DIY Adjustable Constant Load (Current & Power)

In this project I will show you how I combined an Arduino Nano, a current sensor, an LCD, a rotary encoder and a couple of other complementary components in order to create an adjustable constant load. It features a constant current and power mode and can handle a maximum of 30V and 20A if your heatsink design can handle it. Let's get started!

The video gives you all the information you need to make your own adjustable constant load. During the next steps though, I will present you some additional information.

Here you can find a parts list with example seller (affiliate links):

Aliexpress:

1x Arduino Nano: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dULoNXh

1x 16x2 I2C LCD: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dSjOzdW

1x Rotary Encoder: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZs9jUb

1x TC4420 MOSFET Driver: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d9epnMB

1x IRFZ44N MOSFET: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dUJRtAg

1x ACS712 Current Sensor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dSKBwNK

1x Fuse Holder: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dU3K3jS

1x 20A Fuse: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTjqvC4

2x Binding Post: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d9ke5na

Ebay:

1x Arduino Nano: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 16x2 I2C LCD: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Rotary Encoder: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x TC4420 MOSFET Driver: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x IRFZ44N MOSFET: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x ACS712 Current Sensor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Fuse Holder: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 20A Fuse: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x Binding Post: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Amazon.de:

1x Arduino Nano: https://amzn.to/2BLw2Ml

1x 16x2 I2C LCD: https://amzn.to/2BJ8tnx

1x Rotary Encoder: https://amzn.to/2Lmt5S0

1x TC4420 MOSFET Driver: https://amzn.to/2PBVQ0g

1x IRFZ44N MOSFET: https://amzn.to/2PxQd38

1x ACS712 Current Sensor: https://amzn.to/2NijkGn

1x Fuse Holder: https://amzn.to/2NkffkK

1x 20A Fuse: https://amzn.to/2PCLm0A

2x Binding Post: https://amzn.to/2BP0eGq

Here you can find the schematic as well as pictures of my finished circuit. Feel free to use it as a reference for your own circuit.

Here you can download the code for the project. Upload it to the Arduino Nano through the Arduino IDE

Also make sure to download/include this library:

https://github.com/fdebrabander/Arduino-LiquidCrys...

All that is left to do is mounting all the components inside your enclosure.

You did it! You just created your own adjustable constant load!

Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects: http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab

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