FS: Yet Another Electronic Load a'la Dave's CC - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 08:48:11 am
content: UPDATE 9/18/15: I have (14) farm-fresh boards available right now. Now, with cheaper option for non-USA shipping, i.e. First Class International Mail... it may be slow though, and there's no tracking number, and you assume risk for lost packages.FOR SALE: I know I know, yet another electronic load...But if you want a DIY electronic load but don't have the time to make one, here's a ready made PCB. Just add parts, voila.Parts are jelly-bean variety, buy from eBay for cheap prices. Nothing critical.Powered by a 12VDC wall wart (not included), buy your own.... or just hook it up to a 12VDC lab power supply.Here's a photo of what a completed unit will look like:and photo of the board you'll get:Real-world tested at 180Watts to 240Watts (depending on what MOSFET you use). Tested up to 60V @ 3Amps, 30V @ 6Amps, 120VDC @ 2Amps.I've tested it running at these loads for 1+ hour continuous.* the limiting factor is heat dissipation, so if you can use a bigger heatsink, bigger fan, you can exceed these values. Those are just the limits I've personally tested (and I don't have a bigger PSU that can go higher than 6Amps)Price: $25 PCB onlyeBay link:http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIY-Electronic-Load-PCB-180Watt-240Watt-using-Power-MOSFETs-/281718489377?

author: lostboy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 09:52:54 am
content: Do you have a link to a more detailed write up, schematic, BOM etc?Chris

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 09:54:20 am
content: Nice,I am wondering if with a diode bridge (AC-->DC) I can test a power audio amplifier to roughly simulate a speaker...

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 10:47:56 am
content: Really neat.How can I get one?

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 11:34:51 am
content: Wow that's pretty cool!I'm always looking for Electronic loads here, I just load things up with heating elements, inverters and light bulbs here hehe!Also the best use for those Intel heatsink/fans that seem to be surplus everywhereLove it

author: madalf71
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 11:47:11 am
content: Been looking for a load that candle more amps........

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 12:10:47 pm
content: updated original post with the eBay link.http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIY-Electronic-Load-PCB-180Watt-240Watt-using-Power-MOSFETs-/281718489377?Don't wait too long, I only have (3) PCBs left.I can re-order a new batch if there's more demand.Note: This uses a multiturn potentiometer (also cheap bought from eBay). This gives you very fine control of load. However, due to end resistance tolerance of the chinese pots, the minimum load (with pot fully CCW) is about 25-30mA.Update:Some new photos taken today... I've been working on a new power supply, and here's my new PSU undergoing load testing... 5Amps @ 16VDC, running for more than 1 hour, 17 minutes.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 06:07:13 pm
content: Nice boardBut $25 in shipping for a PCB to EU, brings the bare board price up to $50.USPS are expensive./Bingo

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 07:08:41 pm
content: I know, USPS sucks. -- but that's the only postal company here.Actually, US postal service charges$26.50(their cheapest with tracking #) ....I get some discount... so I pay only $25.25so yeah, I'm losing a little bit of money by only charging $25 for shipping.-- In other words, I don't profit from shipping. I even cover the shortfall.-- the good news is, if you order multiple/other items (up to 4 pounds), I can ship all of them and you just pay the same flat rate.

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2015, 05:27:48 am
content: UPDATE 9/18/15: It's back in stock! I have (14) farm-fresh PC boards available right now, Revision D.Now, with cheaper shipping option for non-USA customers, i.e. First Class International Mail... it may be slow though, and there's no tracking number, so please be patient. Otherwise, there is Priority Mail International with tracking # for faster delivery at a slightly more expensive cost.eBay link:http://www.ebay.com/itm/281803209860?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

author: ass20
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 11:04:48 am
content: hiCan you add CR and CV modes to your electronic load?

author: rikkitikkitavi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2015, 07:14:22 am
content: What is the spacing on the HS holes? There is quite few different for different C2D cpus etc etc.

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2015, 08:54:28 am
content: Quote from: rikkitikkitavi on November 22, 2015, 07:14:22 amThe eBay page says Core 2 Duo coolers, so that's LGA775.

author: rikkitikkitavi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2015, 08:02:50 pm
content: I have in my junkbox atleast two different LGA775 socket cpu coolers, nome with similar hole pattern, unfortunately.