Dr.meter 30V/5A DC Bench Power Supply Single-Output 110V/220V Switchable with Alligator Clip Included, US 3-Prong Cable,PS305DM

As I am learning electronics for the first time, the Dr. Meter linear DC power supply is my first PS. I spent days looking over specifications of similar units including reading all the reviews. I take reviews lightly because I know that, in this day and age, you can't tell the expertise of the person writing the review, and so many people just don't know what they are doing. I can get a bit of an indication by how they use grammar, write sentences, and overall how they write about their experience. It seemed that the Dr. Meter linear power supply received slightly better reviews than others. I knew I wanted a linear power supply for the reduced noise they produce, however, I have not yet tested for noise at the time I write this review.From being a craftsman most of my life, I can usually tell quality when I see and use it. The packaging of this unit was very good, better than other pieces of equipment I've received over the years. Amazon double boxed it which is the prefered method of packaging I prefer so as to reduce possible damage during transportation. Upon opening the first thing I noticed was the fit and finish of the power supply. They were excellent. I was also initially impressed by the marketing card for their customer service. The company seems to care that their customers are satisfied. The manual is another thing, however. It was obviously written by a person whose English is a second language. For someone who is more of a beginner than I, this could be an issue. Luckily I have a friend who is an electronics engineer who can guide me through proper operation of the PS.While I have not pushed the unit to it's capacity (I see no need to do that), it has worked perfectly under the loads I've required thus far (20V 1A). Those loads are well below the maximum the unit states it was designed to carry. The constantly running fan, although audible, doesn't seem to be as annoying as other reviews have stated. The clicking of relays as voltage is increased or decreased is a bit odd, but that just might be because I lack experience with power supplies. Finally, the voltage and amperage settings remain stable during use which indicates to me to be from a good design. Even when the relays trip as voltage increases or decreases, the rate of change remains smooth.All in all, I'm glad I chose the Dr. Meter Linear DC Power Supply for my needs.

I'm a simple hobbyist and excited about this affordable equipment. I needed something that can run a synthesizer module for testing purposes, and some DIY tinkering, with some built-in protection, for not much money. I need +/- 15V and +/- 12V, for low current audio stuff. This is a *affordable linear power supply* with adjustable bipolar output. I really hope it lasts.I opened it up to check things that others reported on in the past and the inside looked perfect. Thermal grease, no nicked wires, nicely bundled, no dirty boards (really clean), components neatly arranged. Very tidy.I imagine the components aren't exactly high-end...the caps look generic. But minor gripe; they're replaceable and I don't care.The transformer is quite large and obviously heavy. It's about the same size as my old-as-dirt Temna supply.I thought I had read there is no negative output, but it does, and it looks like both rails are adjustable to precision. The volt and current readouts are a total of the negative and positive (peak to peak) output, so the readout on my image shows 24 volts, i.e., +12 and -12 on the positive and negative outputs. It's running a small test power distro board with two LEDs, one for negative and one for positive. Positive rail is a couple of millivolts under, but there are cermet trimmers on the inside that I 'assume' are for adjustments. I love the course and fine settings - makes it very easy to dial in voltage levels.So, it would be nice to have separate volt meters for the negative and positive rail and for current, but that would certainly increase cost...but by how much?If it lasts, it will be one of those things you sometimes come across that's just too good to be true but turns out to be a gem (like the VC8145), for hobbyists like myself, anyway. 5 stars for longevity.

The Dr. Meter Power Supply has been a remarkable addition to my electronics and DIY projects. This compact and versatile power supply unit offers an incredible range of features that make it a must-have for anyone working with electrical components.What immediately stands out is the precision and adjustability this power supply provides. With a wide range of voltage (up to 30V) and current (up to 5A) settings, it's easy to fine-tune and control the power output to match the needs of your projects. The linear and switching modes offer the flexibility to work with different types of circuits and components.The built-in digital display is a valuable feature, offering real-time feedback on voltage and current, ensuring accuracy and safety. The sturdy construction and multiple protection features make it a reliable choice for various applications.Whether you're a professional in need of a dependable bench power supply or a hobbyist looking for precise control in your DIY projects, this power supply won't disappoint. It's a versatile and affordable tool that's quickly become an essential part of my electronics workbench.