LM3410X based boost converter, SPARK driver! PART 2 - Laser Pointer Forums

Eudaimonium · 02-13-2010, 02:54 PM

**EDIT** Wow this thread refuses to die, for you reading this make sure you see links in my signature, as there are lasers usign the boost driver. Proof of concept, no?

Hiya all LPF folks!

Well, after a bit delayed shippement, my new coils arrived , and I have finished my first boost converter!

If you do not know what I'm talking about, see thread in my signature, PART1

In short....
My new coils arrived, I planned my new PCB (revised one, not entirelly the same as last one), soldered everything up.

Current set resistor was 2.0 Ohm, resulting in 100mA aproximately.

So, 3.5 V drop load... 97 mA! So far so good. PCB dead cold.

I tried both 6x and 7x 1n400x rectifiers, both combinations resulting in same 97 mA , measured 97 mV over 1ohm test load resistors.

So, I won't make the thread as long as last time, spare you the reading, I am just going to say that this one is not completely finished either, will make another PCB next weekend, for easier placing of components, as this one appears a bit 'crammed up', and I had to improvise the placement of current setting resistor, as I lacked a bit of space there.

Anyhow, pictures of the driver:

And here is the video of it in action, experimantal setup for now only:

Disregard the mess on my table and my comment to my friend at the end "Okay turn it off"

Looking forward to 'perfection' of the driver next weekend and assembling everything in Cree C6!

ReNNo · 02-13-2010, 03:36 PM

It works with 10440 battery and that is all we wanted

+1 Rep

billg519 · 02-13-2010, 05:56 PM

Nice work!!! Looking good so far, it's nice and small. So the new Coilcraft inductors did the trick? At least they arrived quickly for you. Mess on worktable? Not as bad as mine!

Hopefully your design will hold up, that nothing is heating up is a good sign. Will it be able to supply higher mA's in the future, perhaps for a 6x or stronger bluray diode?

lasersbee · 02-13-2010, 06:13 PM

Nice job... that is a small PCB... will it fit into the Aixiz housing...

@billg519... there is no reason it can't supply higher current...

This member has them for sale on the Forum for a while already with
specs here....

Pyro-Drive 405nm Driver / Sale Thread

Jerry

Eudaimonium · 02-13-2010, 07:02 PM

Hey Jerry, PCB is aprox 8x 13 milimeter, so it fits more than nicely inside back barrel of aixiz!

I will do some more testing tomorrow on how much current will it give at 5.5 V drop, I hope it to reach 200 mA for now (nothing more powerful in my plans for near future)

Thanks guys for kind words!

I will definetly need to expand it in lenght a little bit ,this way it is kind of difficult soldering the diode on it and soldering the current set resistor.

The coils arrived thuesday this week I think, yup and sure came quicky....
Although...
Out of 2 different kinds (2 pcs each) of coils, only one arrived (2pcs)

EDIT: Crap... I forgot to mention.

Measured 140 mA of current draw at fully charged 10440 battery, with 97 mA output current at 5.5 V drop load.
Looking good !

Bearded_Galaxy · 03-26-2010, 12:31 PM

*Bump*

So, are these still not for sale yet, or what? I'm really interested in a boost driver that could be competitive with the FlexDrive (price-wise), even if the functionality is only a small part of it. Would a boost driver like this be able to run a diode with a lower Vf, like an LPC, from a lower voltage source (such as two Ni-MH rechargeables)?

Eudaimonium · 03-26-2010, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearded_Galaxy

*Bump*

So, are these still not for sale yet, or what? I'm really interested in a boost driver that could be competitive with the FlexDrive (price-wise), even if the functionality is only a small part of it. Would a boost driver like this be able to run a diode with a lower Vf, like an LPC, from a lower voltage source (such as two Ni-MH rechargeables)?

Well nothing from me will be for sale, as I cannot recieve any kind of paypal funds, 'due to complexity of financial situation' <-by paypal support.

