Which DC Electronic Load To Get? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 01:35:46 am
content: Thinking about picking up a DC electronic load and thought Id ask here before making the purchase. I havent seen many on the market other than super expensive ones. I was kinda looking at the BK Precision 8540LINKmostly because I have heard good things about the brand, the price was reasonable (can be had for less than $450), and I like the skinny stand up form factor. Dont really think I need anything more than 150W, but I guess if the features/build/price is right I might jump up to a 300W unit. Anything else out there I should be considering?

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 01:37:25 am
content: What do you need it for? Actual power design work, or hobby stuff? Most commercial loads are quite expensive... any chance you could build your own?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 02:04:59 am
content: Take a look at Maynuo and Itech which is BK Precision subsidiary. Both are excellent quality. They are almost the same, even PCB as similar BK models but price is significantly lower.

author: gbyleveldt
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 04:03:03 am
content: +1 on the Maynuo - I have the M9711 and it's remarkable value.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 04:27:33 am
content: Quote from: c4757p on August 21, 2013, 01:37:25 amMostly just playing around. But I have the money to buy a decent tool and really not interested in building my own unless the DIY route can produce a significantly better unit for less money and can look like a refined end product.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 04:28:01 am
content: Quote from: gbyleveldt on August 21, 2013, 04:03:03 amOkay, Ill check out the Maynuo.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 04:37:59 am
content: Huh, found the Maynuo M9811 for about the same price as the BK Precision 8540 but its a 0-150V, 0-30A 200W unit as opposed to the BK 8540 which is only a 0-60V, 1ma-30A, 150W unit. Seems to be a better unit for the money, if its a well made product. Never heard of them, Ive at least heard of BK Precision.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 04:41:27 am
content: Looks like there is also the Atten ATZ3710A 150W. Its a bit cheaper than the other two. How are the Atten products?

author: crt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 05:13:01 am
content: vote Maynuo DC Loadespecially if you can get them for taobaodifference between taobao price and ebay/aliexpress was fantastici get my M9712 (300W) version only about $350p.sthis is full review form gerrysweenyhttp://gerrysweeney.com/maynuo-m9711-dc-electronic-load-unboxing-teardown-and-quick-test/

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 06:27:02 am
content: I just got another Array 3711A 300W. First One with me for 3 years with no problem, last month when I checked, it was still best value for money. The new version has "Sense" connectors.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 08:06:34 am
content: Atten is pretty crappy built compared to Maynuo. There are also a bunch of rebadges of it with the same look.

author: g3org3
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 09:16:31 am
content: Got the REK RK8511, not as accurate as the BK or the Maynuo but does the job. Very happy with it for 250 Euros... (for Hobby staff that is..)

author: Jay_Diddy_B
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 09:16:53 am
content: Hi,I would check the specification carefully when selecting a 60V or 150V load.The reason is that if you need high currents at low voltages the 60V unit might work better.Here is the curve for an HP 60502B;Other manufacturers should have similar curves.This comes from the resistance of the MOSFETs and the shunt used in the load.With CPU and FPGA voltages dropping to around 1V and high current this is becoming increasingly important. If you don't think you are going to test 1V supplies it is not so important.Jay_Diddy_B

author: DaveW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 10:24:22 am
content: I've been using the B&K version for a few years (I'm sure it's the same as the Maynuo; I just needed it next day and that was what Farnell had in stock). It's pretty good, seems to meet its specs although slightly awkward to use. My unit has a slight drift over temperature, but nothing to worry about. The pulse response is quick, I regularly use it for 10ms pulses going from 0-5A, and it responds within around around 750us. The build quality seems reasonable although I haven't opened it up; bottom line, it seems to do the job although the 300W versions are more pleasant to use

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 04:17:38 pm
content: The Atten looks like the the Array 3710a models which was extensively discussed on this forum; pictures and all. I'm not sure I'd rank the Maynuo build quality as better than the Array, there are tear downs you can see on the forum and judge for yourself. Did the OP check the archives?IMHO the Array is an unusual beast; its limited in terms of what it can do as an eload but it is built like a rock, enough for Gossen Metrowatt put its brand name on it. The Maynuo is a better choice if you need the added capabilities it has, but I think the build quality will cause it to fail sooner used frequently under full load; the Array is usually found cheaper and is the ODM under many brand names.Quote from: wraper on August 21, 2013, 08:06:34 am

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 04:21:06 pm
content: all_repair, do you mean your 3711a has 'sense' connector or the newer model 3720?If you mean the 3720, yes its a newer Array model eload but cost 2-3x than the 3710a.Quote from: all_repair on August 21, 2013, 06:27:02 am

author: CarlG
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 05:59:18 pm
content: TTi LD300might be worth a closer look.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 09:23:58 pm
content: Quote from: crt on August 21, 2013, 05:13:01 amAnother plus 1 on MaynuoIf you can get one a M9712 for anywhere near $350 that would be fantastic deal and value(I don't know anything about taobao but if you don't need 300 watts and can live with 150 watts maybe you could cut the cost down further with Maynuo's 150 watt model)

