should I pot the resistor, green O-Like 30mw module,

My first serious post...

I have acquired a 30mW - 532nm laser module that I plan mounting in a Solarforce flashlight host. While playing with the module I noticed that the resistor (on the back of the switch), gets hot in 8 - 10 seconds.



Would this build be more durable or robust if I potted this resistor to the heatsink ?

The heatsinks that I've seen for these modules don't extend rearward enough to reach the resistor.

My thinking is a bit of thermal paste from the resistor to the heatsink might extend the life of the laser module.

Has anyone done something like this ?

Your thoughts please.

parkerdude said:

My first serious post...

I have acquired a 30mW - 532nm laser module that I plan mounting in a Solarforce flashlight host. While playing with the module I noticed that the resistor (on the back of the switch), gets hot in 8 - 10 seconds.

Would this build be more durable or robust if I potted this resistor to the heatsink ?

The heatsinks that I've seen for these modules don't extend rearward enough to reach the resistor.

My thinking is a bit of thermal paste from the resistor to the heatsink might extend the life of the laser module.

Has anyone done something like this ?

Your thoughts please.

Click to expand...

It's your first post ever... haha.

Nah the resistor isn't what gets too hot. The LM358 chip (I think that's the one they use) is the one that gets hot.

And "potting" a module doesn't mean thermally adhering something. Potting comes from the term "Potmodding" which refers to adjusting the module's potentiometer. Don't do that though... that's nota good idea to do.

Just leave it as is. That's my advice.

Thanks Fretwrecker94,

My newness shows, I appreciate your gentle touch and clear answer!