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Rkcstr driver help

GreenLaser

GreenLaser

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ok this is the last time i post something like this :)
i have just got my driver from rkcstr. i put 5 volts throught it then measured the output with my multimeter set on 200m under the A setting. first of all is this right?
secondly i got a reading of 60. if i get a typical laser from a dvd player and what will i need to set it to i promise after you help me with this i will be very smart :) i tried searching so yeah. and what would i need to set a typical laser from a DVD burner? the dvd is a PALSONIC.
cheers
ask if you need any more info.
cheers
 
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pHeneX

pHeneX

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Did you measure across a test load or just the bare driver connected to 5V?
You need a test load to set a proper current, you also need to set the DMM to mV (milliVolt) and then measure. 1mV=1mA
 
GreenLaser

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Pontiacg5

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To measure mV you need to put it on 20 under DCV, and to measure mA you need to set it to 200m which is 200mA.

I don't think a dead diode would provide the same load as a live one, you should be able to get everything you need for a test load at radioshack for less than 10 bucks.
 
chipdouglas

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also 5vdc will not be enough with the rkcstr. the red diode needs like 2.5 or something volts and the driver itself needs 2.5 or close. so you see, just to get started you should have at leaste 5. but you are using batteries so the voltage will sag. so you need more voltage than you actual calculate. also use a test load to make your life easier, and it is a safer way of setting the current.

good luck
michael

michael
 
Eudaimonium

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Pontiacg5 said:
To measure mV you need to put it on 20 under DCV, and to measure mA you need to set it to 200m which is 200mA.

I don't think a dead diode would provide the same load as a live one, you should be able to get everything you need for a test load at radioshack for less than 10 bucks.
Click to expand...
Actually, dead diode will provide same load as alive one.


Folks, you seriously confused some things.
First, you all started talking about mV=mA.

How about you actually explained that the Ohm's law is
U=I/R, where R=1 (ohm), and then on 1 ohm resistor, measuring current actually translates into measuring voltage!

Next, RKCSTR driver is a linear dropout regulator.

Meaning, same current that will flow out of the battery, will flow through the test load, and through the diode.

THAT means that if one has any type of load, even one rectifier diode, alive or dead laser diode (alive not reccomended), any kind of resistor,
ANYTHING on output is cool as long as it's not open circuit and short C,
It'ss provide same current.

When a load is connected, one can simply measure Amps directly from battery terminal.

Meaning,
Batt+ -> A meter -> driver ->test load ˘
Batt- <------------------------------ˇ

Or even put Amp meter on negative side.
Does not matter.
 
chipdouglas

chipdouglas

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but if we all stick to the same type of set up i.e. a test load. then trouble shooting problems becomes simpler for the the forum as whole. the more knowledgable members, will always figure out what is best for themselves. i am a firm beliver in catching a person a fish... and if they get too hungry they will teach themselves to fish.


edit.... remember, you need more than 5 volts dc for the rkcstr.

michael
 
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Kevlar

Kevlar

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6V would be good. Since it is a rckstr driver (linear) you could calculate the current setting without powering up the driver or using a dummy load but it is not very accurate. I definitely suggest you take the other suggestions of using a "dummy load" or "test load". Like has been said you can purchase everything you need at Radio Shack for under $10.

I bought everything to make mine at Radio Shack (including the breadboard), it isn't pretty but it works perfectly

TestLoad2.jpg


You can get detailed instructions on what you need and how to put it together here

http://laserpointerforums.com/f36/looking-build-laser-read-me-47684.html
 
GreenLaser

GreenLaser

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ok i have my driver i have hooked up the dead diodenbut now what to set it to? i have a palsonic dvd laser and it sais class 1 laser. but i couldnt find any info do what is the setting i should set it to like what is the standard or average.
cheers
 
Kevlar

Kevlar

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Did you buy the rckstr driver from his webpage? If so he has detailed instructions with the product on how to measure current setting using the "thru-hole" points.
 
GreenLaser

GreenLaser

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ok i got into the aattachment. it sais you can set ur DMM to 500Ma then put the probes on the output pads then adjust the pot. with this meathod what would i need to set it to? like what should the multimeter read.
cheers
 
Eudaimonium

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GreenLaser said:
ok i have my driver i have hooked up the dead diodenbut now what to set it to? i have a palsonic dvd laser and it sais class 1 laser. but i couldnt find any info do what is the setting i should set it to like what is the standard or average.
cheers
Click to expand...
Class I is marked the whole laser product, not only the laser diode.

Laser diode is encased in closed housing and makes it impossible to damage anybody's health if handled as instructed.

Yeah, basically a 100W CO2 laser in metal box is considered Class I.

Anyhow, if you only have a reader diode, not a burner one, don't expect wonders from it.

Highest the reader diodes will go is about 50mA, giving off around 30mW, maybe less after optics. At least, that is what PHR sled red one does.

If you have a burner diode, go for 300mA, since I can tell you obviously lack a proper heatsink,
And I cannot tell if that diode is closed or long can.

Anyhow, keep to 300mA for burner one, 50 mA for reader one.
 
GreenLaser

GreenLaser

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ok thanks i have ordered some heatsinks. so on the screen it should read around 50 or 300.
cheers after this build i will no longer "anoy you"
cheers
 
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