Home-brew battery measuring station

[glassdoctor]

Originally Posted by BrianG

I agree. The only valid data would come from perfectly repeatable and consistent test setup.

I've thought about this for a while and don't think a dyno would be sufficient. We know that the temperature of the motor affects efficiency, and the motor temp would certainly change in a dyno, which would affect the results. I think the load would have to be something static and relatively temperature-independent. Which means we are back again to the resistor concept.

And since I was at work, I forgot to bid on those 3ohm 50w resistors (240 count) that I was watching. Ended for ~$50 + shipping. Poo. That's a whole heck of a lot cheaper than retail!!! Hopefully I'm on the ball a little better for the next one.

IIRC, CC uses motors (not sure what kind or how big, how many) in a bath of oil (big drum actually) to load test their ESCs. Might be worth picking their brains to see if they can help setup a similar test bed. I'm sure it wouldn't be difficult or expensive to find some suitable large motors (car starter motors, etc)

Just an idea