Update.. I ended up either making a good decision or a bad decision. I was watching a power supply (BK Precision 9123A, 0-30V, 0-5A) that looked really nice on ebay when I first asked my question, but didn't think I would end up buying it as it looked like quite an expensive one. I bought it. Unfortunately I went way over budget and paid $191.27 with $26.83 shipping, so $218.10 total (yikes!). I guess it's worth it if it's something I'll use for a long time, though. Here a a few pictures: http://www.roboticsguy.com/uploads/gallery/album_17/gallery_1_17_134741.jpg http://www.roboticsguy.com/uploads/gallery/album_17/gallery_1_17_78118.jpg http://www.roboticsguy.com/uploads/gallery/album_17/gallery_1_17_25254.jpg It seems to work alright, but I don't have the right cables for it so I haven't connected a load yet. What do you think? -Nate On Mon, Feb 13, 2012 at 3:46 PM, KPL wrote: > I just recalled I have seen a pic-controlled psu here: > http://mondo-technology.com/Bench.html > > (yes, the same guy who made legendary superprobe) > > On Mon, Feb 13, 2012 at 18:23, Chris Roper wrote: >> If you are interested in controlling a linear regulator with a PIC I >> suggest you watch this: >> >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=3Dplayer_embedded&v=3DYaRDbw38x7Q >> >> it is part 4 =A0of an excellent series of video tutorials, I >> highly recommend them all, but that is the one most relevant to this thr= ead. >> >> Here is the main link if anyone is keen to watch the rest: >> >> http://www.eevblog.com/episodes/ >> >> Cheers >> Chris >> >> >> On 13 February 2012 16:35, 'Shawn wrote: >> >>> > If you are willing to do a bit of hacking and are willing to settle f= or >>> some >>> fixed outputs, then you can get a ATX >>> > power supply from a computer and hack in some banana jacks for the 3.= 3, >>> 5, and >>> 12V outputs. You can probably >>> > get one for free=85 >>> > >>> > -Pete >>> > >>> >>> There is a blurb on a website about doing >>> this, >>> http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-a-Computer-ATX-Power-Supply-to-a-Lab-Pow= er-Supply >>> . >>> Also, since you are on the PIClist, using a PIC and a LCD display (ebay= , >>> 3$ with >>> shipping) you could have a nice display too :-). Several have built the= m >>> as PIC >>> projects (documented on Youtube as PIC projects but not sure how they d= id >>> them >>> except one fella used a DAC, which I have never used.)I wondered if you >>> used a >>> Pic to control the adjust current on a LM317 (as mentioned earlier, 1 A= mp) >>> =A0or >>> LM350 (3 Amp), could you build a nice inexpensive PS? I guess it is kin= d of >>> turning into a project. >>> >>> I am new to PIC's but figure they are so versatile, they could add a lo= t of >>> capabilities and control to a PS. >>> >>> Shawn >>> >>> >>> >>> > On Feb 11, 2012, at 1:15 PM, Nathan House wrote: >>> > >>> > > I'm burning through batteries like nobody's business and think it's >>> > > high time I purchased a power supply. I know I can make my own boar= d >>> > > with voltage regulators for common voltages like 3.3, 5, 12, etc, b= ut >>> > > I think I'd rather have something that's adjustable and can source = a >>> > > lot of current in case I ever need it. I've been looking at power >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive >>> View/change your membership options at >>> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist >>> >> -- >> http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive >> View/change your membership options at >> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist > > > > -- > KPL > > -- > http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive > View/change your membership options at > http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist --=20 Student Hobbyist www.roboticsguy.com --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .