[volt-nuts] Load Testing a PSU

[Joseph Gray]

This is a good and certainly inexpensive way to do a static load test
on a power supply. In the past, I used four very large, low-value,
wirewound power resistors in parallel to do this.

For more money, but much more capability, you can get a dynamic DC
load.  A dynamic load will let you test various current draws on a
power supply, do a transient-response test,  test the capacity of
batteries, test solar panels, etc.

The least expensive, but most involved method is to build one. There
are lots of plans on the 'net.

The next step up is a West Mountain Radio CBA IV. They sell it mainly
for testing batteries, but it can do more.

For even more money, you can buy a Maynuo M9812 or similar benchtop
unit. These can be used via a front panel keyboard as well as
controlled from a computer via serial/USB. Software comes with the
interface cable, which is usually an option.

I have both the CBA IV and the Maynuo and can recommend either.

Joe Gray
W5JG



On Tue, May 17, 2016 at 10:47 AM, Stan, W1LE <stanw1le at verizon.net> wrote:
> Hello The Net:
>
> Every test bench needs an assortment of current shunts.
> Some of mine are: 100 Amps will give a 50 millivolt drop across it at 100A
> load..
>     Another is a 50 Amp shunt that gives 50 millivolts across it when loaded
> to 50A.
>
> Then use a DVM to measure the voltage drop.
>
> Also have a FLUKE current probe "clamp on" using a Hall effect technique, to
> measure AC and DC current.
>
> A Ebay search should give some cost effective results for a current shunt,
> just for an idea.
>
> Stan, W1LE    Cape Cod   FN41sr
>
>
>
>
> ZZZZz
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