I am going to show you an old circuit that interesting. No ICs, no Zener diode. But it is also a steady voltage.
This is a simple transistor variable power supply project, 0-30V 1A.
Why should we make it?
It is a small circuit, cheap and buys easy.
Look at in the circuit includes 2SC1061 and small transistors as a main. It will control the current up to 1 A.
Circuit diagram of Variable power supply 0-30V 1A using transistors
Also, another a few components. You can adjust the output voltage with VR1.
Thus, It is suitable for learning a basic variable regulator.
What is more?
The details
The IC (integrated circuit) is so famous in this electronic age. Because they are small, easy and maybe cheaper. But someone may not like it.
They like the transistor circuits. Because when it is broken. We can repair it by changing only a few parts. So it so saves money.
But if the IC circuit. We need to change the IC.
Perhaps it is expensive or we cannot buy it at the local stores.
This circuit is the series regulator mode so it has high efficiency.
First of all, the AC-main comes to the circuit. It is flowing to the DC unregulated section. They include T1,D1,D2,D3,D4 and C1. You can read more about DC unregulated power supply.
Now the voltage across C1 is about 33VDC.
Then, the little current comes to the base of Q1 through R1—limiting current resistor—. Since Q1 and Q3 are The Darlington-pair emitter-follower transistors. It makes Q1 and Q3 are working with high current.
Some current passes R5 to D5. The voltage across it is the constant voltage, 0.6V.
Even a little current flows through R3, VR1, and R4. They are a voltage divider circuit.
VR1, adjust the output voltage. When we adjust VR1 to control a bias current of the transistor Q2-BC337. It will control the bias current to the base of driver transistor-Q1.
To drive Q1(power transistor) runs in the full current, with output voltage as we adjust, 0V to 30V.
Recommend: 0-20V 1A Adjustable DC Supply
The parts of circuit
0.25W Resistors
R1, R2: 10K
R3, R4: 100 ohms
Capacitors
C1: 1000µF 35V Electrolytic
C2,C3: 100µF 35V Electrolytic
Semiconductors
Q1, Q2: BC337, 50V 800mA NPN Transistor
Q3: 2SC1061 or TIP41 or H1061 or MJE3055, 50V 2A NPN Transistor
D1-D5: 1N4002, 100V 1A Diode
Others
VR1: 10K Potentiometer
Making this project
First, assemble all the components into the PCB layout below. Although it is a small circuit. But always be careful.

PCB layout of Simple Variable power supply 0-30V 1A
Second, Enter the power into the circuit. Then uses a voltmeter to measure the voltage output.
Third, adjust the VR1, then look at the meter should change as we adjust it.
Fourth, Test to connect the load to the circuit, The output voltage should be a constant voltage, does not change.
Do not forget. The Q3-C1061 must hole with a proper heat sink.
Here are a few related posts you may find helpful, too:
Related Posts
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Hi,Leen Mae
Thanks for your feedback.
I don’t understand you say.
she is raging coz it doesn’t work for her. admin, what should i change to achieve 3amps?
Hi,Ivan Jules
Please try this https://www.eleccircuit.com/best-dc-power-supply-3amp-to-adjust-1-2v-20v-3v-6v-9v-12v/ it 3A and easy.
or https://www.eleccircuit.com/0-50v-3a-variable-dc-power-supply/
It also worked but hard than one.
@momename
I need to make a transistorized one, without ic’s
meron akong mas simple na diagram,nkopya ko lang sa shop noong nagojt ako,subok na po ito,ngamit ko na sa pagcharge ng cp,katunayan ang dami ko na nbenta,kaso nga lang d ko dala ngayon yung kopya iniwan ko samin,dulot ng trabaho ko,eh baka kasi mawala,maybe by december ipost ko sa fb ko pagmakauwi ako,same components po yung c1061
Hi, Jeff portez
Thanks for your feedback.
I don’t understand you say.
Please use English, though I don’t good to read but we can communicate together.
Please see here https://www.eleccircuit.com/simple-variable-dc-power-supply-0-30v-2a-for-beginners/
i have a simple diagram of c1061 which ive gotten from my ojt time,simple,but effective,i have copy,left at our home
Hi, i just wanted to ask, how can i adjust the range from 0 – 30V to 0-15V??
Will it work too for a tranformer that gives a current of 2 Amps? Asap. Thanks 😀
hi jeff portez,
pwedeng kunin ung diagram nung circuit mo?
Hi Van Boni..Yes The Transformer will Take The Current it will need!!! You will then have a 2-1 or 1A of Headroom
Hi Mr OHM 1970,
Thank for your helping me.
hello Sir … does this circuit really work? plss reply asap … thank you
Hello cody,
Thanks for the question. It works as it should be.