EastTester ET5410A+ Electronic Load Review | Voltlog #453

In this comprehensive review, we take an in-depth look at the EastTester ET5410A+ Electronic Load, a 400W max, 150V, and 40A fully programmable dummy load. With its 3.2-inch TFT display, this unit promises an improved user interface over the 7-segment display found in the Kunkin KP184. However, as the review unfolds, it becomes clear that while the ET5410A+ has some notable strengths, it also has areas that could benefit from improvement.

One of the key aspects evaluated in the review is the accuracy and precision of the unit. The manufacturer claims a resolution of 1mV and 1mA, but the reviewer found that this was not always the case, with the display sometimes showing only 10mV and 10mA resolution. After some investigation, it was discovered that a setting in the menu allowed switching between a low range (20V, 3A) and a high range (150V, 40A), which affected both the maximum input and the display resolution.

The functionality of the ET5410A+ is impressive, with features like battery testing, LED testing, and transient testing modes. However, the review highlights some potential software bugs, particularly with the battery discharge feature in Constant Resistance mode, which some users reported issues with on older firmware versions.

Build quality is a mixed bag, with both good and bad aspects. The reviewer praises the overall PCB assembly but raises concerns about the mains earth wiring, placement of wires and connectors, and the lack of full plated footprint holes for the MOSFETs. Safety concerns are also raised, with the earth connection passing through the PCB and soldering issues observed during the teardown.

Voltlog #247 – InTheMail

Welcome to a new InTheMail, the series that will touch both your passion for electronics and your bank account at the same time. We’re going to start with this small module, at first when I ordered it I didn’t fully understood what it does but now after doing a bit of research for this mailbag it seems this is an immobiliser emulator for the VAG group. So am immobiliser is a security component of your car that will not let the ECU start the engine unless a certain key or token is present. And there might be valid reasons why you might need this emulator, for example if the immobiliser is broken, you can supposably cancel it and start the engine with this emulator or if you exchange the motor/ecu combo once again it might not be possible to use the old immobiliser and so an emulator will help.

It talks over a K-line interface which is something specific to the automotive domain but it’s basically a form of serial interface. At first I thought this was going to emulate some kind of can bus and I was planning to play with it by scanning the bus but now I realize this is useless for me.