DTL150 electronic load - anyone tried one? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: HwAoRrDk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2023, 11:24:09 am
content: I've been considering buying one those cheap electronic loads that you can find on Amazon/eBay/AliExpress. One model that seems to be fairly ubiquitous right now is theDTL150. It appears to be fairly new, as I can't find much in the way of reviews or teardowns, etc. Best I could find was one video review on YouTube which wasn't particularly in-depth. Seems to be the new DL24, as there are loads of vendors on AliExpress.Comes in two variants: an 'upgraded' version with a larger screen (2.4"), an external temperature sensor, and a cosmetic faceplate; a 'basic' one with a smaller screen (1.7"), no temp sensor input, no faceplate. I don't know whether the software on the basic one is the same, because the the upgrade version looks fancier. Both have 4-wire measurement.Some of the criticism I've heard of these kind of units is that the specs are overblown, but that doesn't concern me too much as I don't have any requirement for anything more than half the claimed rating of 150W. (I mean, you just have to look at the PC heatsink and fan these things use - those aren't suitable for a 150W TDP CPU, so why would it provide enough cooling for 150W in this application?) If I assume the specs are bogus and de-rate by half, the only other thing that looks dodgy to me is the supplied 12V adapter, but seeing as (at least on AliExpress) they only come with US/EU plugs, I couldn't use it anyway. I suspect the 12V supply is only used directly to power the fan, and is otherwise regulated down, so any other PSU of approx. 12V will no doubt do the job.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2023, 10:02:15 pm
content: If you are running it under <80W and you don't get unlucky with fake FETs, might be OK.DTL150 ($36):https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805031954241.htmlThe newer Atorch units are using 4 FETs, this DTL150 is just the one FET.I don't know for $10 more I would probably just go with the Atorch. Unless there is something about the UI you prefer, or some other aspect listed.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/cheezeball-dc-load-dl24p-pump-or-dump/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-dl24ew-and-dl150w-load-testers-from-atorch/

author: HwAoRrDk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2023, 12:18:43 pm
content: Heh, this is amusing. I've found that all the sellers listing the DTL150 on eBay UK - and not just the UK stockists, but direct-shippers from China - are for some reason selling it for double the price of AliExpress (inc. shipping) and all you get extra for your money is one of those awful "death-dapter" universal mains plug adapters thrown in. Gee, thanks, what a great deal! I pay you more and you give me nothing but a chance to electrocute myself.Quote from: thm_w on April 04, 2023, 10:02:15 pmQuestion is,whichDL24? There seem to be a plethora of different models. The newer ones (including those apparently sold directly by Atorch) are even essentially just like the DTL150 and appear to have a single MOSFET, same heatsink/fan, similar colour screen and interface, but with the additional of Bluetooth (e.g.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001153199791.html).

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2023, 09:20:50 pm
content: Probably one of these:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004773128494.htmlhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256803523625281.html

author: Dave_g8
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2023, 07:19:56 pm
content: Hi, Does anyone have any idea if it is possible to use the serial interface on the DTL150 for control and monitoring?I have tried using the protocol messages for the PX-100, but there is no actions or response from the DTL150.Regards, Dave

author: yesilu
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 10, 2024, 07:50:01 am
content: i tested it 30V 4A 10min. temp max increase 52 C and not problem. it has a software bug, in CR mode set 10R 30V it over power protection triggered. except CC mode, calculated power is wrong.