I have build a laser using the same driver design, see under bluray lasers, something like: New PHR build with boost converter - or something

Anyhow, I have only two more coils which present a chokepoint here, I will have 10 of LM3410x and 100x of schottky and SMD caps, resistors are limitless

I have 1 finished driver, and two more sets of parts.
When I get more coils from coilcraft, I will have enough to possibly trade for something.

Unfortunately, the LM3410X chip has the lowest Vin of 2.7 V.
It will work down to 2.3 V even, according to IgorT, but will draw a lot of current to boost up to 5 V (bluray).
It works nicely with LOC diodes (voltage consideration),
I will see if it can do 400mA at 3 V, I see no reason why not, but confirmational testing is needed.

Anyhow, I will not be able to sell them, but I could trade them if you want.
But not at the moment

I need to get more coils.

Bearded_Galaxy · 03-26-2010, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eudaimonium

Well nothing from me will be for sale, as I cannot recieve any kind of paypal funds, 'due to complexity of financial situation' <-by paypal support.

What about Google Checkout, like DrLava uses?

Eudaimonium · 03-26-2010, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearded_Galaxy

What about Google Checkout, like DrLava uses?

I don't even know what that is, I'l look into it now.

Anyhow, I still have no idea at what price I'd sell them at, I can be certain that I cannot beat the price of O-like boost converter though.
IgorT said that about max current my current setup can provide is about 300mA at bluray diode Vdrop, which is 100mA more than O-like driver.

I will do some more revisions of the entire setup, and coil selection.

Also, I will print out my PCBs on laser printer, not draw them with sharpie like I did on that pics (which are ugly BTW, see my other thread with bluray laser, that driver came out a bit more nice than this one).

I have to admit that I am still far from finished product here, a lot of work needs to be done before I can sell it.
Including the stocking of parts in case some interest actually arisens.

If you can hold your guts a little while longer, we will see what can we pull off.
If you are really in a hurry to build something, I am afraid that for now you will have to settle for O-like driver. Hopefully you are not building an 8x or anything

Bearded_Galaxy · 03-26-2010, 09:14 PM

I'm looking into a 6X, but it's at least a few weeks off, at a bare minimum. And I've been told the O-Like driver is a pain to use. Do you know of any good tutorials for using the O-Like driver? Also, will the O-Like run a 6X at 200mA nicely?

Flaminpyro · 03-26-2010, 09:17 PM

Very Nice

are you going to get custom boards made ? what is the upper current level ?

wannaburn · 03-26-2010, 09:28 PM

I have a 12x running on a single 3.6 lith, @502ma The board doesn't stress in the least.
The selection of caps and a DSO would be a good idea before running a $$$ LD at that current with the 3410.

The higher the output current the more noise you will see on the scope. 200mA and above is where it becomes a bit of a concern.

Eudaimonium · 03-26-2010, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flaminpyro

Very Nice

are you going to get custom boards made ? what is the upper current level ?

Custom as in printed on aged printer and etched with salt acid mixed with hair creme for makeshift etchant?
Yes

I said, according to IgorT : 300mA is max for this kind of setup, I could achieve more with another coil and LLP package of IC for better cooling.

@Bearded, no O-like boost converters are basically plug'n'play, you have to set the current with the potentiometer there, and that is it.
The ones that are a pain are CCS, not meant for laser diodes.

My drivers will be shipped out preset with fixed resistor, for your needs.
It will run stable 200mA, that was tested and confirmed, however I did not test 300mA output.
6x build with GGW will run good at 200mA, but with SF-AW diode , not more than 170mA should be set.

Anyhow, I will be home at wednesday and will make some PCBs, and I should have Bills package containing 10pcs of LM3410X ICs, so I should make some new boost converters.

One is already reserved for custom ordered build, another is meant for a bluray pen laser that is a gift to Bill. I will only have one more available that I said I will give to Spectral for testing.

Basically I don't even have one for my builds.

