Making sure I don't kill my laser

• Jun 17, 2014

• #1

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laserhawk

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Just got my x-drive v6 and am wondering if there is anything I should do/don't do/know before soldering everything and powering it up. Also what batteries should I use?

The laser diode:1W 1 5W 445nm A140 Blue Laser Diode in Copper Module w Leads | eBay

 

• Jun 17, 2014

• #2

Photonz

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Depends on the host but you'll need two 3.7V li-ion batteries.

 

• Jun 17, 2014

• #3

Eudaimonium

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Well, making sure it outputs the correct current is a good idea. Build a test load first to see if it's alright.

Just to avoid any headaches down the road.

 

• Jun 19, 2014

• #4

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laserhawk

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Thank you very much! :yh:

 

• Jun 19, 2014

• #5

IsaacT

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Don't solder the negative input wire to the positive terminal like I did last week. Smelled like burned tea lol.

 

• Jun 19, 2014

• #6

The Lightning Stalker

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Don't run it without a heatsink. Turn off power and short the output of the driver before connecting the
diode. Double and triple check polarities. Pay close attention to temperature.

 

• Jun 20, 2014

• #7

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laserhawk

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ok, double checking v-/v+ is input and LD-/LD+ is output? I have a heatsink for the diode but not for the driver, what type of heatsink do I need for it?

 

• Jun 20, 2014

• #8

The Lightning Stalker

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LD = Laser Diode

The X-drive doesn't need a heatsink at these currents if you're only running it for a short time. What
current are you running at?

 

• Jun 20, 2014

• #9

IsaacT

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I don't even use a heatsink when hitting 2.4A lol. Whoops

 

• Jun 20, 2014

• #10

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laserhawk

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well, the driver is set at 1.8A if that's what you mean.

 

• Jun 20, 2014

• #11

The Lightning Stalker

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The driver should be heatsinked if you plan on running it longer than 2 minutes. For testing it will be fine,
just keep a close watch on temperatures.

 

• Jun 20, 2014

• #12

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laserhawk

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will this test load work?

 

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• Jun 20, 2014

• #13

Eudaimonium

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Sure.

Just make sure your 1ohm resistor is a beefy one. Don't want to stink up your whole work room, burnt resistors smell really funny.
Anything rated for 2W will be fine.

1W will be fine for very short tests too. Just don't keep it on for longer than 5 seconds or so.

 

• Jun 20, 2014

• #14

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laserhawk

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Thanks!. my multimeter does not have a MV setting. can I just use the DCV setting?(sorry, I looked it up, couldn't find anything)

 

• Jun 20, 2014

• #15

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oahu99

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Yeah that will do. Do you have an auto ranging meter?
Because if you do there only should be volts.

 

• Jun 20, 2014

• #16

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laserhawk

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no, it has a dial to select the range.