I am at a point where I'd like to get a bench power supply for working with items that draw more than 1A (currently mostly using USB Banks for power). This is mostly because (and why I posted here) the LED strips I'd like to use will be up to 200 LEDs (600 total for RGB, @20mA = 12A). I'll still be using mostly 5V but might do some 12V in the future with mag locks but the draw on them is much lower (inrush 3-4A).
I'm thinking a bench power supply might be a good choice at this time but there are so many to choose from. For a hobby I'd like to keep it my budget to less than $150US and ideally less than $100.
Some of the ones that are catching my eye are: Riden RD6018 - do I really need 18A, wondering if I could use the 6A version while testing since FastLED can limit Amps?
and ToolkitRC P200 - is 10A too low? Again will I really need 12A (or 15A if I add 20%) or can I use FastLED to limit Amps?
Another option is I have a lot of 5AH 20V Dewalt batteries if there was a way to use an adapter like this: Dewalt Battery Adapter
and easily drop voltage from 18V/20V to 5V?
I'd appreciate some opinions for a beginner like myself.
Search for "5V 12A" on Amazon. There are lots of wall adaptors for $15-$25. Probably cheaper on Aliexpress if you do not mind waiting for shipment from China.
The following is worth a read. Particularly the part about bench power supplies generating large voltage spikes when turned on.
Not a good idea for the inexperienced and experienced user as an experimenters lab power supply.
No current limit, some of those supplies can output much more than the odd 10A.
No voltage control.
Not designed for bench top, designed for inside chassis position.
If the OP knows little about current and power, after using an ATX he/she may well do, unfortunately after destroying hardware that is getting harder and harder to acquire.
Thank for pointing that out ... the 1/3 rule will apply to most of my projects and lessens the need for a bench power supply. Wall adapters are definitely more reasonable.
My budget is $100-150. I can't find a three voltage Bench Power Supply in that range for what LarryD identified would be good. The AE link from Paul_B is for a $2 board to use with an ATX power supply I can get for less than $40, that will give me from what I see: 12V, 5V and 3.3V. Seems like a good deal unless I am missing something?
