Question on a Bio-Rad Power Supply

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JPeitzman

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Joined 2007
#1
I just picked up a Bio-Rad 3000/300 3000v 300mA adjustable power supply at a local surplus store. I was hoping to use is as a nice beefy bench supply for some tube amp fun. My question is no matter what setting I have it in (constant voltage, current, or power) I get no movement in the volt meter when I turn the adjustment knob. Do I need to stick a big huge load resistor (or a light bulb) on the output to get it to do anything? Also is there anywhere I can get a service manual for it, through Bio-Rad directly? It is as-is from the University of Iowa but it did work as of it's last inspection date a little less than a year ago. I figure I am just doing one little thing wrong, anyone have any experience with this unit or one like it?

Cheers

James
 
#3
I haven't had time to play yet, I will tonight after work. Yeah I know I have to be careful, when cranked all the way open it can deliver 3000v @ 300mA continuous. I am not sure so much if it is a nasty shock so much as a nasty trip to the hospital or worse. It has adjustable voltage, power, and current limiters so I can sort of "make it safe". Thanks for the warning/wishes, I will watch my fingers!

Cheers

James
 
#5
JPeitzman said:
I haven't had time to play yet, I will tonight after work. Yeah I know I have to be careful, when cranked all the way open it can deliver 3000v @ 300mA continuous. I am not sure so much if it is a nasty shock so much as a nasty trip to the hospital or worse. It has adjustable voltage, power, and current limiters so I can sort of "make it safe". Thanks for the warning/wishes, I will watch my fingers!

Cheers

James
Click to expand...

:hot: :hot: :hot:

This is probably an electro-phoresis power supply. No it's NOT a nasty shock or a trip to a hospital - it is a trip straight to the Morgue. This supply can and WILL kill you if you are not careful!!

The newer units frequently have leakage current monitoring and various interlocks. (I have an Isco 494) There is also a possibility that it has failed.

When you are working on this supply there should be someone close by, it would be even better if that person knew CPR..

:hot: :hot: :hot:
 
#6
Thanks guys I will be very careful. I have had my dad around to give some insight on it, he is an electrical engineer who worked with tubes up to the late seventies. I also have my mom who is a 25 year veteran of the nursing field. My girlfriend is also around and is a med student and versed in CPR as well.

I would really like to get this thing up and running because it would make a very useful bench supply. At the same time I figure since I only payed $10 USD for it I can rob the iron out of it and still be many dollars ahead. It has a massive 48H choke and one of the largest power transformers I have ever seen. The copper alone is worth $10!

I figure that if it is not something simple like attaching a load to it then I may tinker a little bit. In my eyes though with a beast like this, if it is not something simple then it may not be worth the risk. I really do appreciate all the concern, thanks.

Cheers

James
 
#7
So sorry to dig up a old thread but I am still having problems. I hooked a light bulb up to it for a load and cut loose with the tinkering. The voltage will not budge much above 17v on my Fluke even when it is turned all the way up with the limiter set at the full 3000v. All that happens is it will instantly bump against the 300mA max current limit and buzz like crazy while putting out 17vdc and barely glowing the filament on the light bulb. Any ideas or people I could contact?

Thanks

James
 
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