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SFUptownMaker Introduction
Note: This guide is for the latest version of the Variable Load's firmware. If you have an
older version (purchased prior to 24 May 2018), or if your board doesn't behave in the way suggested by this tutorial, please refer to
the older tutorial.
SparkFun's Variable Load board is designed to allow users to draw a specific amount of current from a voltage source. It can be used to test stability of the power supply under various loads, battery lifetime, safety cutoffs, and other design elements of power supplies under test.
The Variable Load can test supplies of up to 30V at currents ranging from a few mA to 4A. For safety, the total load power is limited to 15W, and even at 15W the heatsink gets very hot. The Variable Load is designed to be extensible, with headers for a basic character-based LCD so it can be used without a connection to a PC.
Out of stock
KIT-14449
The SparkFun Variable Load is a quick to assemble kit that has been designed to allow users to draw a specific amount of curr…
1
Required Materials
Everything you need to follow this hookup guide is included in the kit, except for the heat sink thermal compound linked below. If you want to add an LCD, any of our 5V character LCDs will work, as linked below. You'll also need some male header pins. You may not need everything though depending on what you have. Add it to your cart, read through the guide, and adjust the cart as necessary.
In stock
PRT-00116
A row of headers - break to fit. 40 pins that can be cut to any size. Used with custom PCBs or general custom headers.
20
In stock
LCD-00255
This is a basic 16 character by 2 line display. Black text on Green background. Utilizes the extremely common HD44780 paralle…
16
In stock
CAB-10215
USB 2.0 type A to Micro-B 5-pin. This is a new, smaller connector for USB devices. Micro-B connectors are about half the heig…
15
In stock
LCD-00709
This is a basic 16 character by 2 line display with a snazzy black background with white characters. Utilizes the extremely c…
13
In stock
PRT-09599
This is a 5g syringe of white heatsink compound (aka thermal grease, thermal paste, thermal goo). Use this whenever you're co…
In stock
LCD-10862
This is similar to other 16x2 character LCDs that you've seen before but with one vibrant difference: The backlight is actual…
3
Retired
LCD-00790
This is a basic 16 character by 2 line display with a Blue background and a Yellow backlight. Utilizes the extremely common H…
1
Retired
Required Tools
For assembly of this kit, you will need standard soldering tools. Any soldering iron of reasonable quality and solder should work fine. To mount the transistor to the heat sink, a Phillips head screwdriver is required.
Out of stock
TOL-09146
This is just your basic reversible screwdriver - pocket sized! Both flat and phillips heads available. Comes with pin clip an…
3
