#233: Back to Basics: How to use the 3 terminals of a lab power supply | split supply

A short "back to basics" video on why there are three terminals on a lab power supply (+ - and GND), and the various ways they can be connected. I often get asked about how to setup a split supply for an op amp circuit - so that was the reason for putting this short video together.

[excitedbox]

Love the simple explanation. So many times people assume a certain level of knowledge which ends up confusing the beginners like me and causes us to waste hours searching for clarifications that would only have needed 1-2 more words in the original guide to explain.

[onpatrolforthejuice]

Im a tech at work currently trying to figure out how to use 2 bench DC supplies to make a +/- 15V source to troubleshoot a pcb. This told me exactly how to do it perfectly 😊

[KarldorisLambley]

fantastic video. i have spent an hour or so trying to work out how to furnish an op amp with -V. this video told me everything i needed. thanks.

[baruchben-david]

Thank you. You've taken the mystery out of these power supplies...

[PCLoadLetter]

This video is AWESOME. I have a photodetector that has a plus, minus, and ground attachment and its datasheet calls for +- 15V supply and 75 mA. This is exactly what I needed. Liked/subscribed.

[eolhcytoos]

Just bought an adjustable power supply with the 3 terminals. Totally lost on how to use them, now totally confident on how to use them. Clear and concise info. Thanks!

[jrdubois]

Another great video! Between you and Mr Carlson's Lab I feel like I am back at college, only this time I am actually learning something and enjoying it. Also I can afford better beer now.

[davidholman]

Thank you very much Alan. I've just bought an old twin dual rail power supply by Farnell off Ebay. After watching this film I connected the jumpers up for +6 and -6 v with respect to ground. My current project - a two tone oscillator with burst mode from the RSGB Test Equipment book came to life. I'd tried making a negative voltage ladder but its output went positive under load. So a cash solution was successful. 73 David M0YDH

[justinle]

Excellent video... Keep up the great work! Ur videos are some of the best on youtube.

[Tobinindustrial]

I recently acquired some test gear and among the gear was a HP 6024A variable power supply.. I recently did a video on the gear and in that video I questioned why there was a negative and ground on the power supply. Your video explains it quiet well. Your video was most helpful to me. Thanks for sharing

[elsf]

I just bought a lab power supply for the first time (i've been needing one FOREVER). I was checking the voltages between Ground and + or -, and was certain it was broken. I would run it for 30v and see barely any movement. Then I watched this video, smacked myself in the face, and felt stupider than I've felt in a really long time :) Thanks for making this. It was extremely helpful.

[mikelogix]

As always, great video, I am so glad I subscribed to your channel and always look forward to new videos. The battery analogy was the best way of explaining that ubiquitous, yet misunderstood third terminal.

[fredza]

thanks again yet again i learn from this channel you sir are a invaluable asset to the learning enthusiast

[toniliveinlisbon]

Thank you very much for the demonstration on how to use ground on the power supply!

[gfvt]

Handy little power supplies, handy to be able to float them so far too!

[holgerreichel]

Thanks a lot for all your technically very well made videos! Super sharp HD not blurred. I enjoy watching all of them.

[dmitrykotikov]

Thank you very much! Everything becomes clear after your explanation!

[chillidogkev]

Super video that explains just what I needed to know right at the point I needed to know it. Many thanks!

[deangreenhough]

Well explained, I have never gotten to the bottom of + - voltages. Thank you for explaining the obvious.

[Yogi-Megan]

thanks for upload bro !!
to me, D.C was always just positive and negative.
I never fully understood the Zero V in the middle !!!
subscribed