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Set - DC / DC converter 9A XL4016 and panel meter DSN-VC288, assembly, test

TechEkspert  166 83412 Cool? (+37)
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Soon in Elektroda.pl gadgets A kit will appear that allows you to build a simple regulated power supply with voltage and output current readout. Inverter module descriptions DC / DC buck 9A 300W 1.2V-35V and a panel current and voltage meter DSN-VC288 can be found at elektroda.pl. After completing the set with a direct current source (e.g. unnecessary laptop power supply, transformer with rectifier and capacitor), you will get a simple regulated power supply. For the convenience of adjustment, the assembly potentiometer can be replaced with a multiturn potentiometer equipped with a knob.

The DC / DC converter, apart from voltage regulation (CV operation), also allows for current limit regulation or CC operation. The impulse converter is based on the XL4016 chip and enables voltage regulation in the range of 1.2V-35V, maximum output current 9A. Input voltage in the range of 8-40V. Details can be found in the description: https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3434421.html



The panel meter has a moderate accuracy of indications, we can try to improve it using mounting potentiometers placed on the module's board.


The LED panel meter can be powered from a separate voltage source (or e.g. from an isolated AIMTEC DC / DC converter). Supply voltage is applied to wires 4 (GND) and 5 (+). When powered by 12V, the system consumes a current of about 20mA. Apply the voltage measured in relation to the wire 2 (GND) on the wire 3. Depending on the source, module suppliers provide the permissible supply voltage in the range of 4.5-24V. The system can be powered from the measured voltage or from the voltage at the converter input, then the wire 4 is left unconnected (the mass of the system is on the wire 2).


It is important that the voltage supplying the meter does not exceed 24V (other sources indicate 28V or 30V). The converter can work with voltages as high as 35-40V. In such a situation, a stabilizer should be placed in the power supply circuit of the meter (wire 5), e.g. + 12V, the wire 4 is not connected.

The current is measured in the circuit of the measuring resistor on leads 1 and 2. Below is a diagram of the module connection (for supply voltages up to 24V) and a view of the practically connected modules. A 4.7om resistor simulating the receiver is connected to the output.


It is worth paying attention to the set's output cable, which acts as the output GND. This is the red lead of 1 meter. Be careful not to confuse the polarity as the red wire is usually + power. A comprehensive description of the panel meter can be found here: https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3444499.html

It is worth completing the whole with a housing and replacing both mounting potentiometers of the converter for voltage regulation and current limitation, with multi-turn potentiometers with knobs mounted on the front panel of the housing. It is worth to lead the output voltage to the terminals mounted in the housing. The source of voltage can be a traditional transformer, rectifier and a ripple smoothing capacitor, but you can also use a recycled switching power supply, e.g. from a laptop, printer, etc. The built power supply will have its limitations, but it can be useful in many workshops for "rough" measurements and powering less demanding circuits.

Let me know what results can be obtained with the use of the presented set.

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Comments

Songo85 24 Apr 2018 06:50

Some time ago I built a similar circuit to a rectifier (I had a rectifier that gave about 18-20V). It was ok for a quick recharge, but I couldn't leave it all unattended. After installing the converter... [Read more]

maciek_90 24 Apr 2018 07:29

If you connect the outputs in reverse, they will probably blow out the capacitors on the inverter output first. Unfortunately, most of these cheap Chinese inverters do not have reverse connection prot... [Read more]

mariomario 24 Apr 2018 08:17

I have the same converter (powered by 2x12V power supplies connected in series, giving max. 24V and about 4A). I, in order to protect against reverse connection of batteries / accumulators to this inverter... [Read more]

Songo85 24 Apr 2018 09:12

In that case, would it be a good idea to add an ordinary rectifier diode in series and connect the voltage measurement after this diode. Let's say a diode at 10-20A. Are there perhaps better options... [Read more]

mariomario 24 Apr 2018 09:19

Medium idea - this diode will emit a lot of heat when we draw high currents from such a "power supply". Besides - the voltage drop on such a diode will be the greater, the greater the current will flow... [Read more]

krzysiek_krm 24 Apr 2018 11:16

The solution has been known to mankind for some time, it is just like that perfect diode . [Read more]

jaca271 24 Apr 2018 16:51

And it is not easier to put relays between the converters and the output. Included with the power supply or separately. [Read more]

CMS 24 Apr 2018 16:56

At the author's request, I am starting a discussion on replacing impractical multiturn peers with "ordinary" potentiometers. Two each for current and voltage regulation. The purpose of this modification... [Read more]

Anonymous 25 Apr 2018 10:43

Coarse and fine adjustments are only needed for voltage adjustments. Additionally, the problem of linearity of this regulation (output voltage as a function of the angle of rotation of the potentiometer... [Read more]

CMS 25 Apr 2018 12:29

No sense,. As a colleague imagines it in the CC mode. Such a scale would be appropriate only for a load with a specific current. See how it is made in factory power supplies. [Read more]

Anonymous 27 Apr 2018 17:05

Wait a minute! Why add setting tables, nonlinear scales, PRs and wonders on the stick, since the set voltage can be quickly read from the meter? [Read more]

CMS 27 Apr 2018 17:47

Well, I said that it makes no sense :) . Whereas: This is a different story. As the settings are often changed to a large extent, the multiturn potentiometer is very inconvenient to use. [Read more]

Anonymous 27 Apr 2018 19:37

Besides, expensive. I'm just in favor of PRs, I was a little carried away. With my statement, I just wanted to cut off the unnecessary polemics and punching points :) How can you make a setting table... [Read more]

