Dummy loads

[Chuck H]

Hi there , i use a simple 4 kettle elements , rated at 1500 watts per element and are 16 ohms each .So i have a 8 ohm 3000 watt or 4 ohm 6000 watt dummy load.The dummy load is working every day for two years now without any problems. i thought i would let you know there are other ways of making a dummy load without any major effort . COOL TREND !!!!

Can I assume that by "kettle elements" you mean water heater elements? I've proposed their use for high power dummy load applications here many times. Nice to read that it's been tried and proven :thumbsup"

[Enzo]

It might be fun to go artistic. I think it would be hoot to have say a waffle iron as a load, or maybe a toaster. Maybe a crock pot is more appropriate...

[Off-Beat]

100 Watt 4 Ohm 5% Chassis Mounted Aluminum Case: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

I found these. I was surprised how cheap they are. Was thinking I could buy 3, one for a 4ohm load and 2 in series for an 8ohm load.

[g1]

I'm also surprised by the price, both these and the identical types that are all over ebay and all originate in China.
I'm quite skeptical about the power rating, and would be very careful that they are mounted very well to a heatsink.
Not saying they are counterfeit, but similar components from known manufacturers are around $10US each.

[Off-Beat]

Yeah I haven't hit the buy button just yet. Customer reviews are just a few people saying it is exactly what they were looking for. One guy in particular mentions he uses them to bias amps. I might go ahead and try it

[g1]

Not much to lose. My concern was only about continuous power handling, and again, with proper heatsinking they will probably work ok.

[Chuck H]

The Arcol product from Mouser is a little cheaper. Almost certainly from China (what isn't?) and I use them in mixed series/parallel arrangements for about 200W circuit rating according to the resistor specs. I allow some space between units for more effective cooling and mount them to a thin aluminum chassis box with thermal paste. The toughest chore I've put the unit through was a Kustom K200 at full tilt for minutes at a time spread frequently over a two hour bench session. The resistors are mounted to the top of the case and there was never a time when I couldn't keep my hand on it. I've used the unit for many projects from 15W to 60W without any issues.

[Off-Beat]

Thanks guys. This will be my first experience using them so I will see how it goes

[AudioMan]

I too was faced with this dummy load dilemma. I needed to handle 300 watts for short periods of time, to test a repair of a high powered stereo amplifier.
Hence designed my own, to fit on a steel pipe, in case I needed more heat dissipation.
2 ohm sections @ 120 watts, for a total of 8 ohms @ 480 watts. I built two for stereo.

[Off-Beat]

That's pretty cool! I just had mine delivered. I only got 3 as I wasn't sure of the quality. 1 for 4ohm and 2 in series for 8 ohm at 100 watt. I would only be using them for quick checks on amps and speakers to check for DCV at the output etc. I will later want a bigger load like yours to handle more power of course.

[ThisLifeILead]

years ago in my ignorant days when i first got my scope i was using a speaker as my dummy load. 1Khz signal with a 100W tube amp and I blew one of my ear drums. not literally but i had a sharp pain in my ear for over 2 weeks after that. I then ordered the parts to make a dummy load. Worth the 20$.

[Chuck H]

years ago in my ignorant days when i first got my scope i was using a speaker as my dummy load. 1Khz signal with a 100W tube amp and I blew one of my ear drums. not literally but i had a sharp pain in my ear for over 2 weeks after that. I then ordered the parts to make a dummy load. Worth the 20$.

Because now, when all is still, you can hear that continuous ring that's usually too quiet to notice

[nsubulysses]

Oh man I've known this ringing for about a month or so now. I have always played in VERY loud bands but have always worn ear plugs since I cherish my hearing. No problems there.

I recently got my first haircut in about 5 years and became self conscious my ears might be dirty since they're visible now and I bumped my eardrum with a Q-tip

All those years of no cleaning and I was fine (when you take out the earplugs usually a bit or two of earwax comes with).
I had dulled hearing for about 2 months and now it's healed to probably 75%, but has been constantly ringing for about a month. All those years of babying my ears with earplugs possibly down the drain

It's not loud. I only really hear it when going to bed, but damn.

[DrGonz78]

Since the end of April I have become a human Dummy load!! lol Ringing hard in both ears without any relief yet and man oh man it is horrible. Should have worn ear plugs, but then again when mixing music that never works out that way.

[jbltwin1]

And here I thought you guys had talked to my wife and that's what SHE called me! Mike.