[jtwrace]

As the tittle asks.  I would prefer a digital setting so I can make certain that the voltage is exactly what I want.

[mgalusha]

How many outputs? Voltage and current requirements? Linear or switching?

These will make a huge difference in cost. Options are also available for constant current along with voltage but most folks may not need that capability.

One without a digital display will likely cost less but with the drawback that you need to use a multimeter for better accuracy.

There are a lot of used supplies on eBay at any given time. I have an old HP 6249A 0-40V, 0-1.5A. It's constant voltage and current. I use this all a lot and it's indispensable. I have a few others that I built as well. A plain jane +/- 15V for powering op-amp circuits, a couple of 5V voltage regulated for other low voltage stuff. Also a high voltage supply for prototyping tube circuits.

Not sure if this helps much but defining what you are doing to do will help a lot.

mike

[jtwrace]

How many outputs? Voltage and current requirements? Linear or switching?

These will make a huge difference in cost. Options are also available for constant current along with voltage but most folks may not need that capability.

One without a digital display will likely cost less but with the drawback that you need to use a multimeter for better accuracy.

There are a lot of used supplies on eBay at any given time. I have an old HP 6249A 0-40V, 0-1.5A. It's constant voltage and current. I use this all a lot and it's indispensable. I have a few others that I built as well. A plain jane +/- 15V for powering op-amp circuits, a couple of 5V voltage regulated for other low voltage stuff. Also a high voltage supply for prototyping tube circuits.

Not sure if this helps much but defining what you are doing to do will help a lot.

mike

Two outputs would be nice but not absolute.  0-18 3A constant linear would be nice.  Must be a digital as I use a DMM now and want to upgrade.

[mgalusha]

MCM has a Tenma that meets your specs for $339. http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/TENMA-72-7245-/72-7245

Lots of stuff on eBay. This Instek appears to be the same or similar to the Tenma. About the same price as well.

If you want something that isn't Chinese the cost is considerably higher. There are used HP/Agilent units out there but they get expensive in a hurry. I have a Tenma LCR meter and it's worked out pretty well and is about 6-7 years old now, so seems to hold up OK.

mike