SPD3303X-E vs DP832

[tautech]

Sorry but that is a apple versus oranges comparison. On every PSU I own which has a keypad I use the keypad because it is quicker and more precise.

I'd bet some don't have detented encoders.

Doesn't matter at all. For kicks I just tried using the knob on my E36313A to set it to 10V. I stopped at 4V because I already rotated the knob more than I'd need to get a 10 turn pot to the end.

Oh, so you can't select which digit you want to adjust ? 

That is even a worse solution. Now you need to push even more buttons  And it is potentially dangerous too.

Nope, not when the digit selected is highlighted or you're making major adjustments with the output ON.   

[nctnico]

Ofcourse you make adjustments with the output on. Think about stepping through several voltages/currents and measure efficiency (for example).

[JxR]

Oh, so you can't select which digit you want to adjust ? 

Yep, that's something you need a numeric keypad fix for.

Honestly I would say this is the reverse way of thinking about it.  The Siglent needs this because it doesn't have a keypad.

[tautech]

Oh, so you can't select which digit you want to adjust ? 

Yep, that's something you need a numeric keypad fix for.

Honestly I would say this is the reverse way of thinking about it.

Alternate.
Unless you've used one for a bit and become accustomed to the UI how could you know ?

TBH when they first came out I had similar thoughts but now having used the single channel SPD1305X on my bench for a while I find it quick to set. I was gunna put a SPD1168X on the bench but when I needed another bench PSU I didn't have one of them in stock. 
Still, I might offer the 30V 5A one to someone cheap as used and still put the 16V 8A model out there.
Either has 1mV/mA resolution so there's no need to hack a SPD3303X-E to X model and I don't need a 3 output 8kg PSU for the few projects I do.

[JxR]

Oh, so you can't select which digit you want to adjust ? 

Yep, that's something you need a numeric keypad fix for.

Honestly I would say this is the reverse way of thinking about it.

Alternate.
Unless you've used one for a bit and become accustomed to the UI how could you know ?

Because I have multiple power supplies, most with both keypads and knobs. Including ones that allow you select/change a single digit with a knob (4 of my power supplies do this).  You really think this functionality is hard to imagine even if you didn't own such a supply?

I should point out supplies without keypads that don't have this function to select a single digit to change via the knob are beyond annoying to use.  I could care less about having this functionality if I had a keypad...although I'm certainly not upset about having both.

[maginnovision]

Well luckily for the Rigol owners you can choose and use either method, haha. For hobbyists they usually go the siglent because it's cheaper and smaller though. The more limited 3rd channel, non-standard output spacing, lack of keypad etc... Just doesn't matter. You could have significantly reduced performance and it still wouldn't matter. Cost and size are some pretty basic requirements.

[JxR]

Well luckily for the Rigol owners you can choose and use either method, haha. For hobbyists they usually go the siglent because it's cheaper and smaller though. The more limited 3rd channel, non-standard output spacing, lack of keypad etc... Just doesn't matter. You could have significantly reduced performance and it still wouldn't matter. Cost and size are some pretty basic requirements.

I agree that the Siglent price point it is hard to beat for a new linear power supply.  I keep mentioning buying used, but that always comes with risks.  Risks that someone just getting started is not likely to want to deal with.  Getting good deals on used equipment can also be highly dependent on your location in the world. 

At the Rigols price though...I would start considering other options.

[hansibull]

I had to take this exact choice a few years ago, and the two main candidates were the Siglent SPD3303X-E and the Rigol DP832.

I have limited bench space, and the Rigol is deep and heavy! The Siglent is significantly less deep and is more practical in terms of physical size and weight. The Siglent also has a bigger screen. But in the end, I ended up buying the Rigol, and here's why:

* The Rigol is a bit more expensive but is "hackable" to get 1mV/1mA resolution. You can also turn it into a DP832A quite easily.
* Independent control of the third channel
* Standard spacing between the banana connectors
* At the time the Siglent did not display the set voltage and set current on the screen. This seems to be fixed now though.
* The Rigol has a keypad!!
* The Rigol has dedicated V, mV, A and mA keys!!

