High Current Variable Power Supply

[bos10]

I need to buy a high-current bench variable power supply. The 40 Amp Manson SPS 9400 was recommend by the manufacturer, but I can only find that model in 220v and I'm located in the US, so I need 110v. I have the following questions:

(1) Is it OK to use a switching rather than a linear power supply for RC use (i.e., powering components while on the workbench, supplying power to my 12v battery charger, etc.)? I know that the linear is better, but they cost and weight about twice as much (the 40 amp one that I’m looking at weighs 70 pounds).

(2) Can you recommend a manufacturer/model? I’m looking at MASTEK and TEKPOWER at http://www.radios4you.com/powersupplies.html.

[patmat2350]

I avoid simulation, and just use the battery for all my tests! :D

[steveciambrone]

What do you intend to do with a 40 amp supply? If you just want to use it for a charger dc source then the Astroflight power supply is very reasonably priced. I have one and it works great with all my chargers. If you are going to test motors, then using the batteries you intend to use is the most realistic approach.

I also use the AF PS with some of the 12vdc tools I have. The astro Supply is adjusted to 13.6 Vdc which makes the chargers more efficient.

40 amp PS are very expensive, better to spend the money on models or radios.

Thanks
Steve

[mfr02]

I would go with Steve - bench testing implies finding out whether or not something works and a power supply that is different to the "real" supply could easily leave you looking for problems introduced by the test rig.
KISS, have a battery on the bench.

[LtDoc]

Which bench power supply to look for depends entirely on the maximum current requirements, and at what voltage. '12 volt' power supplies rated from 10 to over 100 amps of current are fairly common, sort of. That does not mean they are cheap by any means! Dealers of communications equipment (2-way radios) usually have an assortment of those 12 volt supplies, don't expect to find other voltages though. Once you get above something like 20 amps the supplies start averaging about $2.00 to $3.00 per amp, at least. So, larger supplies are NOT going to be cheap. Those larger supplies usually make for very bad battery chargers, by the way, no limits on the current draw. All in all, a good sized battery, kept charged, usually works just fine for a bench supply unless there are specific reasons why it's not fe$$able. If you do a lot of high current testing, get the big supply. Depending on the cost of that supply, running a dedicated 220 volt line is probably cheaper.
- 'Doc

[Mastech]

You can definitely use switching power supplies to charge your A123 cells, just follow simple SOP. A lot of people on this forum are using Mastech Power Supply HY5020E or HY3050E, both available from Mastech Power Supply website (http://www.mastechpowersupplies.com/mastech-variable-regulated-dc-power-supply-050050020.html )

[HS93]

simple 12volt system is to use a car battery no ripple from mains, or two 6volt car batteries or you can drill the top for 2 colt cells ..

Peter

[pompebled]

Hi Bos,

I'm using the same Manson switching power supply and it has been working well for many years now.
You could ask the manufacturer for a US supplier, as it is available in the 120V version:
http://www.manson.com.hk/productdetail.php?ProductID=15
(scroll down to the specs.)

Regards, Jan.