I already have a digital multimeter and want to make a load for it to test batteries. For the electrical wizards in the group, is there a simple resistor setup that I can use to put a .250- .5 amp load on my packs? I'd like to be able to use it on 4.8v and 6v packs too. Or would I come out cheaper just buying the loaded ESV like everybody else?

See http://www.hangtimes.com/id42.html for loaded voltmeter article.

I did read that a while back. I have a couple of questions though if you have a minute. Do I get the same amount of load when using 4.8 or 6 volt batteries? And I'd rather use a resistor just to keep the package as small as possible. Any info on which to use to get the right amount of load?

A 10 ohm resistor should get you in the ball park of what you are trying to do. Since I=E/R (ohms law) a 10 ohm resistor would give approximately a 480 mA load on the 4.8V pack and 600mA load on the 6V pack (the load would be slightly higher when the packs are fully charged.

If you want to get closer to 250mA load use a 20 ohm reistor.

Keep in mind when buying the resistors that they will need to be rated for the task at hand. The 6V pack with a 10 ohm resistor will require a resistor capable of handling at least 5 watts and to be safe it should be a 10 watt resistor.

Jester,
RCAirFlr has you on the right track.
Use Ohms Law (r=e/i) and you can custom build any load you want.
Remember, two equal resistors in parallel give you 1/2 the resistance and twice the wattage.
Two 20 ohm 5 watt resistors give you 10 ohms and can handle 10 watts.
Power or watts = e * i
If they are only plugged in for a few seconds you can use lower wattage resistors.
My meter uses the dual banana plugs sold by Radio Shack and others.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2509628
They are pricey at RS and can be had cheaper other places.
Since they are stackable you can easily check the loaded and non-loaded voltage.
Just put your resistors accross the terminals to load the battery.
If you need any more information feel free to ask.
Good luck and have fun,
KW_Counter

No the load will be a bit different for the different voltages as noted above in the post by rcairflr. A bulb is usually cheaper than the wattage restors you would need, but the main reason I chose a bulb is so that I could actually see that current was flowing.

What bulb for a 4.8 receiver battery, please??? thanks RG

A #44, same for either 4.8 or 6 volt packs.

Thanks alot, guys. I think I'll stick with the bulb since it's really easy to know that the setup is working that way. Red, I appreciate all that you've written and distributed for free. Most of what I know about batteries I learned from your battery clinic. Thanks.

Can't seem to find a #44 around here...Any others that will do the job? thanks Rich

Did you check an auto supply store? Others that will work are 51, 259, 378,
555, 1866, 612.