Recommend to a Friend

Very handy precision-adjustable load

4.0

It's like having a precisely adjustable 25W resistor! A 5W load doesn't warm it much, haven't tried higher. Great for testing onboard power regulator circuits, AC adapters, heat sink temps at various loads, IR losses on PCB power traces, etc. Wish I had one of these long ago. Ordered a lower-cost meter to use for current monitoring, but not sure it's really needed given the 10-turn pot will typically read the current pretty accurately as long as there's at least 2v across the load posts. A diode current-bridge makes it usable for AC. Negatives/Gotchas: * I bought a shorting bar to use on the Ammeter posts to avoid needing a banana cable shunt or ammeter connected but it doesn't work since the metal faces on the posts are recessed in plastic so they don't touch the bar. I would expect a similar problem using bare wire. * On the two sample units I've used there's something about the 10-turn pot that binds once per revolution. The second unit was better than the first but is still stiff to turn with its small knob... an annoyance.

Verified Purchase JIM MOOMAW on Dec 30, 2020 I found this helpful (1)

Recommend to a Friend

Works as described light transportable self powere

4.0

Pros works exactly as described, CV or CR input protection by TVS diode and fused all analog fully documented design available to all self powered, small size and very light weight, good travel e-load open source: schematics, BOM, even design templates are all online Quality generic parts easy to maintain lifelong Cons no shorting bar enclosed with unit, required to run [ need an ammeter otherwise] no programmable cutoff, by end volts or Ah no over temp protection circuit no Ah calculator This is a elegant design for simple load, perfect for travel. Its unique in that its self powered, actually powered off the DUT. To overcome minor limitations you can add a Wattsup meter for Ah calculations[$10-30], a DC voltmeter module with hi-low user settable alarms [$4, $10 after adding case] to warn user to end discharge, and a cooking temperature alarm [$12]. These separate modules are light weight and either powered of the DUT or self powered. Final cost with modules produces more functionality and less cost than most simple e-loads on the market.

Anonymous on May 08, 2017 I found this helpful (1)