I will need to find somebody to reship the coilcraft coils as payment with direct credit card number is not an option for me.
I also need to pick up some components from ebay, and they could sure take their sweet time arriving at my door.

I can tell you guys now, don't worry about my drivers being available any time soon, BUT
I will post a feeler thread when I have them, just to see how many people will be interesteed.
How about that?

Bearded_Galaxy · 03-26-2010, 09:31 PM

wannaburn: could you explain what you're talking about where, please? I'm a little confused.

Bearded_Galaxy · 03-26-2010, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eudaimonium

6x build with GGW will run good at 200mA, but with SF-AW diode , not more than 170mA should be set.

I've seen lots of mixed results with the SF-AW210 all over the forums, and I'm willing to risk 200mA on an SF, because there's a (what I would consider) reasonable chance of it being fine at 200mA.

wannaburn · 03-26-2010, 09:37 PM

You've confused me with your confusion...

What are you asking?

Im just throwing in the fact that these IC's can perform quite well at high currents. I use them exclusively, just set up differently

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearded_Galaxy

wannaburn: could you explain what you're talking about where, please? I'm a little confused.

Eudaimonium · 03-26-2010, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearded_Galaxy

I've seen lots of mixed results with the SF-AW210 all over the forums, and I'm willing to risk 200mA on an SF, because there's a (what I would consider) reasonable chance of it being fine at 200mA.

I am sorry to burst your bubble but your SF-AW ain't gonna survive a month at 200mA.
Sorry.

Ask anybody here, nobody is risking SF-AW over 170mA for good life.

Bearded_Galaxy · 03-26-2010, 10:31 PM

I'm not too concerned with "good" life. I use my lasers so little that even "less than good life" turns into long life. I use them a little bit for a few days, then they sit on a shelf and do nothing for weeks, sometimes months, and maybe longer.

Eudaimonium · 03-26-2010, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearded_Galaxy

I'm not too concerned with "good" life. I use my lasers so little that even "less than good life" turns into long life. I use them a little bit for a few days, then they sit on a shelf and do nothing for weeks, sometimes months, and maybe longer.

Really ?!
Wow... that's too bad, whadda waste...

Anyhow, Vref of LM3410X IC is 190mV, so 1 ohm of resistance will result in 190mA.
Suit yourself... but I strongly advise not getting over 170mA. Few extra mW are not worth a year of lifetime sacrificed.

Bearded_Galaxy · 03-26-2010, 10:50 PM

I'd just as soon go with a 1ohm resistor then and have 190mA. But, I'm still considering the O-Like one, which I want to know more about. I tried the search a while ago and didn't find anything valuable, but I'll try again.

Eudaimonium · 03-26-2010, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearded_Galaxy

I'd just as soon go with a 1ohm resistor then and have 190mA. But, I'm still considering the O-Like one, which I want to know more about. I tried the search a while ago and didn't find anything valuable, but I'll try again.

I know for certain that Bill used one of those,
billg519

Perhaps he will know more about it and it's possibilities.
Since it's limit is at 200mA, that is one more reason to go lower to 170mA, not to stress both driver and the diode.

You really are going to be sorry when you grab your laser one day, turn it on, and enjoy a flash of laser light for one second, and the faint LED glow the other.

Really man, why waste money?

x90z75ek · 03-26-2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearded_Galaxy

I'm not too concerned with "good" life. I use my lasers so little that even "less than good life" turns into long life. I use them a little bit for a few days, then they sit on a shelf and do nothing for weeks, sometimes months, and maybe longer.

What!? Sit on a shelf and do nothing for months! I can't imagine spending one day without using my lasers.

Anyway Eudaimonium, those drivers are going to be really sweet when the PCBs will be printed instead of drawn. Also you can already count me in on buying some of those drivers when you'll be selling them.

Eudaimonium · 03-26-2010, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x90z75ek

What!? Sit on a shelf and do nothing for months! I can't imagine spending one day without using my lasers.

Anyway Eudaimonium, those drivers are going to be really sweet when the PCBs will be printed instead of drawn. Also you can already count me in on buying some of those drivers when you'll be selling them.