The last one can't be said enough. When you have 1mV/1mA resolution it's just slow and painful to use the wheel and arrow keys to set the voltage and current. How do I know? It's absolutely possible to use the arrow keys on the Rigol too. But why would I do this when I have a keypad and dedicated unit keys? A keypad is multiple times faster, especially if you're switching to an odd setting where you need to twist and tweak a lot to get there. And with a keypad you don't need to turn off your output, it will simply jump to the new set voltage.

Want to set your voltage to 16.67V at 0.1A? You can just start to type, no matter where you are on the screen or what the previous voltage/current was:
[1] [6] [.] [6] [7] [V]
[.] [1] [A]

On the Siglent this would be a few dozen twists and presses to get the same setting.

TBH I think Tautech's argumentation against having a keypad is just silly. I'm sure he would call it a nice and useful feature if it were present on the Siglent. Having a keypad on an instrument like this is a must. I think everyone agrees on this.

And BTW, I'm no Rigol fanboy. I just got myself an SDG2042X signal generator (with a keypad), and it's just a fantastic piece of gear But I wouldn't have bought it if it didn't have a keypad .

[Howardlong]

FWIW although I have a DP832 on the bench, I find I rarely use it, unless I need multiple rails.

I’m much more likely to use one of the two straightforward single channel bench supplies also available which have direct current limit and voltage setting entry from two knobs, and 10mV & single digit mA current readout resolutions. Less menu fiddling and quick boot time too.

YMMV of course, my use case is almost all low voltage mixed signal.

[maginnovision]

Well luckily for the Rigol owners you can choose and use either method, haha. For hobbyists they usually go the siglent because it's cheaper and smaller though. The more limited 3rd channel, non-standard output spacing, lack of keypad etc... Just doesn't matter. You could have significantly reduced performance and it still wouldn't matter. Cost and size are some pretty basic requirements.

I agree that the Siglent price point it is hard to beat for a new linear power supply.  I keep mentioning buying used, but that always comes with risks.  Risks that someone just getting started is not likely to want to deal with.  Getting good deals on used equipment can also be highly dependent on your location in the world. 

At the Rigols price though...I would start considering other options.

Hmm, like what? My requirements when I bought the Rigol were keypad(preferred not required), 30V output(25V would work), programmable, linear, minimum 3 channels and front outputs. With the discount it was 450 or so. I have one power supply with rear outputs and to get myself to use it I ended up attaching very long 8ga wires and 20ga sense lines so that I could run wires to the front and still have length for connections(40A output). It can also sink about 120W so that would be another positive, but it's single channel as well. It was almost as much as the Rigol but significantly heavier and larger and took 3-4 hours to fix it. Realistically not having 3rd channel monitor would still keep me from buying the Siglent and the next cheapest new option is the Rigol. Used though... I'm not as familiar with the market or its options.

[Plasmateur]

Or a poll sticked every one in awhile where people can vote on what the best value O_scope/Sig_Gen/DC_Supply -  which would complete what the undisputed

Such a poll is utterly useless because everyone's needs and budget are different. Forcing a 'best solution' on people is the worst thing to do. Just leave the options open and be clear about the pros and cons.

For sure. I agree everyone's budget is different. That's why there would be a tiered list....but thinking about what you're saying, getting into the higher dollar range - the poll becomes utterly useless.

At the lower dollar range however, I don't believe this is the case. Not from how many times I've seen people recommend a DS1054Z or a SDG2042X on these forums. And those cases, it would be "If you're gonna buy new...."

Anyways. If not the poll, at least the spreadsheet sticky kinda like how there is one for Oscopes and Multimeters.

[JxR]

Hmm, like what?

When you are approaching the $500 range there are options like this now:
https://www.tequipment.net/Instek/GPP-4323/DC-Power-Supplies-/-Lab-Power-Supplies

Which is a 2-quadrant supply.  When I first purchased a DP832 back in the day the Siglent 3303X and that particular Instek didn't exist.  I'm just saying that once you get closer to that price point there are other options to consider today.

I have one power supply with rear outputs and to get myself to use it I ended up attaching very long 8ga wires and 20ga sense lines so that I could run wires to the front and still have length for connections(40A output).

