Thats what I did.If you want a really cheap one, then you can use a computer PSU. At minimum it will not be adjustable - voltage or current wise.
0-30 VDC @ 5A would be a "beginner" project. 20A is more tricky. You'll need either a switched mode power supply or a trick I have not yet learned.most likely 0-30VDC @ 20A?
By my experience, even a 5A power supply, assuming that it will be regulated and not switched, will be very bulky. You have to build a capacitor bank for proper supply filtering, and would be a big and expensive one. I would consider a switched mode for a 5A supply.0-30 VDC @ 5A would be a "beginner" project. 20A is more tricky. You'll need either a switched mode power supply or a trick I have not yet learned.
Gottlieb's Power Supplies, Switching Regulators, Inverters, and Converters from Tab Books may prove useful.
Define "stuff". You can power most small electronics with a power supply which will supply, say, 3~15 V and 0~2 A and you can probably buy one cheaply or build it from close to nothing using scrap parts. (During a recent trip to China I bought a very complete one like this with dual digital displays, regulated in volt and amps, for about $8.) I have several crates full of old power supplies from electronics which I disposed of but kept the power supplies. Many can be used as they are or adapted with minor changes. Others can be used for parts. Building a simple, linear, power supply like this is a good learning experience and provides you with a basic good tool. You can use an integrated circuit or use discrete components.Does anyone have schematics of bench top DC power supply? One which can be adjusted to different voltages and used to power stuff for testing. Good ones are really expensive so I am hoping I can make one myself cheaper.
by Jake Hertz
by Duane Benson
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by Duane Benson