Well, using all of your lasers is kind of tricky when you have Bill's or Mark's amount of lasers...

Anyhow, thanks for the support here guys, appreciate it.
In the new coherent light of the events, I will try to hurry up my plans for making those in bulk!

x90z75ek · 03-26-2010, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eudaimonium

Well, using all of your lasers is kind of tricky when you have Bill's or Mark's amount of lasers...

Anyhow, thanks for the support here guys, appreciate it.
In the new coherent light of the events, I will try to hurry up my plans for making those in bulk!

Well, when you do have that many lasers you just have to burn harder

Also I remember you mentioning something about resizing your boost converters. You said you'll have to expand their size. So how much bigger are they going to be now?

Bearded_Galaxy · 03-27-2010, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eudaimonium

I know for certain that Bill used one of those,
billg519

Perhaps he will know more about it and it's possibilities.
Since it's limit is at 200mA, that is one more reason to go lower to 170mA, not to stress both driver and the diode.

You really are going to be sorry when you grab your laser one day, turn it on, and enjoy a flash of laser light for one second, and the faint LED glow the other.

Really man, why waste money?

I don't see it as waste. Besides, the SF-AW210 diodes on O-Like (the only ones I've been able to find) suggest 220mA or less, and 190 is less than 220. I've been mostly successful pushing PHRs to 150mA, haven't had one die on me yet, about 1/2 dozen so far I've handled. I've killed them via other means, but not by running them at 150mA from a FlexDrive. So I figure, based on my history, I'm fine pushing the envelope a bit. And so far, I haven't found GGWs for less than $60, so an SF for $30 means if one dies, I'll just buy another and have learned my lesson. IF I can manage to sell one to a friend who's interested, I'll have enough money to get an SF-AW210, an inexpensive host, and a 405-G-1, in which case I'd be fine with 170mA. I'm hoping to break a personal barrier of 200mW of Blu-Ray (I've beat 200mW with an LPC diode, but 200+mW of Blu-Ray would be just awesome).

02-13-2010, 03:36 PM	#2
ReNNo Class 2 Laser Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina Posts: 459 Rep Power: 14	Re: LM3410X based boost converter, SPARK driver! PART 2 It works with 10440 battery and that is all we wanted +1 Rep __________________ My lasers: Homemade Red laser @410mA LOC + AixiZ glass lens Homemade Blue-Ray laser @ 100mA PHR-803T O-like Green (532nm) 150mW module in UF WF-501B host 808nm 1W Homemade IR portable laser 3 motor spirograph (Homemade)

02-13-2010, 05:56 PM	#3
billg519 Class 2M Laser Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: London, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 906 Rep Power: 59	Re: LM3410X based boost converter, SPARK driver! PART 2 Nice work!!! Looking good so far, it's nice and small. So the new Coilcraft inductors did the trick? At least they arrived quickly for you. Mess on worktable? Not as bad as mine! Hopefully your design will hold up, that nothing is heating up is a good sign. Will it be able to supply higher mA's in the future, perhaps for a 6x or stronger bluray diode? __________________ I have a few lasers ... (55 handhelds, 11 labbies, 7 gas lasers, and 6 LPM's) I need more ... I have lots of goggles too! Eye safety comes first!

02-13-2010, 06:13 PM	#4
lasersbee Class 4 Laser Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Quebec, Canada Posts: 7,511 Rep Power: 297	Re: LM3410X based boost converter, SPARK driver! PART 2 Nice job... that is a small PCB... will it fit into the Aixiz housing... @billg519... there is no reason it can't supply higher current... This member has them for sale on the Forum for a while already with specs here.... Pyro-Drive 405nm Driver / Sale Thread Jerry __________________ LASERS ■790-808nm ■650-660nm ■532nm ■445nm ■405nm (5mW - 30,000mW) METERS LaserBee I and II (shop use) + Thermopile Newport 1825-C Digital/Analog + 818T Thermopile Scientec 365 + Thermopile FREE 1 Ohm Test Load Resistors... FREE 1 Ohm Test Load Resistors HLPM II 200mW LPM Module + Shipping $54.99 HLPM II 200mW LPM Module 1 Watt LaserBee I LPM here on LPF (15% OFF) 1Watt USB LaserBee I + Data Logging LPF Members 15% discount NEW 3.2 Watt LaserBee II LPM here on LPF (10% OFF) New 3.2 Watt USB LaserBee II LPF Members 10% discount Wow New 3.2Watt USB LaserBee II LPM REVIEW