Having to deal with rear outputs is always a hassle.  If the output is in the front, then the sense lines are almost always in the back (if it has external sensing).  I like to make hammond enclosure boxes with banana jacks for the force/sense lines that bring all the outputs from the rear that then sit on my desk.  While the supply sits  up on the shelf.

[BillB]

... ended up buying the Rigol, and here's why:
* The Rigol is a bit more expensive but is "hackable" to get 1mV/1mA resolution. You can also turn it into a DP832A quite easily.

The SPD3303X-E is also hackable to 1mV resolution as well.

* Independent control of the third channel
* Standard spacing between the banana connectors
* The Rigol has a keypad!!
* The Rigol has dedicated V, mV, A and mA keys!!

The limited 3rd channel and non-standard spacing are probably the two biggest problems with the Siglent. Oh, and the lack of a sense input is a bummer, too.

And BTW, I'm no Rigol fanboy. I just got myself an SDG2042X signal generator (with a keypad), and it's just a fantastic piece of gear But I wouldn't have bought it if it didn't have a keypad .

Ironically, even with the SDG2042X having a touch screen, I do use its keypad and softkeys almost exclusively!

But for a DC supply on sale today for $330, the SPD3303X-E has a lot of features that for me make up for the lack of a keypad.

[nctnico]

But for a DC supply on sale today for $330, the SPD3303X-E has a lot of features that for me make up for the lack of a keypad.

That is one way of looking at it. OTOH you can also say you are spending $330 (which is a fair amount of money) and you are still compromising.

When I looked for a bench power supply I ended up with the following short list: GW Instek GPE-2323, Siglent SPD3303X-E, Rigol DP832 and Keysight E36313A (in order of increasing prices according to a local webshop). I my opinion both the Siglent SPD3303X-E and Rigol DP832 have too many compromises to justify the price. If there is a 3rd channel it should be a fully functional one (freely adjustable for both voltage and current limit) and every channel should be fully isolated for maximum flexibility. So in the end it was between the GPE-2323 (which is a bare bones PSU) and the E36313A (which has all the bells and whistles). If I had to make a selection again today then I'd take a long hard look at the GW Instek GPP-4323. It isn't very cheap but doesn't seem to have any compromises.

[BillB]

...If I had to make a selection again today then I'd take a long hard look at the GW Instek GPP-4323. It isn't very cheap but doesn't seem to have any compromises.

Maybe next time you should consider the Keysight N6705C? 

I'll see myself out.

[maginnovision]

Hmm, like what?

When you are approaching the $500 range there are options like this now:
https://www.tequipment.net/Instek/GPP-4323/DC-Power-Supplies/Lab-Power-Supplies/

Which is a 2-quadrant supply.  When I first purchased a DP832 back in the day the Siglent 3303X and that particular Instek didn't exist.  I'm just saying that once you get closer to that price point there are other options to consider today.

I have one power supply with rear outputs and to get myself to use it I ended up attaching very long 8ga wires and 20ga sense lines so that I could run wires to the front and still have length for connections(40A output).

Having to deal with rear outputs is always a hassle.  If the output is in the front, then the sense lines are almost always in the back (if it has external sensing).  I like to make hammond enclosure boxes with banana jacks for the force/sense lines that bring all the outputs from the rear that then sit on my desk.  While the supply sits  up on the shelf.
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]

I couldn't use the 3323 due to the limited 3rd output(if it had 1V it'd work), would have to go to the 4323. Looks alright even though the Rigol length is much better for stacking meters on it. I probably would've considered it if it were around. Especially if the lock actually locked channel on/off. It's the one thing I don't like about the Rigol. Luckily my other supply like the 40A has both output and sense at the front and it is what I use most of the time, but if I need more than 3 amps it's what I use.

[JxR]

Hmm, like what?

When you are approaching the $500 range there are options like this now:
https://www.tequipment.net/Instek/GPP-4323/DC-Power-Supplies/Lab-Power-Supplies/

Which is a 2-quadrant supply.  When I first purchased a DP832 back in the day the Siglent 3303X and that particular Instek didn't exist.  I'm just saying that once you get closer to that price point there are other options to consider today.

