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Leon
In my recent experiencewith Peltier units, they can be driven with either polarity - it really depends upon whether you are cooling or heating the thermal load. There is a nominal cold/hot side. If you are attempting to regulate the temperature of the load, then the peltier controller (if you are using one) with do both to maintain a constant temperature. It seems that in your case, however, that you just want to apply a fixed DC to the unit, but not necessarily have it actively controlled. That is OK, too.
You don't require a thermal load just to test the cooling/heating operation of the Peltier - but you DO need to supply the CORRECT POWER (Volts x Amps). Too little is OK, but too much is not!
What are the specifications of the Peltier you are using? There should be a nominal max power rating for it. If you exceed that, you might fry it - as it seems you have done. The Peltier you are using may not be rated for the 13.8V that you are using (and the resulting current) - it may require a much lower voltage.
It would be better to gradually increase the voltage (or current) from zero, up to its recommended operating point. Do you have access to a variable power supply - say, 0-15 Volts @ 4-5 Amps?
As for the DSE issue: It was once the bee's knees for hobbyists, but since Dick sold it, it has never been the same - particularly now.
Cheers & good luck
John
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