FS: GhostDrive Linear Drivers

The GhostDrive is a full featured, micro-sized, linear driver. It's small enough to easily fit inside of an AixiZ module, and is capable of running both red and blu-ray laser diodes on two 3.7V lithium-ion batteries.* Each driver comes in a preset range which is selected at checkout.

Don't see a current that suits your build? Need more current? Less current? No worries. The GhostDrive is also available in the "Option-X" configuration which enables you to customize the driver to your own specifications by supplying your own resistor. Just solder it on and go.**


Features

• Dimensions: 8.96mm x 12.8mm

• Reverse polarity protection

• Voltage ripple protection

• Thermal protection

• Can be soldered directly to laser diode

• Max voltage in: 15V

• Max operating current: 800mA

• Selectable ranges:

Heatsinking is recommended when operated at higher currents.

Warning: The GhostDrive's capacitor must be discharged BEFORE you attempt to hook it up to your laser diode. Failure to do so could result in damage to your laser diode. To discharge the capacitor, make sure the driver is disconnected from it's power source, then short the driver by touching each end of a piece of wire to both the LD+ and LD- terminals at the same time.


*High-powered blu-ray diodes (12X) may require more than 7.4V if powered over 250mA. Do not exceed 15V.

**The driver will not function without a set resistor. By choosing the "Option-X" configuration you are agreeing that you have mad soldering skills, understand that you must supply and install your own 2010 SMD set resistor, and that you assume all responsibility for modifying the driver. The "Option-X" configuration is not covered under warranty, and refunds will not be given if you choose this option.


GhostDrives are available here.

:thanks:

Alrighty, this is just a quick post to let you know that I'm going to be offering a few more current options with the GhostDrive.

A couple of people have asked about the driver being available in a very low-powered version, and I think that's a great idea. I've ordered the parts to do it, so they should be here in about a week or so. I've also got the parts coming to do a higher-powered version of the driver that can be used with the cool new Mitsubishi diodes, as well as more parts for the Red Burning Bundles. Sweet!

The new low-powered options that will be added to the current offering of available powers are:

20mA
25mA
30mA
35mA
39.5mA


The new higher-powered versions will include:

625mA
694mA
781mA


:toot toot:

what kind of resistor for option-x 300mw 650-660nm wavelength or a 1000mw projector diode?

LaserEmperor said:

what kind of resistor for option-x 300mw 650-660nm wavelength or a 1000mw projector diode?

Click to expand...

You can't have 1000mW from the projector diode with this driver because it maxes out at 800mA.

Jim

LaserEmperor said:

what kind of resistor for option-x 300mw 650-660nm wavelength or a 1000mw projector diode?

Click to expand...

Yeah, don't go past 800mA.

What "300mW" diode are you using?

lpc815 laser sled diode red

i just need the type of resistor for option x to run the 300mw diode

LaserEmperor said:

lpc815 laser sled diode red

Click to expand...

LaserEmperor said:

i just need the type of resistor for option x to run the 300mw diode

Click to expand...

About 500mA is the most you want to go on the LPC-815. I have an LPC-815 build that I'm running with the 456mA version of the driver and it works great. The 502mA version will work as well (it will actually be running at ~500mA), but remember the harder you push your diodes, the shorter their life is. That's why I'm running mine at ~450mA. There's a possibility that your diode might be a dud and will burn out at 500mA. It's kind of a gamble.

I'll have more 456mA versions in a few days if you want a fully assembled driver. If you want to run it at about 480mA, you'll need a 2.6 Ohm resistor that can handle 3/4 of a Watt. SMD 2010 package.

Hope that helps.

Added more current options and updated the OP. Lots of options available now for low powered diodes. 104mA and 625mA available now as well. I got the wrong parts from Mouser for the 694mA and 781mA versions, so those are currenly a no go. Burning bundle kits are now back too.

Selectable ranges:


:thanks:

All the individual v1 drivers are gone. I have a couple left, but I've already set the current on them and have bundled them in with my Red kits.

So that means there is a new version in the works!

Here's what we're looking at for the GhostDrive2:

1) M0ar Metal! Wider traces and as much metal as I could possibly fit in between the two layers. This should help with heat dissipation.

2) M0ar current selection! I've managed to squeeze another resistor onto the back side of the board which will allow for virtually an infinite amount of current settings. Before I was limited on current settings because of the use of a single resistor, and resistors needed for certain currents not always being available in the size that I needed. That's not a problem anymore. The driver should be fully customizable now.

3) Same small size, same IC, same features as before. Things haven't changed there.


Should be a few weeks.

ok i know this is kinda stupid but i am planning on building my first ever laser! now i am following a tutorial on youtube, i know its embaressing but im completely new to diy lasers so i thought it would be best to have some video guidance. heres the link by the way:
DIY: How to Build a Burning Red Laser - YouTube
now in the video the guy uses a rkcstr laser drive but that isnt sold individually anymore so i need a alternative that has a pot that you can modify with a screwdriver. now i dont know what batteries to use or which driver (or what mA to run it on) so plz can somone provide me with some links to a cheap alternative that is suitable to use on this:
HighTechDealZ - 650nm 20x DVD Burner LPC815 Laser in Aixiz Module

i dont really want to spend more than $10 either.
any help would be much appreciated

That diode is an LPC-815. I run mine at 456mA. Some people run them higher. You can run them all the way to ~500mA, but your lifetime will be limited.

The batteries you use will depend on what you are going to house your laser in. Which driver you use depends on which type of battery you choose.

This particular driver doesn't have pot. It comes preset at the current you specify, so no modification is needed. it will run the LPC-815 on 5.5V, but most people run it with two li-ion batteries (7.4V).

so say i wanted to use 2 aaa's, what host would be cheap and the best to use for this type of thing?