3A Super Pyroload Driver Test Load

3A Super Pyroload​

I will start off by saying that I have melted quite a few test loads in my building.:eg: The problem is I am often measuring current in the 1A-2A range when setting drivers for the 445's and it sometimes takes longer than you like to get to just the right mA. About 3 months ago I got one of Flaminpryo's 3A test loads that has held up pretty well. It gets hot and you have to be conscious of how much time you have had it on and let cool down after so long. But thankfully I have not lost that one yet.

Jeff sent me a PM the other day telling me about his new test load and after seeing some of the pictures I asked him to send me one. A few days later this arrives on my doorstep.










It is much bigger than my previous test loads.





He is using a large bar of copper and a finned aluminum heatsink to keep the components from overheating. I added alligator clips to the pins on either side of the resistor so I could slide in the tips of my DMM leads. I also soldered on some smaller alligator clips to the driver leads for quick connections.








Looks like he used some diodes in a SMD package with a sinkable metal back for heat distribution into the copper bar. I see some thermal adhesive between the copper and the diodes. Also there are screws holding each tight in place. I am hoping this load should let me forget about duty cycle altogether.





I decided to pull the electrical tape that covers the bottom to check out his work. On his previous loads he used that hard clear rubber stuff(for lack of the proper term) to cover the wiring. He did use some on the stress points like where the leads for the driver are and the point where the negative wire bends to go up to the switch. It is possible that he wanted it to sit more flat so that it does not wobble. I would have liked seen the bottom covered but no big deal. On the wiring itself all the points look nicely soldered and it is neat in presentation.












This one has a switch for red or blue. He asked me if I wanted it so I am not sure if it will be standard on them.





Anyway here it the real test. I got a driver that puts out around 2.4A and ran a test. I was thinking when I began the test I would go for a few minutes but I decided what the hell while running it and went all the way to 10 minutes.:eg: I could have cooked an egg off the copper bar but it did not seem to mind.








Anyway I am very happy with this unit and I would definitely recommend it for anyone that does not want to build one for them self. Now that I don't have to worry about duty cycle when setting my drivers my laser building will be just that much easier. Thanks for the great product Jeff.:beer:

Re: 3A Super Pryoload Driver Test Load

Cool review...

I ordered a copper one a few days ago too.

Can't wait to get it!

Re: 3A Super Pryoload Driver Test Load

First off, nice review. You may want to check your spelling of 'pyro', though.

Although it certainly is a nice design, I really don't get why the names/IDs of the diodes have been scratched out. I'mean, of course, you have the risks of having others 'steal' (well, not really, because just about anyone can get the components- high power diodes are NOT hard to find), but still, to remove identifying information from the diode at the risk of compromising the package integrity of the device?

I've seen FETs blow up after sustaining package damage. Then again it could just be an one-off.

Also, the diodes are probably still within operating specifications when "[you] could have cooked an egg off the copper bar", however, that could be a burn hazard. Of course that also raises the question as to who would leave it on for ten minutes in one sitting. Realistically it wouldn't be in use for longer than a few minutes at most, and even then, with breaks between usage.

Re: 3A Super Pryoload Driver Test Load

goninanbl00d said:

First off, nice review. You may want to check your spelling of 'pyro', though.

Although it certainly is a nice design, I really don't get why the names/IDs of the diodes have been scratched out. I'mean, of course, you have the risks of having others 'steal' (well, not really, because just about anyone can get the components- high power diodes are NOT hard to find), but still, to remove identifying information from the diode at the risk of compromising the package integrity of the device?

I've seen FETs blow up after sustaining package damage. Then again it could just be an one-off.

Also, the diodes are probably still within operating specifications when "[you] could have cooked an egg off the copper bar", however, that could be a burn hazard. Of course that also raises the question as to who would leave it on for ten minutes in one sitting. Realistically it wouldn't be in use for longer than a few minutes at most, and even then, with breaks between usage.

Click to expand...

Thanks. That is my ledysxia kicking in.:

The scratching off of the numbers I can't speak to but as long as it works I don't mind.

I ran it for 10 minutes to see how tough it is. Like I said I have burnt out a few test loads. You never know how long you could end up screwing with a driver when trying to set the pot especially while balancing dual drivers but your right I would hope it does not take 10 minutes but it is nice not to have to worry about it.

I totally agree with DTR,
I ran home from work, there is was.
It is huge. but I like that, feels tough.
Im glad you ran it for that long DTR.
Just goes to show that pryo knows what he is doing.
Thanks again for a great product.

RDCII

Wow nice review there DTR it looks like if it can take you punishment it should last for anyone
Well I did build it Flaminpyro tough :eg:

For anyone interested you can find them here> http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fp-super-3-amp-test-load-62826-3.html#post894284

Flaminpyro said:

Wow nice review there DTR it looks like if it can take you punishment it should last for anyone
Well I did build it Flaminpyro tough :eg:

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Glad you like it. Thanks for making this great product.

DTR I've had a few test loads magically unsolder on Me while setting high current for a 445, and for some reason the drivers really hate to be run without a load..huh imagine that. This load will save Me some money in fried drivers.

Flaminpyro said:

Wow nice review there DTR it looks like if it can take you punishment it should last for anyone
Well I did build it Flaminpyro tough :eg:

Click to expand...

Nice touch FP... removing the part numbers...
The intellectual property thieves should do their
own legwork and research...
@ DTR... another bookmarked review....:gj:

Jerry

Great Review. I remember when i first Heatsinked my test Load it worked Great. Not having to worry about shutting it off every few seconds of it over heatsink. That was with the other style Diode type.

I really like these regulator style diodes. Makes for better heat transfer.

On My New 3A one that i built and Heatsinked i can hit 3A no problem.

I beat FP can hit Higher With No problem as well.

This is a Good testload.

Thank you for saying so
I have tested it to 6 amps for 30 seconds and no problem
I would not run it at that current for any longer though.

It can go all day long at 2 amps continously and all day
at 3 amps with a 50% duty cycle

How fast can you set drivers

lazeerer said:

Great Review. I remember when i first Heatsinked my test Load it worked Great. Not having to worry about shutting it off every few seconds of it over heatsink. That was with the other style Diode type.

I really like these regulator style diodes. Makes for better heat transfer.

On My New 3A one that i built and Heatsinked i can hit 3A no problem.

I beat FP can hit Higher With No problem as well.

This is a Good testload.

Click to expand...

Nice Work! But is HUGE! lazeerer's Test Load is cute and very Small, also 3A!

eytyxhs said:

Nice Work! But is HUGE! lazeerer's Test Load is cute and very Small, also 3A!

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Sounds like something a women said to me the other day....

Flaminpyro said:

Thank you for saying so
I have tested it to 6 amps for 30 seconds and no problem
I would not run it at that current for any longer though.

It can go all day long at 2 amps continously and all day
at 3 amps with a 50% duty cycle

How fast can you set drivers

Click to expand...

Sweet FP. 6A. Thats Crazy.

Its Such a good Looking Testload.

I personal Like the Size of it. . Well Done.

++

BAHAHAH don't want anyone stealing his super secret mysterious ICs now does he? =P Not a pretty idea to remove the labels... risk damaging the n channel power mosfets in the process.

However, why so many fets? 1 Fet can drive 3A easily with proper heat sinking. Also, why fets in series? if your driving high current and you want to reduce the power across each fet, parallel would be the way to go? ... not sure, maybe they are in parallel. Hard to see from this picture.

Thanks for the review though, looks nice!

I've never heard DTR talk before... I was thinking.. Who is that? ha.

Good Review