DIY - Dummy Load Box

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steve_k

steve_k

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Anybody ever build a 100 watt 16 ohm dummy load box...with confidence and without frying something? Haven't seen anything like this on the market, built for purpose. Probably because of failure implications and reliability -- or liability.

I was thinking to build one for biasing amps. Also, for running a Mesa Mark preamp signal into the FX return of a Marshall amp. Run the dummy load off the Mesa and the cabs off the Marshall. I am pretty sure with a project box, heat sinks, 4 x 4ohm 25 watt power resistors, a guy can build one with the resistors wired up in series. But, can it be done with long term reliability? A speaker load is variable, but nominal, unlike a resistive load which I would think is steady state. So, I am not sure exactly how safe this is.

Maybe, some of the amp builders can chime in.

Steve
 
There are a few proven designs floating around and I have built a few of them, but I just use an attenuator that has a load option. It sits on my bench and I use it all the time, plus is keeps my coffee warm while burning in amps :lol: :LOL:
 
That is a good one. And if you take the first link and put it into google, you will get the translate option. :)
 
Would it be a good idea to bias an amp on a load? Wouldn't a speaker behave differently on an amp and therefore readings could vary?
 
Bias => idle current.
No need for a load/speaker if you have a master volume (which should be set to 0).
 
How interesting. Don't see too many threads like this on RT...
 
bananaladonpcp":zqent39w said:
How interesting. Don't see too many threads like this on RT...
Click to expand...

Used to be lots of them in the past...
 
dumb question...maybe?

what about the ol' ceramic heater?

...cut the plug off, wire up a 1/4 inch, plug into amp and go?

or is this an uban legend?
 
yeti":t16hjxrd said:
dumb question...maybe?

what about the ol' ceramic heater?

...cut the plug off, wire up a 1/4 inch, plug into amp and go?

or is this an uban legend?
Click to expand...

Maybe these heaters also come in Alnico = warmer tone?
 
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