Recommend a power supply to use for testing components?
 

I'd like to acquire a power supply that I can use for testing components such as cruise control amp., ACC pushbutton unit, etc.

Anyone know of a power supply that they'd recommend? I'd use this on the two M-Bs in my garage, I'm not a professional technician.

Thanks-

If you just need +12V, you could buy a PC power supply.

I've got one I bought from allelectronics.com. It says Samsung on it, probably originally for a PC, and I just stripped the end off it so I have two bare wires. I'm sure it was less than 20 bucks.

I have a unit similar to this:

http://www.pacetronics.com/prodpage.cfm?Cat_Selected=37&Subcat_Selected=116&Group_Selected=278&product_Selected=722

You can find them at truck stops if you don't want to order. I use it all the time for different stuff.

A cheap regulated supply by pyramid would work. They make much nicer ones but a pyramid would work just fine. 10 amp would likely cover everything you need to test. I have a 30 amp regulated supply myself. You only really need the expensive ones for radio gear that transmits, perhaps big audio amps. Which is what mine was used for in my youth.

You can use a computer supply but you said your not a technician, so I dunno how much fabricating you can do. I decent battery charger will run most stuff from the car just fine. Or you could use an actual 12 volt battery and charge it between uses.

None of them look as nice as a dedicated regulated power supply.

you beat me to it.

PS..
If you feel like a project, you could make one. Pretty simple.

Charlie (charmalu) was telling me that he finds it handy to bring a 12V NiCd battery pack (from a portable drill, I think it was) to the junk yard for on the spot testing. You just need a couple of wires with spade connectors on one end, and alligator clips on the other end.

Kurt

I would recommend a fuse as well.

If you don't have them get a couple of test lights. One for continuity and one to check for 12v, plus a multimeter. And a Mityvac...

Wow, thanks for all of the great info.

The Pyramid PS-15K looks fine:
http://www.pacetronics.com/prodpage.cfm?Cat_Selected=37&Subcat_Selected=116&Group_Selected=278&product_Selected=722

...though I would say that the PS-26KX is awfully nice with the volt and amp meters included. Yes, that's a bit extravagant. I could certainly use my VOM, however, it is certainly convenient:
http://www.pacetronics.com/prodpage.cfm?Cat_Selected=37&Subcat_Selected=116&Group_Selected=278&product_Selected=724

Thanks!

Try CL if you don't mind something used. Those things can get pretty heavy(shipping $$).