Use a couple of 2N3055 Bipolar Power Transistors on a good heatsink.
 Put the Collector on the PLUS and the Emitter on the GND, and Bias the=20
 BASE relative to the Emitter.  With an Ammeter in series with the load,

 you can tell when you have reached the 12A level.=20
 The transistors will get warm, but they can handle it. These
transistors=20
 can handle 15 amps continuous.  You could get by with just one if the
load
 isn't left on for a long period of time.

 Regards,

 Jim
=20
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: [EE] inexpensive adjustable 0-12A current sink?
> From: doug metzler <doug.metzler@gmail.com>
> Date: Fri, September 30, 2011 12:01 pm
> To: "Microcontroller discussion list - Public." <piclist@mit.edu>
>=20
>=20
> I'm thinking something benchtop with an analog ammeter and a big set
> dial that I can use to test FET heat under different load conditions.
>=20
> I did some googling but I only found babies - 0-1A.
>=20
> Do you guys know of anything that might fit the bill?  Unfortunately
> cost is a large consideration right now, but high accuracy is not
> necessary.
>=20
> for my purposes I'll be testing with 15VDC
>=20
> Thanks,
>=20
> DougM
> --=20
> http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
> View/change your membership options at
> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist


--=20
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
.