Cheap loadtester materials

[n00b 0f l337]

For barebones its fantastic. I loaded it to the full 400W (easily overwhelmed the single stage I was on) but the delrin's so heavy and solid it really makes this feel better than my old loader.
I want to get a thermostat eventually into these models, but I don't want to do it in such a way that there is a risk of a short, energizing the block itself, or that the block can't be used for watercooling loading.
I think the compromise will be using a different style of thermostat unit, and raising the bar closer to 80C. But that's for the next revision.

Either way, heavy delrin block with the copper works for me. Maybe I'll find a way to hide the wiring better, but the wires coming out of these heat loaders aren't flexible for the first inch and a half or so.
We shall see.

[runmc]

I like the design Adam Can you mount the thermostat to the backside of the copper?

[samsarulz]

Great job Adam . Prototype will be mine. Will be for far much better If I had done one by myself. Looking the scrrenshots with more detail I would say that it looks better than "pretty good". Thermostat could be a double-edged sword as you explain that kind of situation.

[samsarulz]

Some days ago I received it Adam, so Im very happy with it. 110V variac is going to arrive at the end of April. Looking at the heat load it feels very solid and heavy. Good quality components and great finish appeal .

[n00b 0f l337]

Variac there yet??

[samsarulz]

Yes, will send you a pm

I bought what I told you (the one that Ron recommended jeje)

[Crabby]

I kinda of have an idea but what does this thing do and why do you need one?

[Buckeye]

You bolt this to the evap of your single stage/cascade.
Turn this on and set your Variac to the amount of heat you want to tune your system to.

So say you want to start out at 170watts of heat. You can gas your system so that it is working to what you want. Then turn the heat up to 300watts and adjust your tune.

You can leave this running over night or as long as you wish to test your system.

[runmc]

Yes, will send you a pm

I bought what I told you (the one that Ron recommended jeje)

Mine works fine.

[samsarulz]

Is the same you recommended me. Don?t you remember jaja?

Well tomorrow (at last) I will test it along NoL?s custom heat load

[runmc]

Is the same you recommended me. Don?t you remember jaja?

Of course I remember. They are very sensitive. You will have to get use to it. You can only turn it a hair to make changes. Don't be surprise if the watt wander a little.
Like 298 299 300 301 and then back down 301 300 299 298. And then other times it will stay fixed for awhile. All of the ones in these price ranges will vary a little but they will get the job done.

[sdumper]

Of course I remember. They are very sensitive. You will have to get use to it. You can only turn it a hair to make changes. Don't be surprise if the watt wander a little.
Like 298 299 300 301 and then back down 301 300 299 298. And then other times it will stay fixed for awhile. All of the ones in these price ranges will vary a little but they will get the job done.

I think that holds true for most variacs at least for the two I own. On the flip side they are very durable...

[Buckeye]

Of course I remember. They are very sensitive. You will have to get use to it. You can only turn it a hair to make changes. Don't be surprise if the watt wander a little.
Like 298 299 300 301 and then back down 301 300 299 298. And then other times it will stay fixed for awhile. All of the ones in these price ranges will vary a little but they will get the job done.

Yeah mine goes like 270 or 310, anything the middle is impossible LOL

[n00b 0f l337]

Huh really?
I've got a 1000Va toroid type. Doesn't wander, doesn't vary, and I can hit any whole number.

[Buckeye]

Huh really?
I've got a 1000Va toroid type. Doesn't wander, doesn't vary, and I can hit any whole number.

I bet you spent more than $20 on yours also

[n00b 0f l337]

At $20 that's not bad though!
Yeah I dropped quite a bit more on my variac. Maybe $150?

[runmc]

Yeah mine goes like 270 or 310, anything the middle is impossible LOL

My last black one I had varied more than this red one. This one only swings about 5 digits. But you have to use a feather touch when turning.

[wdrzal]

I haven't look at a electrical diagram but I believe those devices are solid state triac's, like a modern dimmer switch.