Help to choose electronic load pls? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: RavenSpy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2021, 12:52:14 pm
content: Hello everyone!I have been wanting to buy an electronic load for several years, mainly for performance analysis of power supplies.All this time I took a look at the Maynuo M9812, I think it is quite well designed and done (according to the reviews and teardown that are on this forum).I live in Spain, so this Dutch store that ships to my house and without customs duties, seems quite correct to me:https://eleshop.eu/maynuo-m9812-electronic-load.htmlIf anyone knows of any other store in Europe that has better prices, welcome. Budget 1000€ or more if worth (but not so much).My problem or doubt: I understand that this electronic load is old, as far as the design is concerned. So I would like to know if there is currently something better in 2021?I have seen the Rigol SDL1020X and DL3021A (I saw Dave's review, and it did not leave it very well), I also see some sources that are too complex in terms of interface, in the end I am looking for something more robust and if I need to program it I have the RS232-PC interface and Labview.Thanks in advance to the entire community .

author: PeterKlop
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2021, 02:35:36 pm
content: I don't know if buying from ALIExpress/china is something you mind, but ->these seem very nice:https://es.aliexpress.com/item/4000829359758.htmlI have bought several instruments through aliexpress with good results and service. I haven't however used this store.I did buy two times from the store below, but that one is a little bit more expensive. It had fast shipping altough that can be slower now (due to covid).https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005001876760276.htmlFrom the store below i bought a DC Load called CKT8003+ and a few months later some other items. The store owner is very responsive. The shipping was very fast, but he uses expensive shipping methods and isn't willing to use slower less expensive shipping options.https://es.aliexpress.com/item/32902095075.html

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2021, 02:55:06 pm
content: The interface for Maynuo is fairly expensive. The KEL103 load (It is also sold with other names) is similar, but do not need an external interface for computer connection.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2021, 03:16:28 pm
content: The Tonghui loads look like a good choice to me. Clear display and the option to connect 4mm banana plugs as well.But don't expect wonders from these kind of loads.

author: Hydron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2021, 05:16:22 pm
content: You haven't specified what specifications are required.If 120V/30A/300W is enough then you have quite a few options:- Super cheap Kunkin/EastTester/DingChen off aliexpress/banggood (beware of specs being wrong, very noisy fans, needing some mods internally for better performance etc)- Slightly more for the Korad KEL103 (or a rebadge by Farnell etc), approx. 250-300 EUR inc. VAT (worth it for LAN, sense terminals, real support and better/trustworthy specifications)- About twice as much for a Maynuo/Itech/BK Precision (may not be much improvement over the Korad), Siglent/Rigol etc probably fit in here too- $$$ for namebrand at the high endOnce you need >150V then everything gets more difficult/expensive - there isn't really a mid-range, it jumps from super cheap (e.g. the 500V DCL6104A I have) straight to the higher end stuff. >300-400W is even worse, there are no cheap options at all.

author: RavenSpy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2021, 06:42:52 pm
content: Guys thanks for your quick responses!Quote from: PeterKlop on March 14, 2021, 02:35:36 pmIf I do not buy directly from Aliexpress, it is basically due to customs and product warranty. Let's say that the times I have bought on Aliexpress, the result has not been very correct.Quote from: HKJ on March 14, 2021, 02:55:06 pmI do not care much about this factor, since I can use some other RS232 to USB converter or make it. And after paying € 600 for the unit, I don't think € 50 is a problem ...Quote from: nctnico on March 14, 2021, 03:16:28 pmIf it looks pretty good, though, I think it's too complicated, like the Rigol example I discussed.Quote from: Hydron on March 14, 2021, 05:16:22 pmYes, 150V 30A 300W is enough for me, in fact I could even with a 150-200W, but to have a more versatile load.I have seen some posts about the Korad KEL103, but the interns did not quite convince me. I have not been able to find a video that looks on the inside or the pcb. But seems a good option aswell.Thanks!

