I built the almost exact same kit. I scrapped all the logic probe stuff. I haven't needed a logic probe for decades. When I found out it crow-bared at 150 mA, and the LM317 with a heat sink can sink 1.5 amps, I scrapped the plug and transformer, and in stalled a DC adapter socket. I use an old Laptop power supply that can produce 2 A @ 16 volts DC. It works so well, I actually use it instead of my big bench supply. It weighs nothing, it's easy to move around, and it's good for most stuff I need, and it can sink a fair bit of current for short periods of time before it gets too hot. I like that you added a power switch, and those banana lug terminals. I might just change mine now. Thanks.
Interesting mods you did. I had though of putting a beefier transformer into it but could not find anything appropriate. I bet it gets pretty toasty if you draw 1.5 amps @ around 2V though.
That might also be the case, but the transformer is only rated at 2VA (probably less in reality) so even if the cap was more than up to the task it would still begin to loose ground around 150mA.
Well, if they can make them for £2.00 then they make a 65% profit. Sell 10,000 of them and you have £13,100. Sell 100 other different kits and next thing you know your driving a nice Mercedes. But yeah, insanely cheap, eh?
I built the almost exact same kit. I scrapped all the logic probe stuff. I haven't needed a logic probe for decades. When I found out it crow-bared at 150 mA, and the LM317 with a heat sink can sink 1.5 amps, I scrapped the plug and transformer, and in stalled a DC adapter socket. I use an old Laptop power supply that can produce 2 A @ 16 volts DC. It works so well, I actually use it instead of my big bench supply. It weighs nothing, it's easy to move around, and it's good for most stuff I need, and it can sink a fair bit of current for short periods of time before it gets too hot. I like that you added a power switch, and those banana lug terminals. I might just change mine now. Thanks.
Interesting mods you did. I had though of putting a beefier transformer into it but could not find anything appropriate. I bet it gets pretty toasty if you draw 1.5 amps @ around 2V though.
Since, as previously mentioned in the comments, the inverter chip takes a lot of power, I added a switch on mine to remove power to it.
Sounds like a good mod.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Perhaps the mains filter cap can't hold up the rectification above 150mA?
That might also be the case, but the transformer is only rated at 2VA (probably less in reality) so even if the cap was more than up to the task it would still begin to loose ground around 150mA.
£3.31? This business can't be profitable.
Well, if they can make them for £2.00 then they make a 65% profit. Sell 10,000 of them and you have £13,100. Sell 100 other different kits and next thing you know your driving a nice Mercedes. But yeah, insanely cheap, eh?