Desktop power cables

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#1

I am always finding some weird way to power things when I am programming them on my desk.

Does anyone have a good tool (or set of tools) for powering things like microcontrollers on their desk? I was looking for something like a USB cable with dupont connectors on the end, but ideally it would have some protection circuitry to keep the USB power supply safe.

I’m looking for anything I haven’t seen before. But generally, I am hoping for these features:

  • 500mA-2A max. I don’t need a 10A benchtop supply
  • Small enough
  • 5V, but 3.3V would be used too.
  • No circuitry exposed. I don’t want to worry about the kids shorting it when I am not in the room.
  • Dupont connectors, probably.
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#2

something like this can plug into a pc?

USB to Dupont adapter for power supply 5V Arduino Raspberry Pi by PROSCH - Thingiverse

There are many versions of it, otherwise there is a cheap buck converter from Amazon too.

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#3

the answer you are looking for is here:

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#4

After years of making do, I finally pulled the trigger on a cheap Aliexpress benchtop power supply (Skytoppower STP3010H). 30V and 10A; I’m sure there’s all sorts of reasons why it’s totally inferior to a brand-name model, but it was £30 and it works really well for quickly powering up an ESP32 or whatever. It didn’t come with any probes, but has stand screw-down/jack plug terminals; I spend a few minutes making up crocodile-clip and Dupont connectors for it. I am quite pleased with it, should have bought one ages ago.

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#5

I use one of these buck down converters .

zk
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from a (somewhat) regulated bench PSU or a 12V lead acid. I found the cheapo Chinese bench PSU’s are not stable enough for my liking.

I made an enclosure for it…

psu
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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EFzVe-1rBRdpvvBxSIn0p6FYnpjLlnMH/view?usp=sharing

It is current and voltage limited and will double up as a voltage injection tool for short circuit fault finding…

Put whatever leads and connectors on it you want…

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#6

MB102 breakboard are quite practical, you can print a small enclosure to keep circuit safe from children:

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#7

I stuck a cheap buck converter on the end of a spare laptop power supply. I shoved it in a 3d printed box. The buck converter is one of those that has the voltage showing on the top of it. Still uses a small screwdriver to adjust it, so I don’t have to worry about the kids (or me) bumping the voltage.

I also put a switch on the output to turn off the device.

https://www.amazon.com/LM2596-Converter-4-0-40V-1-25-37V-Voltmeter（2pcs）/dp/B085WC5G8N/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1D5SL4IR92D32&keywords=buck+converter+with+display&qid=1653051320&sprefix=buck+converter+with+display%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-3

For the shop, I built one of the cheap bench-top power supplies from banggood. They were having a sale on the power supply. I splurged and threw a 60v PS in it and even went so far as buying the metal case from them too.

I’m still saving for the function generator and oscilloscope.

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