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Post by ecbill on Dec 17, 2016 7:00:11 GMT -7
While looking at power supplies for my track some questions arise. Many those I've found are "switching" power supplies. Some guys say they don't like switching supplies. What is it about them that make them less desirable?
Most that I've found so far were on eBay and a few on amazon but prices are higher. A 0-30v, 20a power supply would be ideal if the price is right. Do you guys know of any specific name brands or vendors for a good DC power supply? Either new or used would be acceptable.
thanks,
Bill
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Post by jjwallace on Dec 17, 2016 7:15:28 GMT -7
While looking at power supplies for my track some questions arise. Many those I've found are "switching" power supplies. Some guys say they don't like switching supplies. What is it about them that make them less desirable? Most that I've found so far were on eBay and a few on amazon but prices are higher. A 0-30v, 20a power supply would be ideal if the price is right. Do you guys know of any specific name brands or vendors for a good DC power supply? Either new or used would be acceptable. thanks, Bill Bill I have seen that too. I found this after a little research www.mastechpowersupplies.com/linear-power-supply-vs-switching-power-supply.html I personally would not go with anything less than the 30v 20a unit. I have run my track with a Mastech HY3010E 30v 10a with no problems, but sometimes I wish I had a little more amps. Depending on what you are building either 10a or 20a would work. |
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Post by ecbill on Dec 17, 2016 13:15:05 GMT -7
Thanks for the good info! They even have a couple of supplies that are for slot cars. 20 amps would be my preference but 10 would be the minimum worth considering. Unfortunately the prices really take a a big jump up once they get above 10A. There are some vendors selling similar looking 10A supplies for around $50.
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Post by Gymi on Dec 20, 2016 10:10:53 GMT -7
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Post by dave632 on Dec 20, 2016 14:34:40 GMT -7
Bill the switching power supplies are smaller and lighter than the linear power supplies for the same output. There is more ripple in the switching supplies which means you have more pulsating DC. A battery is pure DC with no ripple. Linear supplies have less ripple. The switching supplies have a lot more electronics which helps to eliminate the large step down transformer in the Linears.
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Post by ecbill on Dec 21, 2016 17:58:18 GMT -7
Good info Greg and Dave, thanks.
Checked the web site for the HY-3020E. They're $199 now. Wonder if they'll give the Thanksgiving price if I ask?
Dave, your explanation of the switching amps makes sense. Are there any negatives to using a switching amps for slot cars. Price wise, the switching amps are a whole lot cheaper than linear amps.
I put in an offer on a used 3020, but the auction ended before we could get it worked out. There was a guy selling a Volteq that is not working for parts or repair. Not sure I could fix it. An old fashioned amp with a transformer, filter caps and coils, I could handle. In fact I could build one if a I could find an adequate transformer.
Been tempted by an older Heathkit 20 volt/20 amp with analog meters on the face. Not exactly the voltage range I want but simple is appealing.
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Post by dave632 on Dec 21, 2016 18:44:04 GMT -7
I would imagine if you put a switching supply next to a Linear at the same voltage the Linear would allow the cars to be quicker and faster. A battery with enough amperage and the same voltage would be even quicker. A large electrolytic could be added to the output which would help some.
Personally to avoid the aggravation and trying to find all the parts I would buy one ready made.
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