Passive high-voltage dummy load

[Yorkie]

As to measuring temperature, Maplin have an infra red thermometer on offer at present, normally £39.99, reduced to £19.99. I bought one a year or so ago when they were on offer before, primarily to balance the thirteen radiators on our central heating system, but the thermometer has obvious use in electronics for such things as checking the temperature of transformer cores, heat sinks, high wattage resistor, particularly to note any rises in temperature. It’s a pistol grip type infrared thermometer which has a laser and backlight for easier targeting and operation. The temperature range is large -35°C to 365°C temperature, and it gives real time maximum reading and has power saving auto shutoff. I’ve found it excellent, and the laser is useful as it enables accurate targeting of the infra red beam.

The features, as outlined at the link below, are:

Compact thermometer with a wide -35°C to 365°C temperature range
Built-in laser pointer for accurate readings
Automatic data hold and real-time MAX temperature reading
Last measurement memory recall
Large, easy to read display with 15-second hold
Fixed emissivity (0.95) covers 90% of surface applications
Distance to spot ratio: 8:1
Auto shut off
Large LCD screen with backlight
°C/°F selectable
Uses 2 x AAA batteries (supplied separately - order code L42AL)

http://www.maplin.co.uk/infrared-thermom...05?c=found&u=tools&t=infrared%20thermometer&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=test%20equipment&utm_term=infrared%20thermometer%20-e&gclid=cmrypnin8qwcfcsmtaodi1yhqa

They also have a 50 Watt soldering station on offer, one of which I bought about a month ago, and have used extensively since. The tip temperature can be controlled from 350°F (180°C) to 900°F (480°C) without the need to change the tip or heating element. Additionally, a pack of three assorted tips for this solder station can be purchased separately (Order Code: N79AR).

Normally £32.99, offer price till 24 Dec £14.99. Nice stocking filler! (admittedly not as nice as Kylie!)

http://www.maplin.co.uk/50w-solder-station-35016

I’ve got no connection with Maplin, other than as an occasional customer. (Most of my needs for the sort of stuff that Maplin used to stock are met by Rapid, ESR, and Spiratronics).