I wish I could give "half-stars" as I'd rate the unit 4-1/2 stars!
I purchased the unit because I was intrigued by the possibility of getting a "higher voltage" output, with decent current capability, from an ATX-style PC supply.
I was first impressed by the SHIPPING PACKAGING - very well done! the unit was well-protected and showed no "damage" (cosmetic or otherwise).
After removing the shipping packaging, I found the sealed static bag containing the convertor unit, its' UNMOUNTED heat sink, and 4 nylon "feet". I then discovered the folded Instruction Sheet and a DROK Business Card. It would've been helpful if the Product Description MENTIONED the heat sink WAS NOT ATTACHED. Thus, the "1/2 star demerit" above. :) The "snap on" nylon "feet" are GREAT - they keep the module off the surface of your "work area".
The INSTRUCTION SHEET is a little "cryptic" regarding applying voltage to the unit and What You Can Get Out Of It. If you are an EXPERIENCED Electronic Tech, you can Figure It Out. If you aren't, get some help because you could get confused.
I first applied +12V from the PC supply to the unit and watched its' display "Light Up". As others have remarked, it is VERY BRIGHT and It Would Be Nice if there was a way to dim it. Otherwise, it's very readable. I played with the VOLTAGE adjust pot and found it has an output range of 0.5 VDC to 36 VDC (no load!) - very impressive! I then checked out the CURRENT capability using just my DMM's 10A scale: I can get between 4-5A "short-circuit" current, though the displayed voltage is only 0.5V (typical).
I then applied +5V from the supply and repeated the above tests: they were IDENTICAL in results!
BE AWARE: the maximum output current from the module depends on the max current capability of the external supply feeding the module!
The Displayed OUTPUT Voltage will be 0.1-0.6V LOWER than what you will read using a DMM. Be aware of this when setting your voltage output! It Would Be A Good Idea to wire up one of the "Bayite" 3-wire DMM modules to the DC OUTPUT terminals (be aware the module WILL NOT display if the applied voltage is LESS than 3 VDC!).
The "ON/OFF" and "IN/OUT" buttons work as described in the Instruction Sheet. The "ON" and "CC" LEDs are very welcome. "ON" (green) visually confirms you have DC output. In fact, if your "load" current EXCEEDS the "max current" level you set with the "CC" pot, the "CC" led (red) will "flash" or "glow", telling you you need to adjust the "CC" pot accordingly.
Could the module be improved? I believe so:
1. It would be nice to install EXTERNAL pots for the on-board "CV" and "CC" pots, without having to desolder them.
2. Same for the "IN/OUT" and "ON/OFF" buttons.
These are "Little Nits", however, and DO NOT "detract" from the operation of the module.
Summary: this module is a VERY ECONOMICAL way to generate "higher" supply voltages from "lower voltage" supplies (i.e., wall-warts, "spare" PC supplies). Be aware the "best range" SUPPLY voltage range is 5-30VDC, exactly as the Instruction Sheet describes. Make sure the input DC voltage is WELL-FILTERED to ensure "clean" DC output and ensure the input supply DELIVERS ENOUGH CURRENT for your needs! if necessary, ADD A FAN to help cool the heat sink if it gets "too hot" during use. |