I have one power supply with rear outputs and to get myself to use it I ended up attaching very long 8ga wires and 20ga sense lines so that I could run wires to the front and still have length for connections(40A output).

Having to deal with rear outputs is always a hassle.  If the output is in the front, then the sense lines are almost always in the back (if it has external sensing).  I like to make hammond enclosure boxes with banana jacks for the force/sense lines that bring all the outputs from the rear that then sit on my desk.  While the supply sits  up on the shelf.
(Attachment Link)

I couldn't use the 3323 due to the limited 3rd output(if it had 1V it'd work), would have to go to the 4323. Looks alright even though the Rigol length is much better for stacking meters on it. I probably would've considered it if it were around. Especially if the lock actually locked channel on/off. It's the one thing I don't like about the Rigol. Luckily my other supply like the 40A has both output and sense at the front and it is what I use most of the time, but if I need more than 3 amps it's what I use.

Yeah, I actually meant to link the 4323.  I corrected it.

[nctnico]

...If I had to make a selection again today then I'd take a long hard look at the GW Instek GPP-4323. It isn't very cheap but doesn't seem to have any compromises.

Maybe next time you should consider the Keysight N6705C? 

No; you are being ridiculous again. The N6705C is much more expensive and lands you in SMU territory which is overkill for a bench PSU. The GW Instek GPP-4323 OTOH costs about 50% extra compared to the hacked Rigol and Siglent offerings. If you pay for the unhacked Rigol and Siglent counterparts the price is pretty much on par.

[Gandalf_Sr]

nctnico, Well spotted, BillB WAS being ridiculous

[jmiguelhdez]

Thank you everyone for the responses.
Yeah, i didn't provide info on the budget. While i didn't had a fixed budget i was thinking less than 1000 for the PSU because i think i need more equipment too.
i got a SDS1104X as oscilloscope.

I graduated with a BS on EE but to be honest i have been working on Firmware development for almost 11 years to the point that i have forgotten most of the electrical side of things.
So i want to refresh my memory on several topics.

at this moment i don't think i would justify expensive equipment, even though i know there is value in it. i just need to get some momentum and actually study and develop home projects.
I figured by the point i feel the need for something more advanced i would have already get some years of use and would exactly know what i need next.
So i was looking for a starting Bang for the buck kind of thing.

for what i have read so far, it looks dp832 seems like it.
i will consider GPP-4323 too

[Mortymore]

If it helps, a review on the GW-Instek GPP-4323
http://www.electrobob.com/gpp-4323-power-supply-review/

[Gandalf_Sr]

Great thread guys, I am currently debating between the rigol DP832 and the Instek GPP-4323, leaning towards the Instek. I was worried about the legitimacy of https://www.tequipment.net/, but i've seen a few people mention it here on eevblog, I literally just joined. Is it a known legit site? Also I read someone mention a possible discount code? Would that be for eevblog members or something someone would have to be nice and help a new guy out by PMing it to me? Been learning a TON here, great forum, thanks!

I've bought loads of stuff from TEquipment.net and can recommend them.  There's a thread here that lists the discount code.

[MathWizard]

Great thread guys, I am currently debating between the rigol DP832 and the Instek GPP-4323, leaning towards the Instek. I was worried about the legitimacy of https://www.tequipment.net/, but i've seen a few people mention it here on eevblog, I literally just joined. Is it a known legit site? Also I read someone mention a possible discount code? Would that be for eevblog members or something someone would have to be nice and help a new guy out by PMing it to me? Been learning a TON here, great forum, thanks!

I have the 3303X (I upgraded it) and I love it for what I'm doing so far. But when I go to get another 1, for more channels, I'll check out that 4ch Instek.

I can't comment on my PSU at any amount of load, because I haven't had to work on or play with any thing that needs it.

It tracks great at low loads, I should at least hook it up to some power resistors and the scope someday.

Another button or 2 instead of the "Fine" would help a lot.

[Gandalf_Sr]

Also I read someone mention a possible discount code? Would that be for eevblog members or something someone would have to be nice and help a new guy out by PMing it to me?

I did the search for you, the latest code is here.