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2021, 06:50:59 pm
content: Yes, there is a video for the KEL 103. I don't have a link for you but a search should turn it up. I have included a capture from the video.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2021, 07:21:57 pm
content: Are you considering used? For a thousand or so you should be able to get a relatively recent model Kikusui or a Chroma unit or similar on the used market. Well specified and from reputable companies, I've got a used Chroma mainframe that is more than I need, but which was quite inexpensive for the performance.

author: MarkL
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 14, 2021, 07:30:23 pm
content: I have a pair of Array 3723A DC loads, max ratings: 200V, 30A, 350W:http://www.array.sh/yq-3721e.htmThere are other models in the 372x series with other ratings and correspondingly higher and lower prices.It's well built and in your price range, and has a simple, non-nonsense user interface. It comes with a real, isolated RS232 port, and optional HPIB or USB. I think I paid around US$750 each, plus the GPIB interface.There are photos floating around on this forum for a look at the insides. Here's some:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/any-experience-with-scpi-and-chinese-dcprogrammable-loads/msg352717/#msg352717

author: oz2cpu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2021, 07:59:54 pm
content: i can warmly recommend this:ET5410 Professional DC Electronic Load Programmable Digital Control Battery Capacity Tester Electronic Loads 400W 150V 40Ait is 200$ from banggoodand it works amazingly well

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2021, 08:10:17 pm
content: The Tonghui interface looks pretty nice.I’ve had a Maynuo M9712 for about six years. I don’t use it very often but I trust it’s reliability and I believe it is very accurate.Back in the day there didn’t seem to be as many DC load product choices and supposedly the Maynuos and others were descendants from some particular design or designer. I think you will find that most Maynuo posts here have been favorable. If I was looking for a DC load today I’d start with whichever Maynuo model best met my specs and budget and use that as the benchmark to beat. If you can find something that beats your M9812 candidate you should be in good shape. I’m wondering if maybe Maynuo might be due for a UI refresh. The ideal might be Maynuo’s internals, accuracy, and reliability, plus a GUI, plus a Korad price. For the price the Korads look pretty good - you could fit about 3-4 of those in your budget.The other consideration is software; not sure how much remote automation vs remote analysis you want to do but as long as you can interface to the load and you are proficient with LabVIEW you should be in pretty good shape. For just turning it on, setting the load parameters from the front panel, letting it run reliably, and getting accurate numbers the Maynuos are hard to beat - but maybe you can do all that and save a bunch of Euros with a Korad.

author: RavenSpy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2021, 02:44:26 pm
content: Thanks again guys.Maybe i buy the Korad KEL103 and Maynuo M9812 and i do a direct comparative.Regards.

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2021, 03:36:59 pm
content: Quote from: RavenSpy on March 15, 2021, 02:44:26 pmPlease post it here if you do!

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2021, 06:33:06 pm
content: Quote from: RavenSpy on March 15, 2021, 02:44:26 pmDo check out the SDL1000X range:https://int.siglent.com/products-overview/sdl1000x/

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2021, 06:34:07 pm
content: Quote from: Grandchuck on March 15, 2021, 03:36:59 pm+1Edit: or go for a Maynuo and a Siglent and do the direct comparative - that would probably generate a fair amount of interest around here, or what the heck, try all 3 (Maynuo, Korad, Siglent) and that would be a very popular comparisonSeriously, if the Siglent was a Maynuo in accuracy and reliability plus a modern interface that might be a winner - but the Siglents would have to win on performance (accuracy, reliability, and features) because it doesn't look like they are trying to compete real hard on price. Might also depend on how much firmware support the Siglents get - some Siglents get very good firmware support, others not quite so much. In the case of a tie between any Siglent product and any other product the Siglents generally win because tautech breaks the ties with deluxe customer support.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2021, 06:56:45 pm
content: If indeed the $499 SDL1020X-E can be hacked as it seems it can there might be little contest !

author: RavenSpy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2021, 11:51:08 am
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on March 15, 2021, 06:34:07 pmWow, im crazy but... enough? xDD

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2021, 02:05:39 pm
content: Quote from: RavenSpy on March 16, 2021, 11:51:08 amI think 3 DC loads should qualify for a TEA merit badge.