These are some images of a dummy load that I made some years ago. Basically it is just another adjustable resistor with true RMS power measurement (frequency range 0 - 10kHz).
What is special is that it can dissipate about 3 kilowatts of raw power.
There is an Atmel microcontroller hiding behind the scenes and the huge "analog" meter has actually a tiny stepper inside. The original mechanism was so corroded that I had to toss it and make a new one for this. Lot easier to swing the needle with a stepper than with a coil and magnets and whatnot.
The resistor is actually wound using quite thick resistor wire and then soldered to steel sticks. And to those that wonder the solder - it was branded Alusol and it seems to be able to solder almost anything.... but not the material You are trying to solder with it.
Actually this solder works well but seems it works better with steel than copper. This might e because steel does not conduct heat well.
The images below are stored in my personal server - so they do not waste MadModder space - they waste Your time since the connection is rather slow.
The resistor network.
Bevel of the meter was so corroded that I had to clean and repaint it.
The mechanism was junk but with some gears and a stepper motor it was like new
I really hate wires. It seems to be impossible to make this scene neat and tidy.
The two holes are for XLR connectors for audio monitoring.
It is not that heavy. Handles were there so why toss them.
