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Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers

drlava

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Hi guys, there are two new portable laser drivers on the block to accompany the Micro FlexDrive. They are called the Micro Boost Drive (same size as the FlexDrive) and the Groove 2 (a little larger). They both can fit into an Aixiz module.


The Micro Boost drive is a boost-only version of the FlexDrive using a different circuit. While the FlexDrive can only boost up to 5.8V, the MicroBoost laser driver can bo st up to 13V from as low as 2.7V input! This driver is designed for running high power 405nm laser diodes from a single li-ion battery or 3 1.5V batteries. It can drive up to 700mA into 7V! It is constructed with a sturdier and slightly larger potentiometer than the FlexDrive for ease of adjustment.

Features:
*2.7-5.5V Input voltage range
*VBatt-13V output voltage range
*reverse battery protection
*open circuit output protection (idles at 13V out when open circuit)
*Sturdy, enclosed adjustment pot
*5 adjustment ranges 65mA to 1000mA
*protective coat over inductor top to prevent chipping
*only 9mm x 12mm !

CLICK:




Also available is a low cost low dropout linear regulator, a diminutive successor to the Groove driver, called the Groove 2. This driver boasts a dropout voltage of 1.2V, nearly half that of other designs. This allows you to use this driver in situations where other linear drivers don't: Drive a red laser diode with 4.5-5V, and a blu-ray with 2 li-ion batts for example. Also, it permits a longer run-time as more battery juice can be used with the laser still bright.

Features:
*Vdiode+1.2V - 12V Input voltage range
*reverse battery protection
*1.2V dropout voltage
*Sturdy, enclosed adjustment pot
*2 linear adjustment ranges 25mA to 600mA
*10mm x 14mm

CLICK:



Let me know what you think :)


EDIT:
Instructions for PWM modulation (TTL control) of the MicroBoost driver are --> HERE <--.

Note that this also allows you to use a low current switch to turn the driver on and off via the TTL control, without worrying about burning up the contacts on a clicky switch when you switch all the current on and off.

Also note that although it will appear dimmer, the eye damaging capability of the beam will not have decreased much, as it does when it is dimmed via analog means.

TEK00000.PNG


The fundraiser is over, thanks to everyone who participated, almost $50 was raised and sent.
In support of a friend in hard times, $2.50 from every sale of the Groove 2 driver from this forum this month of april will be donated to Kenom, the origin of the 'Groove' barrel of this drivers namesake. So stock up on this great, inexpensive universal driver
 
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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

Very nice! I'll probably buy a couple in the next few months
 
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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

These drivers are AWESOME. Makes me tempted to continue building laser. Dang man. Nice work!
 

daguin

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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

Sweet! Order incoming

Peace,
dave

**EDIT** Also incoming PM about a separate question
 
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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

Lovin' the boost drive.
 
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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

amazing new drivers!

stuart :)
 
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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

Awesome :) but, the fact that the new flexdrive is even smaller makes it impossible to solder (at least for me, since i'm not experienced in soldering on tiny components :-D)
 

cmak

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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

I'm liking the boosting capabilities these are boasting... gives me some ideas :whistle:

nice to see the reverse battery protection as well

peace & thanks
-cmak
 
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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

Awesome :) but, the fact that the new flexdrive is even smaller makes it impossible to solder (at least for me, since i'm not experienced in soldering on tiny components :-D)

the new flex is the same size as the flex v5 (9x12mm)

stuart
 

drlava

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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

For the MicroBoost, having the same size as the V5 was a requirement, as most keychain builds need a driver that small. And it would be a shame not to be able to build the most powerful blu-rays into the smallest host. :) However, if you solder the diode output on the TOP side of the board, there is little to worry about because the adjacent capacitor is connected to those solder areas. Likewise on the Groove2, if you solder the diode on the BOTTOM (adjustment) side of the driver, there is an adjacent capacitor connected there that you don't have to worry about soldering to because it is already connected electrically across the diode.

For the input leads there is a similar solution.
 
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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

@ Dr Lava
Very cool drivers I'm going to get a few of these for sure ;) I see you like my idea of putting epoxy on top of the coils to protect them, I have several drives coil's that seemed to crumble while I was being very easy with them not to break the ferite bobbin and even more that came in for repair because the ferite bobbin was dammaged so I got tired of it and epoxied all of my V5 drives coils ;)
30ikgfs.jpg

This solved the problem of breaking coils, you must have seen the one I sent you ;) and thought it was a good idea Huh.... :thanks:

BTW do both of these drives have the same 3" lead length maxium on the output ?
 
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drlava

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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

@ Dr Lava
Very cool drivers I'm going to get a few of these for sure ;) I see you like my idea of putting epoxy on top of the coils to protect them...

BTW do both of these drives have the same 3" lead length maxium on the output ?

Thanks:) Yes that is exactly right, I meant to mention it but forgot. It's a great idea and does help prevent the chipping that can happen under stress. When you sent the one back with epoxy on the coil I thought it was cool and had it done to all of the new ones. So you definitely deserve credit for that.

Neither driver has a short lead length requirement. The MicroBoost is now the preferred driver for blu-ray lasers that use batteries under 5V.
 
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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

Amazing work...As always :cool:

Definitely going to get a couple.
 

Kenom

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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

I'm blown away lava. Truly. Your generosity is astounding. Thank you.
Those groove drivers were fail with the assemble them yourself, but if you did get it working they were GREAT drivers.
 
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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

PM sent :)....

Payment sent for the groove 2 :thanks:
 
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Re: Introducing two new miniature drivers for portable lasers + Kenom Fundraiser!

@ DrLava
Maby I'm missing something, is there a page where I can order both or do I have to order one , check out and then order the other type on another page ?
Please help
 




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