New test set up is here

[crmaris]

However I have no free time this period to install and play with it :(

http://tpucdn.com/articles/161/images/loads_all.jpg

http://tpucdn.com/articles/161/images/loads_3711A.jpg

http://tpucdn.com/articles/161/images/loads_UPS.jpg

[Elledan]

I love shiny new toys :)

[Oklahoma Wolf]

However I have no free time this period to install and play with it

No problem. Just send them over to me, and I'll make sure they last for a couple years :D

[crmaris]

only yesterday I found the time to install them and replace my old (but trusty) load tester. I am on the beta testing phase of my custom software right now and I hope in a few days they will be fully operational, although the software needs lots of tuning and controlling nine loads at the same time isn't the easiest thing.

They look very promising so far and I like very much the capability to be able to dial loads with such a fine precision (with 0.1W step or 0.001A till 3Amps and 0.01A from 3A and above).

Also since they are too many and I use them all, even with 1000-1200W they run relatively cool so their fans are almost inaudible, at least most of the time. However when they run at full speed they make a hell of a noise.

The sum is 6*300W for +12V and 3*150W for 5V, 3.3V and 5VSB. Yeap a whole 150W load for the 5VSB but I needed the high precision at this rail to run the stby efficiency tests, so using resistors again was out of the question.

Thanks to the power connections board I have, which has 6 PCI, 2 EPS, 4 peripheral, 1 SATA and of course an ATX 24 pin, I will be able to monitor ripple on two rails at the same time (it is equipped with BNCs and the right caps before them). On the above board very soon I will add 1-2 more SATA 15P male connectors to provide more juice to 3.3V rail. Also it has room to solder much more connectors but I don't think that right now I need them. Maybe in the future I will install 2 PCIe more (for >1200W units).

The software that controls the loads will run on a completely fanless PC, in order to be able some day to make accurate Db measurements. However my one year son most of the time makes such a noise that overlaps even the loaders when running at full speed :D So I must also find a sound/baby proof room for this :)

Finally, to minimize losses I used thick and as short as possible cables to connect the loads with the connections board.

When I will find time I will shoot some photos to show you..

[crmaris]

http://www.thelab.gr/gallery3/var/resizes/Articles/Articles-Pictures/Electronic_Loads/Arrays_set_up.jpg?m=1309091075

http://www.thelab.gr/gallery3/var/resizes/Articles/Articles-Pictures/Electronic_Loads/loads_rear_side.jpg?m=1309091080

http://www.thelab.gr/gallery3/var/resizes/Articles/Articles-Pictures/Electronic_Loads/power_connections_board.jpg?m=1309091087

http://www.thelab.gr/gallery3/var/resizes/Articles/Articles-Pictures/Electronic_Loads/usb_hub.jpg?m=1309091087

[Elledan]

Sexy :D