PEL-8150

This is a typical bk precision knock off with capabilities beyond what is stated in the description. It's great and should last. There are a few manufacturering cost cutting measures compared to the name brand but none that really have that much of an affect and none that have any affect on accuracy or usability. Overall great for hobbiest that wants a programmable DC load. Update: Nearly a year later and this thing still works amazing like it did on day 1. I find more and more uses for it and its nearly silent most of the time. And even when the fan does kick on its still more quite than my other Agilent bench equipment.

Update 7/27/2023 A bit after I bought this, Matrix ran the 300w version on sale at a price that I couldn't pass up. I decided to give it another chance, and bought this electronic load, except I upgraded to the 300w version. After unboxing, I checked to see how the power plug would insert. Like my first one, there was a strong resistance when trying to push it in. However, unlike my first one, I was able to get it inserted (there was a gritty scratching feeling when inserting). I've been using this for a couple of months now, and I have to say that it has been very useful to me. I'm not doing an in-depth product review, other than to say that I am happy with the second device that I purchased for the FULL sale price on Amazon (nothing was given to me to prompt this post). I have updated my rating to correspond to my satisfaction. Functionally, I would give it a 5 star rating. However, I felt that the keypad, and buttons with the knob felt a little "cheap" so I backed off the 5 start rating. But, the functionality it provides is worth a 5 star given the price point (which is significantly less than similar models from their competitors) Original Review: This looked to be a great value for the price. However I couldn't get it running due to an issue with the plug. There is a set of male prongs that accept the power cord. When I tried to plug in the power cord, it wasn't going in. I tried to jiggle it while pushing in, and that didn't work. Then I tried to push harder, but it wasn't going in. I stopped because the back panel started flexing inward and I was scared of breaking something. When looking at the plug, there appeared to be a manufacturing issue on the ground plug. The end of the male prong is tapered, to allow the female plug to slide in. However, it looks like the tapering wasn't full length, and resulted in a square shoulder around the prong. It appears to be this shoulder that is hitting against the power cord internal, preventing it from being fully inserted. I thought about taking a file to it, but then I realized that I shouldn't have to be doing this to a brand new item, so I packaged it up and filed a return. I couldn't do anything else because not being able to insert the cord prevented me from even turning it on, so I have no further comment on the performance or function of the device.

Solid, good finish, professional user interface, easy to use. Does the job. I had intended to build a similar device as an exercise but I could never make one this good. Glad I bought it, I use it a lot.

I’m using this to test and calibrate some electronic equipment. The controls are clear and easy to use. I have not used the serial data control on the back yet but it is nice that this unit has that functionality.