Power supply problems

[adax]

I'm very new to this and just getting set up. I'm using a copy-cad kit (1.5 gal) and a new Mastech HY3010E power supply to Zn plate and yellow chromate hardware for a car restoration. My results are generally good but I'm having problems with the power supply. If I'm plating a small part, it works as it should; I set the voltage to max and can turn up the current to any setting I want. If I'm plating larger parts (or more bolts), generally anything requiring more than 3 amps, I can only turn the current up to 2.4 amps and the voltage hovers around .5 volts.

Occasionally, If I leave everything connected and turn the power supply off, then back on with all dials at max, it will hold 10 amps but when I try to dial the current down, I get down to about 8 amps then it jumps to 2.4 (or so).

Do you think it is sensing a short-circuit when there is a lot of metal being plated and drops the voltage?

Should I try it with just one anode?

Thanks,
Alan

[CarWiz]

Make sure all your connections are tight. The cheesie little alligator clips were a source of many headaches for me. What's not hard wired has monster clamps now. I think they're called "Charging Clips" and come in various sizes. Get the size appropriate for your current. By the way, these are NOT the style commonly found on battery chargers either. The one's I'm talking about have a coil spring between the jaw segments.

For CC mode, you must have the amp dials at minimum and the voltage dials at maximum BEFORE you turn on the PS. Then adjust the current with your load attached. If you loose connection or spark a connection, turn off the PS and start again.

[CarWiz]

I found this photo online. This is the type of clip I'm talking about.

[adax]

Thanks for the help. I will be picking up some of those to help the current keep more steady.

I think I've found the problem; there was such low resistance with a lot of parts in the bath that the unit thought it had shorted out. By placing a resistor in series my problems have been solved.

Thanks again.

[bhhodges]

the mastech d series power supplys are the only ones recommended for plating, d= heavy duty