Switching vs. linear power supply??

[CarWiz]

I just tried something today to temporarily boost my plating current. I use a 30v/20A PS (linear by the way) and needed 42-45A for one piece. A quick trip to Harbor Freight with my 20% coupon snagged this: ITEM 91129



It's a variable load battery tester. It uses a carbon pile to adjust the load (resistance). I set a 6v battery down and connected my battery charger to the battery. Set the charger on 40-100A/6v then connected the tester + to the battery + and the tester - to my anode bars. A link from the part went to the battery -. This put the tester in series with the battery. Dialed up to about 45A and watched the volts hover around 2.8-3.0. Checked the part after about 15 seconds and perfect! Reconnected and ran the plate. I can see where I may need this setup again but the $60 sure beats shelling out for a new PS just to do limited brass plating. Of course, I already had the battery and battery charger. (200A on 12v)

[CarWiz]

Originally Posted by BobFrapples

I use a switching power supply. Works fine. There is less ripple and ~V so its more controllable and tolerable to any changes in the solution.

Less ripple than what? The info I see for Mastech PSs shows the L & S supplies to have the exact same specifications.

[pyroracing85]

What do yall think about the astron power supplies?

Anodizing Aluminum

and he says he uses three astron vs-70 but only has a max output of 15 volts..


15 volts? I know you need more than that right?

I like the fact that he is able to stack them.

[bomscho]

Originally Posted by pyroracing85

What do yall think about the astron power supplies?

Anodizing Aluminum

and he says he uses three astron vs-70 but only has a max output of 15 volts..

15 volts? I know you need more than that right?

I like the fact that he is able to stack them.

i've had the vs-35m for the duration of my anodizing adventures, and it works very reliably on a 5-gallon setup with agitation. i was considering the 70, but now i'm probably going to pick up a bigger switching power supply than the 70 for my next upgrade. unfortunately i'm restricted by having only 115v outlets available.

i don't want to slate focuser, but his prices, erm, could be more competitive. Caswell is a better value for just about everything, and their support can't be beat. if you decide on an Astron i know of a place that has good prices on them.

[dmiom]

Originally Posted by bomscho

.....now i'm probably going to pick up a bigger switching power supply than the 70 for my next upgrade. unfortunately i'm restricted by having only 115v outlets available....

It's worth keeping your eyes open for those with a lab background as well as those marketed as rectifiers. We picked up a new, un-used surplus Glassman LP12 supply a while ago - ultra-controllable & stable, 1.2kw capacity, and if I remember about 85% efficient (although nowadays it spends most of its life in the lab and ano is done with a military surplus 100A supply which is less efficient but also warms the ano shop!).

Dave