I tried to run this at max and it smoked.

I have purchased a total of 3 of these units over time. Of the first 2 I purchased, one worked fine and continues to do so, but the other would not register any output voltage and appeared to be defective. I bought a 3rd unit to replace it and as I adjusted the output voltage to 12V (from a 13.8V input voltage) a loud bang and flash occurred and the unit flew out of my hands. One of the capacitors on the bottom of the unit exploded, with smoke and small fibers spreading everywhere. I have included a photo. I am glad I was wearing glasses. The input power was provided by a Pyramid PS8KX power supply. Nothing out of spec.

Output voltage appears to be stable. Connectors are weak, and I'm afraid mine may break if I touch them now.

Have not powered these but was frustrating to not have assembly instructions and one of the plastic shields only had 2 of the 4 screw holes drilled. And no explanation on what the loose diode was for or how to use it?

It literally came in the pieces shown with NO instructions whatsoever for assembly.