KORAD KA3005P Programmable DC Power Supply vs Riden RD6018 Programmable Bench Power Supply 60V 18A
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right supply for your needs.
KORAD
$89
Riden
$139
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | KORAD KA3005P Programmable DC Power Supply | Riden RD6018 Programmable Bench Power Supply 60V 18A |
|---|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 30 V | 60 V |
| Max Current | 5 A | 18 A |
| Load Regulation | 0.01 % | 0.05 % |
| Ripple & Noise | 5 mV | 50 mV |
| Programmable | Yes | Yes |
| Channels | 1 | 1 |
| Display | 4-digit LED | Color TFT |
| Interface | USB + RS-232 | WiFi (Modbus) + USB |
| Price | $89 | $139 |
| Rating | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
KORAD KA3005P Programmable DC Power Supply
Pros
- 30V / 5A range covers virtually every hobbyist DC project without requiring a second supply
- USB and RS-232 PC control via SCPI commands — rare at this price point, enables scripted test automation
- 4-digit V/A display with coarse + fine adjustment knobs; panel feels like a real instrument
- CC (constant-current) mode actively limits current and protects components under test
- Stable load regulation — bench-tested at <0.01% + 3mV typical under moderate load
Cons
- Fan noise is audible at medium load — not suitable for quiet audio bench work
- USB driver setup on Windows 10/11 requires manual INF install; not plug-and-play
- Output terminals accept banana plugs only — no binding-post adapters included
- Ripple measured at ~5mV typical, acceptable for digital work but too high for sensitive RF circuits
Riden RD6018 Programmable Bench Power Supply 60V 18A
Pros
- 60V / 18A (1080W) covers ham radio transceiver and amplifier power requirements at a fraction of comparable commercial supplies
- Color TFT display shows V, A, W, and input voltage simultaneously
- WiFi-enabled with open Modbus protocol; integrates into home lab automation without proprietary software
- Ripple measured at <50mV even at full load — acceptable for RF and audio applications
- Open-source firmware ecosystem; community maintains active feature branches
Cons
- Requires external 60V AC-DC transformer (not included) — total cost rises to ~$200 with a suitable Meanwell brick
- Initial firmware setup requires reading documentation — not appropriate for first-time users
- No galvanic isolation — cannot float the output for differential measurements
- At full 18A load, heat dissipation is significant; requires clearance for airflow
Our Verdicts
KORAD KA3005P Programmable DC Power Supply
The KA3005P is the go-to first bench supply for electronics hobbyists. PC control via SCPI at under $100 is genuinely unusual. The fan noise and ripple keep it out of audio/RF labs, but for Arduino, embedded, and general repair work it earns its bench space.
Riden RD6018 Programmable Bench Power Supply 60V 18A
The RD6018 is the power-dense pick for engineers and ham radio operators who outgrew 30V/5A supplies. The WiFi Modbus integration is the differentiator — no other supply at this price offers open-protocol remote control. Budget ~$60 extra for a suitable AC-DC brick.
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