Pomona 5069 Deluxe Banana Plug Test Lead Set vs Riden RD6018 Programmable Bench Power Supply 60V 18A
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right supply for your needs.
Pomona
$38
Riden
$139
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Pomona 5069 Deluxe Banana Plug Test Lead Set | Riden RD6018 Programmable Bench Power Supply 60V 18A |
|---|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 0 V | 60 V |
| Max Current | 30 A | 18 A |
| Load Regulation | 0 % | 0.05 % |
| Ripple & Noise | 0 mV | 50 mV |
| Programmable | No | Yes |
| Channels | 2 | 1 |
| Display | N/A | Color TFT |
| Interface | 4mm banana plug | WiFi (Modbus) + USB |
| Price | $38 | $139 |
| Rating | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
Pomona 5069 Deluxe Banana Plug Test Lead Set
Pros
- Silicone-insulated leads rated to 30A / 1000V — handles high-current bench work without insulation creep
- Standard 4mm banana plugs fit virtually every bench supply and multimeter without adapter hassle
- Color-coded red/black with shrouded plugs for CAT III safety compliance
- Flexible at low temperatures — silicone doesn't stiffen in cold garages or poorly heated labs
- Repeat-purchase anchor: quality leads outlast three sets of cheap alternatives
Cons
- No alligator clips or probe tips included — a complete lead kit requires separate accessories
- Silicone insulation picks up dust and debris more readily than PVC; wipe down periodically
- Higher price than budget sets from untested brands
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
Pomona 5069 Deluxe Banana Plug Test Lead Set
Test leads are the most overlooked bench consumable. Cheap leads introduce contact resistance that corrupts measurements. The Pomona 5069 is the standard recommendation in r/electronics precisely because the banana plug fit is reliable and the silicone insulation lasts.
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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