Anonymous 27 Apr 2018 22:01

It is true that in the set with a digital voltmeter the scale is not needed, I agree with that. However, the connection scheme itself requires improvement. The first thing to check is whether leaving... [Read more]

sylweksylwina 10 May 2018 13:23

This set is great. I just have some 24V power supplies and I will use it and make a power supply for very lazy people :D [Read more]

piterek-23 11 May 2018 13:47

Have you done any inverter modification? How do the potentiometers work? ;) [Read more]

CMS 11 May 2018 18:04

Not this one, but I have already used this solution and it works as it should. You can even see them in several of my articles. [Read more]

huluk 14 May 2018 09:28

In such cases, if I often use several voltages interchangeably, I prepare appropriate dividers and select with switches, whether I need one of the previously "programmed" or full manual control. It also... [Read more]

piterek-23 18 May 2018 20:21

This is what happened to me ... is it a good idea to make a workshop power supply on this converter, and use a switching power supply as a power supply? I need a power supply mainly to play with microcontrollers... [Read more]

FAQ

TL;DR: XL4016 buck board delivers 1.2-35 V at up to 9 A (≈300 W) [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17184389]; reverse hookup “will probably blow out the capacitors” [Elektroda, maciek_90, post #17185062] “Such a simple protection will take over all the current” [Elektroda, mariomario, post #17185106] Why it matters: two solder-level fixes turn a €4 module into a safe bench PSU.

Quick Facts

• Input range: 8-40 V DC; output: 1.2-35 V, 0-9 A, ≈300 W [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17184389] • Efficiency: Typical 95 % at 24 V→12 V/5 A (XLSEMI datasheet) • Panel meter DSN-VC288 max supply 24 V (20 mA draw) [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17184389] • Safe meter power above 24 V: add 12 V regulator or isolated DC/DC [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17184389] • Board cost: US $3-5 on AliExpress (2025 listing)

What are the core limits of the XL4016 buck converter?

The board accepts 8-40 V input and produces 1.2-35 V at up to 9 A continuous (≈300 W) when cooled properly [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17184389] Efficiency peaks around 95 % at a 2:1 step-down ratio (XLSEMI datasheet).

How do I power the DSN-VC288 meter without destroying it?

Keep the supply to pin 5 below 24 V (some vendors quote 30 V, play safe). When the converter input exceeds 24 V, feed the meter through a 12 V linear regulator or an isolated DC-DC module; leave pin 4 floating if a separate supply is used [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17184389]

What is the simplest reverse-polarity protection that won’t waste volts?

Parallel-wired Schottky diodes (e.g., 3× SBL2040CT) on the output act as a low-loss ‘crowbar’. They conduct if the battery is reversed and spare the board up to ≈120 A surge [Elektroda, mariomario, post #17185106] For minimal drop, replace them with a ‘perfect-diode’ MOSFET OR-ing circuit [Elektroda, krzysiek_krm, post #17185394]

Can the module safely charge a 55 Ah lead-acid battery?

Yes. Set CV to 14.4 V (temperature-correct as needed) and CC to ≈5.5 A (0.1 C). The CC/CV behaviour matches common charger profiles [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17556846] Add a 15 A fuse and a reverse-blocking diode or MOSFET for extra safety.

Why does my current-limit knob do nothing?

A broken 3296-style trimmer or an open shunt disables the limiter, leaving the converter at full current [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #17591899] Check that the potentiometer changes resistance smoothly and that the 0.01 Ω shunt hasn’t lifted; replace faulty parts to restore CC mode.

How do I add coarse and fine voltage/current control?

Wire a 10 kΩ ‘coarse’ pot in series with a 1 kΩ ‘fine’ pot (pins 1-2-3 on both). Turn fine fully CCW, set rough value with coarse, then tweak with fine for ±0.05 V accuracy [Elektroda, CMS, post #17185972]

Is a laptop adaptor a good 24 V source for this board?

Yes. Users report stable operation at 24 V/4-6 A with only a 1 000 µF electrolytic added at the converter input to tame start-up surges [Elektroda, Dżyszla, post #17469260] Efficiency stays above 90 % and noise is negligible on MCU loads.

Can I run two XL4016 boards from one supply and tie their grounds?

Only join the grounds after each board’s output shunt. Tying input grounds defeats the individual CC loops; tying output grounds keeps both limiters functional [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19712119]

What happens if the panel-meter shunt and converter shunt stay in circuit?

You read current twice and drop extra millivolts. Desolder the converter’s 0.01 Ω shunt and wire the board to the meter’s 0.005 Ω shunt for a single, accurate reading [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17191846]

Car install: why did my board die when I started the engine?

Starter transients can spike above 60 V. Add a 100 µH choke and ≥220 µF low-ESR capacitor on Vin, plus TVS diode (40 V standoff) to clamp surges [Elektroda, adamas_nt, #17476225; lukiiiii, #17567447].

Are counterfeit XL4016 ICs common?

Yes. Users opened failed boards and found die sizes too small for 300 W; devices died at 8 A [Elektroda, dukealex, post #21263564] Buy from known suppliers or test at half-rated load first.

3-step: How do I calibrate the DSN-VC288?

  1. Feed exactly 10.00 V from a reference source to pin 3.
  2. Adjust volt-trimmer until display reads 10.00 V.
  3. Pass 5.000 A through the shunt; tweak current-trimmer until the display matches. [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17184389]
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