Dummy loads (was: Re: new here)

It would seem to me that if you needed a dummy load for a power supply (and couldn't scrape up a bunch of power resistors), it would make the most sense to use the highest voltage incandescent lamps that you have at your disposal. The reason is quite simple--tungsten-filament lamps (not that I expect anyone to have any carbon-filament ones) have a very steep resistance-temperature curve (higher "hot" resistance). Instead of a automotive lamp, use a regular 120V (or 220V) incandescent(s). The ratio of hot-to-cold resistance will be much reduced (on a lamp operated at the rated voltage, hot-to-cold resistance is usually about 15 to 1). Or better yet, use a nichrome heating element from an old hair dryer or aquarium heater. Nicrhome V wire has only a 6% increase in resistance between 68F and 1600F. Just saying... --Chuck