In 2019, it’s possible to kit out a lab with all the essentials at an even cheaper price than it has ever been. The DPS3005 is one such example of low-cost equipment – a variable power supply available for less than $50 with a good set of features. [Markel Robregado] wanted a little more functionality, however, and got down to work.
The crux of [Markel]’s project is improved connectivity. A Texas Instruments CC2640R2F Launchpad is employed to run the show, with its Bluetooth Low Energy capability coming in handy. A custom smartphone app communicates with the Launchpad, which then communicates with the power supply over its Serial Modbus interface. Through the app, [Markel] can set the voltage and current limit on the power supply, as well as switch it on and off. This could prove useful, particularly for remote triggering in the case of working with dangerous projects. Sometimes it pays to take cover, after all.
We’ve seen power supplies modified before; this pot mod for higher precision is a particular treat. If you’ve hacked your bench hardware for better performance, let us know. Video after the break.
You can buy the kit with a Bluetooth module…
Cool hack I have one of those power supplies and it has been working a treat for me for a good long while. I don’t want to poo poo this project but isn’t there already a ready made Bluetooth version of these power supplies for just a couple bucks more than the regular version ?
Yup – I got the option when I bought mine! :)
Yup. Not even a separate version, just an extra plugin module, available from the official RD store on Aliexpress with free shipping for less than the LaunchPad. No BTLE though, just the old fashioned kind. Also the app is only available for Android and Markel is using an iPhone, maybe thats why.
Probably because stuff on Aliexpress is too cheap for Apple users anyway. :-) Apple users (or believers) are apparently unhappy, when they can not pay enough (several times the normal price) for their equipment.
Nah, i have a $4500 m1 mac pro and still love to diy electronics every chane i get.
It looks to me that author of this hack went a longer way for something that can be done cheaper and simpler. If you’re already buying DPS3005 you can opt for a version with USB and/or Bluetooth module included for few bucks more. If not you can use HC-06 module to convert any UART to Bluetooth, that’s like $3. Both options look better than $30 Launchpad. There are phone and Windows applications for module control that work pretty fine and are free to use.