--- Don <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Sometimes I wonder how in the World did I get a Ham Radio Lic , 25 > Yrs > ago , Anyway here is what I need Help on I bought a 40 Amp Power > Adjustable Power supply with Volt and Amp Meters , I would like to > make something to test it Before putting it on a Expensive piece of > Communications Equipment Like My Kenwood TS-2000 , I tried a Car > Battery Tester but that is a 100 Amp non Adjustable Load , Pined > the > Amp Meter and Voltage Dropped to 6 Volts . To Much Load, Maybe I will > try a Car headlight but that will be Unknown as to how many amps at > 13.8, and that is what I need to know Exactly a load that will tell > me > that, anyone that has done this or has any Ideas I would appreciate > it > > Thanks Don KA9QJG > >
I use a 12v power inverter. They are about 85% efficient, so you can calculate the load pretty good. If you want to load at 20 amps, put two 100 watt light bulbs on the 120v side, and hook the 12v side to your PS. It will draw close to 20 amps, if you want more load, add more light bulbs. Make sure your inverter is good for the power, the small ones are good for 100+ watts, and the mid size ones will do 500+ watts. By judicious selection of bulbs, you can make a continuous duty load of virtually any size for very little money. Bulbs are 4 for $1, or 400+ watts of continuous load for a buck. Most people have these inverters, or have a friend with one. You can buy a mid size unit for about $60, and use it for emergencies or camping, etc. It's also a good way to load test a battery. Put the inverter on and a single 100 watt bulb. A good 100AH battery should run it for about 8+ hours, before the voltage drops below 11v. Joe ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/
