FAQ
TL;DR: DP30V5A delivers up to 92 % efficiency [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17049202]; “He does what he has to do” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17049452] Cost ≈ $30, 0–32 V, 0–5 A. Why it matters: you can add laboratory-grade digital control to any 6–40 V source for little money.
Quick Facts
• Output range: 0–32 V, 0–5 A, 160 W max [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17049202]
• Input range: 6–40 V DC, self-consumption 17 mA [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17049202]
• Accuracy: ±0.5 % + 1 d (V), ±0.5 % + 2 d (A) [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17049202]
• Peak efficiency: 92 % at 30 V in, 10 V out, 2 A [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17049202]
• Street price: US $28–35 shipped [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #17049249]
What is the DP30V5A power module?
A compact buck converter panel supplying 0–32 V at up to 5 A (160 W). It shows set limits and live V-A-W readings and stores nine presets [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17049202]
How accurate are its voltage and current readouts?
Measured deviation was ±1 count in voltage and ±3 counts in current versus a 0.2 % meter, matching its ±0.5 % spec [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17049202]
What efficiency can I expect?
Graphs show 88–92 % between 5 V and 10 V outputs at 0.5–5 A with 30 V input [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17049202] Efficiency stays above 80 % down to 1 V, 1 A [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17049202]
Which power source works best?
Feed 6–40 V DC. Users report stable 5 A only when the source delivers ≥24 V 8 A or 400 W transformer + filter [Elektroda, Anonymous, #17049452; SylwekK, #17050147].
Do I need a large smoothing capacitor after a transformer?
No. A Graetz bridge alone suffices; the module’s input capacitors handle ripple [Elektroda, kkknc, post #17083534]
Three-step hookup from raw transformer?
- Connect secondary to a 10 A bridge rectifier. 2. Wire bridge DC output to DP30V5A IN terminals. 3. Add 1 A slow-blow fuse in series for safety. Done.
Can it charge batteries safely?
Yes. Constant-current/constant-voltage plus programmable OVP/OCP make it suitable for Li-ion, lead-acid, and Ni-MH packs [Elektroda, kkknc, #17049510; SylwekK, #17050147].
What edge cases or failures are reported?
A stiff encoder can hamper setting [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17049452] If the supply sags (e.g., 19 V 2 A), the module shuts off to protect itself [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17049452] Firmware OVP lets you dial higher voltages than limit, confusing newcomers [Elektroda, tzok, post #17059128]
How does DP30V5A compare to DPS5015 or RD6006?
DPS5015 raises current to 15 A but needs a fan and costs ~US $45; RD6006 adds USB/Wi-Fi and 60 V 6 A output for ~US $60 [Elektroda, LA72, #17049488; LA72, #18433556].
What is the real total cost for a bench PSU build?
One user spent PLN 20 on a custom case and PLN 50–100 on a toroid, bringing the full build near PLN 190 (~US $50) [Elektroda, SylwekK, post #17050207]
Is firmware upgradable or modifiable?
Community firmware exists for DPS-series; similar work may reach DP30V5A, but current mods are “very poor” compared with stock [Elektroda, tzok, post #17051858]
How do I save and recall presets quickly?
Hold SET, rotate to choose S0–S9, press SET to load; M0 is live, M1–M9 are stored slots [Elektroda, tzok, post #17061436]
