Sunmoon ATE 5500 vs. 8800

[Philipus II]

Hi, I could use some advice. I'd like to buy some basic test equipment, mainly for handling the RMA.

I checked the market for an affordable load. I got quotes from both Sunmoon companies.

Sunmoon 8800 ATE 4.03
total power: 1620 watts
burn in total power: 800 watts
2x300W for minor rails
3x300W for +12V
price: 2500 USD


Sunmoon 5500 ATE 10 load, single unit
1.200W rated
6x+12V (5x350, 1x 400W)
used by quite a lot of people since Corsair provided several units to European reviewers
price: 2650 USD

Runour says the software for the 8800 is way better. Anyone had a 8800? What would you recommend me to do?

[Jon Gerow]

The software for the 8800 is WAY better. The SM5500 handles higher load unless you get the SM440 with the SM8800. The SM440 also doubles as a power meter.

For the SM5500, I suggest the dual unit. Takes load capability up to 2000W and the second unit doubles as a power meter.

[Philipus II]

The SM 5500 Dual can't be software controlled. At least my price list says so. That's why I'd prefer the cheaper single one. Also I don't need the extra power draw. Germans generally buy lower power psu. If I can only test up to 800 watts in the office I'd be ok for now.

[Jon Gerow]

If you're REALLY hell bent on using the software, then definitely go with the SM-8800. It's idiot proof.

[Philipus II]

I have worked both with Software conbtrolled ATS and on device controlled loads. Software controlled is more comfortable but not a must have, I think. 1200 watts would be perfect for my needs, I guess.

[Philipus II]

I finally decided to go for the Sunmoon 5500 ATE since it's maximum continous power is higher for the same price. I'll have to live with the software suite.

[Jon Gerow]

Or... You can do what I do and just program it on the fly and not use the software.

[Philipus II]

I'll try it both ways. In the end for the price tag of the 5500 ATE there is no better option. Exchange rate is shit at the moment, but well, it probably won't get better any time soon.

[Philipus II]

Btw, in the end I bought Sunmoon 5500 10 load model. I absolutely met my needs. Even the software was much better than expected. Once I knew which sign meant what and which descriptions are wrong I used it all the time. For me, automated testing was both more comfortable but also saving time. Some times I've put up to 1500W for an hour load on it, survived all fine. It's still working like the first day when I've got it.

Now I was lookin for a second setup. Seems like this Sunmoon company went out of business and only "the other Sunmoon company" is still around. This will mean I will have top operate two different systems

[Oklahoma Wolf]

There's always FastAuto, as long as you like terrible Windows XP software and enjoy not having a quick way to program it via the front panel.

I gave up trying to get Windows 7/10 to talk to the thing.