DTL150 electronic load - anyone tried one?

[HwAoRrDk]

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 the DTL150. 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.

[thm_w]

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.html

The 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/

[HwAoRrDk]

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.

The 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.

Question is, which DL24? 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).

[thm_w]

Probably one of these:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004773128494.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256803523625281.html

[Dave_g8]

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

[yesilu]

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.