).

Or you could go with a transformer, rectifier and storage cap rather than a 'store bought' supply to power it. The WW is probably a lot easier though.

Anyway, all the bits for under $10.

Doug Owen

 

[Ocelot]

robk pointed to a thread about the Marlin P Jones power supply.

I have the one shown in the picture, something like $59.95. I'd been thinking about buying a power supply for years (decades actually), and finally bit the bullet. Having it around has already saved me tons of time.

The supply is *really* nice. You can set the voltage or current, depending on what you are doing. The built-in meters are really handy too since you then don't need to hook up one of your voltmeters. I've compared the built-in instruments to my DVOM and they are right on.

Highly recommended.

Scott