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2013, 12:09:13 am
content: Look into the Itech IT8511. I have one and it works quite well. 120volts/30A/150watts. It's programmable, and it's built like a brick shithouse

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2013, 12:41:55 am
content: Either way, regardless of brand (if it does what you want) - an electronic load might be one of the least understood / known / considered pieces of test equipment, but it definitely should be considered.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2013, 12:49:24 am
content: Quote from: crt on August 21, 2013, 05:13:01 amPlease explain this taobao to me. If I could get the M9712 for that cheap I'd jump on it. Is it a website? Seller? I've never heard of it.

author: crt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2013, 12:59:53 am
content: Quote from: ben_r_ on August 22, 2013, 12:49:24 amlike ebay, but in china (off course with chinese language)http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=14577117671I use forwarder to get itMaybe you can ask help from franky (iloveelectronic)p.sI'm have not affiliation with both of themand from this seller, USB connection is not includedyou have to purchase separately if you needed

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2013, 02:24:08 am
content: Quote from: crt on August 22, 2013, 12:59:53 amWow, $318USD?! I wants, gotta figure this out, def dont speak chinese...

author: grego
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2013, 03:10:22 am
content: Quote from: ben_r_ on August 22, 2013, 02:24:08 amYeah same here.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2013, 03:28:33 am
content: I don't see where it gives the unit price but maybe you guys should check to see if they have quantity discounts, or special EEV pricingLet us know if anyone in the U.S. figures out how to get one delivered for anywhere near $318 !

author: steve1515
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 02:42:22 pm
content: Did anyone ever figure out how to get one in the US? I'm looking to get one as well.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 04:41:32 pm
content: Quote from: steve1515 on November 18, 2013, 02:42:22 pmOn Amazon there was a seller called JUMO Trading LLC that had reasonable prices on the Maynuo 9712 with the M-133 USB interface cable but they weren't anywhere near $318. Might be worth an email to JUMO (via Amazon) to see what they tell you. In my experience JUMO was very, very responsive, YMMV.Also saw this:http://www.amazon.com/Maynuo-M9712-Programmable-Electronic-0-150V/dp/B00FJWLEWC/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1384792611&sr=8-6&keywords=m9712+maynuo- don't know anything about this seller or if their price includes the M-133

author: cosmos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 05:01:01 pm
content: +1 for Maynou (M9712C, 150V, 60A, 300W)I where in contact with Maynou directly to get help on how to calibrate, they seemed open to direct purchase (but maybe they thought I was a company).But if lots of people here are interested maybe Maynou would be interested too?

author: steve1515
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 05:24:18 pm
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on November 18, 2013, 04:41:32 pmThanks! I'll have to send a message to them.Quote from: cosmos on November 18, 2013, 05:01:01 pmThey don't come calibrated when you buy them?What is the process required to calibrate one of these?

author: cosmos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 05:52:44 pm
content: No worries,It came calibrated, even had papers about it.My M8811 also came calibrated, but the 5.5 digit DVM channel was slightly off (about 20 counts if memory serves) but still inside the specification.I wanted to have it better than that, and it was very obvious it was off since the output voltage reading (later shown to be dead on) did not match the DVM.

author: mcinque
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 07:36:32 pm
content: MaynuoBut be warned about aliexpress/ebay shopping from chinese market:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/electronic-load-difference-between-m9710-and-m9711/msg328879/#msg328879https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/bk-precision-peaktech-only-rebranded-objects/msg282890/#msg282890

author: steve1515
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2013, 12:19:58 am
content: It looks like I can find the M9812 on eBay for less than the M9712. Is there much difference in the two? They look identical.

author: steve1515
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2013, 02:22:08 am
content: I've checked the specs on both the M9712 and the M9812 and they both look identical except that the M9812 has an LED driver test mode. I'm not really sure what that is since I can't find any documentation on it.

author: steve1515
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2013, 02:22:55 am
content: So, I ended getting an M9712 from Amazon. I received it a couple of days ago, and it works nicely.One thing though. I'm not really sure I understand the CC+CV and CR+CV modes. Can anyone explain these to me?

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2013, 02:59:17 am
content: If you do not yet have an exaxt need, likely the voltage and wattage features would be more useful than all other features. I have 2 arrays, not as pretty, but have been doing the job very well. Especialluly as loader for unknown power supply quality, I am prepared for them to be blown off. But been 5 year for 1 and still stay strong. My usage is almost daily for 1.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2013, 03:31:42 pm
content: Yes, I second the Array 3710a, I've been running it ragged and it never gets hot even at full load, 200W. Its built like a tank and likely very durable as a unit, the software is very mediocre, at best.