03-26-2010, 12:31 PM	#6
Bearded_Galaxy Class 2 Laser Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 358 Rep Power: 3	Re: LM3410X based boost converter, SPARK driver! PART 2 Bump So, are these still not for sale yet, or what? I'm really interested in a boost driver that could be competitive with the FlexDrive (price-wise), even if the functionality is only a small part of it. Would a boost driver like this be able to run a diode with a lower Vf, like an LPC, from a lower voltage source (such as two Ni-MH rechargeables)?

03-26-2010, 09:14 PM	#10
Bearded_Galaxy Class 2 Laser Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 358 Rep Power: 3	Re: LM3410X based boost converter, SPARK driver! PART 2 I'm looking into a 6X, but it's at least a few weeks off, at a bare minimum. And I've been told the O-Like driver is a pain to use. Do you know of any good tutorials for using the O-Like driver? Also, will the O-Like run a 6X at 200mA nicely?

03-26-2010, 09:17 PM	#11
Flaminpyro Class 3R Laser Join Date: May 2009 Location: west central Oregon when I'm not in San Diego Posts: 1,835 Rep Power: 140	Re: LM3410X based boost converter, SPARK driver! PART 2 Very Nice are you going to get custom boards made ? what is the upper current level ? __________________ Why burn up hydrocarbons with a lighter when you have 400mW+ of BLU-RAY White Fusion Time Machine 445 with more on the way CNI PGL-III-C-589 125mW Viasho 532nm 500mW TANK007Cu8X DFW 397mW CNI pen 532nm 84mW The Violet Pip Squeek 45mW _____________________________________ LaserBee I LPM LOOKING FOR A HOST WITH PERFECT HEAT SINKING order your TANK007 Cu kit today ! http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/fs...kit-43865.html

03-26-2010, 09:28 PM	#12
wannaburn Class 3R Laser Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 1,778 Rep Power: 112	Re: LM3410X based boost converter, SPARK driver! PART 2 I have a 12x running on a single 3.6 lith, @502ma The board doesn't stress in the least. The selection of caps and a DSO would be a good idea before running a $$$ LD at that current with the 3410. The higher the output current the more noise you will see on the scope. 200mA and above is where it becomes a bit of a concern. __________________ (Al,In)GaN laser diode Master I was grown on GaN and SiC substrate

03-26-2010, 09:31 PM	#14
Bearded_Galaxy Class 2 Laser Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 358 Rep Power: 3	Re: LM3410X based boost converter, SPARK driver! PART 2 wannaburn: could you explain what you're talking about where, please? I'm a little confused.

03-26-2010, 10:31 PM	#18
Bearded_Galaxy Class 2 Laser Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 358 Rep Power: 3	Re: LM3410X based boost converter, SPARK driver! PART 2 I'm not too concerned with "good" life. I use my lasers so little that even "less than good life" turns into long life. I use them a little bit for a few days, then they sit on a shelf and do nothing for weeks, sometimes months, and maybe longer.

03-26-2010, 10:50 PM	#20
Bearded_Galaxy Class 2 Laser Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 358 Rep Power: 3	Re: LM3410X based boost converter, SPARK driver! PART 2 I'd just as soon go with a 1ohm resistor then and have 190mA. But, I'm still considering the O-Like one, which I want to know more about. I tried the search a while ago and didn't find anything valuable, but I'll try again.

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