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Making Stuff

Basic split PSU with voltage regulation

Here's a small split-rail power supply suitable for messing about with ICs and small circuits.

This 3D sketch shows the general layout...

The mains cable, fuse and power switch are on the back panel. I may add an indicator lamp to the front panel, between the control knobs. Not sure whether to go for a mains lamp, or an LED driven from the secondary - the transformer (from Maplin) has a rated output of 15-0-15V at 250mA, so I'd like to use a low current LED to make sure there is sufficient current for whatever the PSU is powering.


The Enclosure

The enclosure is a simple two-part aluminium case from Maplin (type AB24), 110mm wide, 68mm high, 133mm deep. This shot shows it with a UK pound coin on top for scale...

Here, the front and rear panels have been marked out and pilot holes have been drilled...

Front panel

Rear panel

I don't have screen printing facilities, so the panel lettering is done using a laminated printout fixed to the case. Here's a shot showing a mockup of the front panel with the fittings held on with Blu-tac.


The Circuit

Here's a schematic of the circut...

The circuit was built onto stripboard - the components are light and the board is held in place by the two voltage adjustment pots. The front panel laminate was glued to the case using Araldite, and the top cover was painted with green Hammerite. Here's a shot of the finished item...