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Products => Test Equipment => Topic started by: ben_r_ on August 21, 2013, 01:35:46 am

Title: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: ben_r_ on August 21, 2013, 01:35:46 am
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 8540 LINK (http://www.bkprecision.com/products/dc-electronic-loads/8540-150-w-dc-electronic-load.html) mostly 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?
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: c4757p on August 21, 2013, 01:37:25 am
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?
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: wraper on August 21, 2013, 02:04:59 am
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.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: gbyleveldt on August 21, 2013, 04:03:03 am
+1 on the Maynuo - I have the M9711 and it's remarkable value.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: ben_r_ on August 21, 2013, 04:27:33 am
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?
Mostly 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. :)
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: ben_r_ on August 21, 2013, 04:28:01 am
+1 on the Maynuo - I have the M9711 and it's remarkable value.
Okay, Ill check out the Maynuo.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: ben_r_ on August 21, 2013, 04:37:59 am
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.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: ben_r_ on August 21, 2013, 04:41:27 am
Looks like there is also the Atten ATZ3710A 150W. Its a bit cheaper than the other two. How are the Atten products?
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: crt on August 21, 2013, 05:13:01 am
vote Maynuo DC Load  :-+
especially if you can get them for taobao

difference between taobao price and ebay/aliexpress was fantastic  :-//
i get my M9712 (300W) version only about $350

p.s
this is full review form gerrysweeny  :)
http://gerrysweeney.com/maynuo-m9711-dc-electronic-load-unboxing-teardown-and-quick-test/ (http://gerrysweeney.com/maynuo-m9711-dc-electronic-load-unboxing-teardown-and-quick-test/)

Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: all_repair on August 21, 2013, 06:27:02 am
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.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: wraper on August 21, 2013, 08:06:34 am
Atten is pretty crappy built compared to Maynuo. There are also a bunch of rebadges of it with the same look.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: g3org3 on August 21, 2013, 09:16:31 am
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..)
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on August 21, 2013, 09:16:53 am
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;

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/which-dc-electronic-load-to-get/?action=dlattach;attach=58185;image)

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
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: DaveW on August 21, 2013, 10:24:22 am
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
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: saturation on August 21, 2013, 04:17:38 pm
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.



Atten is pretty crappy built compared to Maynuo. There are also a bunch of rebadges of it with the same look.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: saturation on August 21, 2013, 04:21:06 pm
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.

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.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: CarlG on August 21, 2013, 05:59:18 pm
TTi LD300 (http://www.tti-test.com/products-tti/precision/electronic-load.htm) might be worth a closer look.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: Electro Fan on August 21, 2013, 09:23:58 pm
vote Maynuo DC Load  :-+
especially if you can get them for taobao

difference between taobao price and ebay/aliexpress was fantastic  :-//
i get my M9712 (300W) version only about $350

p.s
this is full review form gerrysweeny  :)
http://gerrysweeney.com/maynuo-m9711-dc-electronic-load-unboxing-teardown-and-quick-test/ (http://gerrysweeney.com/maynuo-m9711-dc-electronic-load-unboxing-teardown-and-quick-test/)

Another plus 1 on Maynuo  :-+

If 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)
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: olsenn on August 22, 2013, 12:09:13 am
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
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: Electro Fan on August 22, 2013, 12:41:55 am
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.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: ben_r_ on August 22, 2013, 12:49:24 am
vote Maynuo DC Load  :-+
especially if you can get them for taobao

difference between taobao price and ebay/aliexpress was fantastic  :-//
i get my M9712 (300W) version only about $350

p.s
this is full review form gerrysweeny  :)
http://gerrysweeney.com/maynuo-m9711-dc-electronic-load-unboxing-teardown-and-quick-test/ (http://gerrysweeney.com/maynuo-m9711-dc-electronic-load-unboxing-teardown-and-quick-test/)
Please 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.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: crt on August 22, 2013, 12:59:53 am
Please 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.

like ebay, but in china (off course with chinese language)   ;D

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=14577117671 (http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=14577117671)
I use forwarder to get it

Maybe you can ask help from franky (iloveelectronic)

p.s
I'm have not affiliation with both of them
and from this seller, USB connection is not included
you have to purchase separately if you needed
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: ben_r_ on August 22, 2013, 02:24:08 am
Please 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.

like ebay, but in china (off course with chinese language)   ;D

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=14577117671 (http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=14577117671)
I use forwarder to get it

Maybe you can ask help from franky (iloveelectronic)

p.s
I'm have not affiliation with both of them
and from this seller, USB connection is not included
you have to purchase separately if you needed
Wow, $318USD?! I wants, gotta figure this out, def dont speak chinese...
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: grego on August 22, 2013, 03:10:22 am
Please 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.

like ebay, but in china (off course with chinese language)   ;D

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=14577117671 (http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=14577117671)
I use forwarder to get it

Maybe you can ask help from franky (iloveelectronic)

p.s
I'm have not affiliation with both of them
and from this seller, USB connection is not included
you have to purchase separately if you needed
Wow, $318USD?! I wants, gotta figure this out, def dont speak chinese...

Yeah same here.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: Electro Fan on August 22, 2013, 03:28:33 am
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 pricing  :)

Let us know if anyone in the U.S. figures out how to get one delivered for anywhere near $318 !
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: steve1515 on November 18, 2013, 02:42:22 pm
Did anyone ever figure out how to get one in the US? I'm looking to get one as well. :)
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: Electro Fan on November 18, 2013, 04:41:32 pm
Did anyone ever figure out how to get one in the US? I'm looking to get one as well. :)

On 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 (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
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: cosmos on November 18, 2013, 05:01:01 pm
+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?
 
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: steve1515 on November 18, 2013, 05:24:18 pm
On 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 (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

Thanks! I'll have to send a message to them.

+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?
 

They don't come calibrated when you buy them?
What is the process required to calibrate one of these?
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: cosmos on November 18, 2013, 05:52:44 pm
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.
 
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: mcinque on November 18, 2013, 07:36:32 pm
Maynuo  :-+

But be warned about aliexpress/ebay shopping from chinese market:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/electronic-load-difference-between-m9710-and-m9711/msg328879/#msg328879 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/electronic-load-difference-between-m9710-and-m9711/msg328879/#msg328879)
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/bk-precision-peaktech-only-rebranded-objects/msg282890/#msg282890 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/bk-precision-peaktech-only-rebranded-objects/msg282890/#msg282890)
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: steve1515 on November 19, 2013, 12:19:58 am
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.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: steve1515 on November 19, 2013, 02:22:08 am
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.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: steve1515 on November 28, 2013, 02:22:55 am
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?
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: all_repair on November 28, 2013, 02:59:17 am
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.
Title: Re: Which DC Electronic Load To Get?
Post by: saturation on November 28, 2013, 03:31:42 pm
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.