Battery type / current draw in Nova X series?

If you own Nova Lasers X series, i was wondering what kind of batteries you are using in it and if you perhaps measured the current.

I'm trying to figure out, if they are regulated or if the current starts high and slowly drop with the battery voltage, like with most green lasers..
I can not find AAA size lithiums where i live, so i'm only testing it with alkalines and Ni-MHs and couldn't not notice any difference in the current draw so far, even tho the manufacturer claims they are not regulated in any way.

And another thing.. How long is it safe to leave the laser on? I think i read 100 seconds on and then leaving it to cool down. Is this correct? Does it get hot at the top?



Thanks!


EDIT: Changed the misleading topic name.
I will soon be posting a complete dissection of a Nova X series, with the driver analysis (min/max voltages for the driver to remain in regulation)..

Thank you Ben74 for donating a broken Nova X-75!

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

I had an X105 and it did the best on eneloop rechargeable batteries, I think gazoo did a test with his X105 and different types of batteries, I don't know where it is though.

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

Well, i have two different types of 1000mAh rechargables and i also tested alkalines, but my laser would seem to suck the same amount of current on all of them as long as they don't drop too low - 650mA. Could even be regulated...

I have another question tho.. Many people list peak and average power of their lasers in their signatures. How long does the average power usually last if the laser is left on for a while / how low do they drop? Are there any scanned spec sheets or extensive measurements posted here?

I'm gonna do some more searching, but links would be appreciated.

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

I use eneloops and they seem to work really well for me in my X-100. As for leaving your laser on for extended time I wouldnt recomend it as they heat up quickly and can be damaged without propper cooling. Duracell power pix work well but die quickly and e2 liths are just too expensive. Get some Sanyo eneloop batts you will be happy with them.

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

How long is too long? I did notice a slight warming up, but it wasn't that bad.. But i don't leave it on for minutes at a time. It's usualy under a minute.


BTW, Lorgar.. How long does it take yours to drop to 111.6mW, and does it continue dropping, or does it stay there?

Mine peaks at 172mW, slowly drops to 150 and if left on for longer, it ends up at 130mW.. Is this normal for an equivalent of Nova X150 (CNI-532nm-150mW)? I didn't manage to measure the time it takes for this yet.. Need to do that next.

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

I got some duracell ultra for my x125 today, it was what Nova recommed. Before I used cheap alkarine and the laser was quite bright - I dont have a power meter. With the duracells, the output seems to be the same as with the cheap ones. Is that right? I also tested the voltage on the duracells before use and again after about ~5 min. Before: 1.6v, after: 1.4v (I lett the cells rest a few min). The laser don't get very warm after 100 sec.

I think that I have read that all nova x-series use the same diode. I can make current measurements tomorrow if you want, it's getting late.

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

Yeah, i also heard all above 100mW use the same 0.5W pump, so your current should be at 650mA. These would seem to be at least a little bit regulated, as the current didn't increase much, when i put in two batteries at 1.8V - it was only 660mA. If it is somehow regulated, the max power shouldn't change much with different batteries, but it would drop out of regulation sooner on bad batteries.


I will be looking forward to hearing about your measurements. There's no rush. Use the highest possible range on your DMM (20A), as it introduces the least resistance into the circuit.



One question.. Is the average power rating the mathematical average or is it the power, at which the laser remains for the most time? Does Nova include a power/time graph, or just the two measurements?

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

They send just two measurements.
Here are the my measurements, I don't have a 20A range, but I used 10A instead.
Current and voltage on new and the slightly used Duracell's with complete duty cycle:

New cell
Current: Start at 610mA, after 100 sec: 600mA
Voltage: before: 1.60V, after 100 sec: 1.53V*

Slightly used cell (~5-7min old)
Current: Start at 460mA, after 100 sec 410mA
Voltage: before: 1.44V, after 100 sec: 1.43V*

*I let the cells rest a few min.

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

Well, is this good or bad guys? This laser made me broke.
:-? :-[ :-/ :'( ;D

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

FireMyLaser said:

Well, is this good or bad guys? This laser made me broke.
:-? :-[ :-/ :'( ;D

Click to expand...

I know how you feel.. I also spent a lot of money on the equivalent of Nova X150, even tho it was slightly cheaper from CNI directly..

But the current thing was not about good or bad. I just wanted to know if there is any regulation. What confused me was, that i would always get 650mA with Duracell and Varta Ni-MHs (both 1000mAh) and with Duracell Plus and Varta Max Tech alkalines.
The only time i saw a higher current was, when i charged the Duracell Plus alkaline up to 1.8V, to test if it would influence the current. But i got only 660mA.. With the DX200, there would be more than 100mA difference between fresh alkalines and Ni-MHs

But i did measure the lower currents you mentioned on an old and crappy alkaline. The battery voltage after use is pretty much meaningless, as it is the voltage under load, that matters, and the battery quickly climbs back up a little, especially if you let it rest.


I asked the sales rep. at CNI to ask their engineers if these have current or PD regulation, and the answer was neither. I'm still a little surprised about my readings, but it would seem to be true. To make absolutelly sure, i will need to test it on a PSU, and make very small increases, while limiting the current for safety, as the batteries sag a little, which i need to take into account.


You have nothing to worry about with your laser. If it is bright and burns well, you should just enjoy it. I sometimes almost "regret" having the LPM, because it makes me worry too much..

According to Nova, your laser is only 10mW below mine on average, so you should really be happy with it.


Thanks for the measurements, BTW..

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

Sanyo Rechargeable on my 125x nova rated at 147 avg. It burns matches so fast! Saves so much moola too.

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

OK then I guess, it's just that it don't light matches super fast. I have to hold it VERY steady and yet it takes a few seconds. After 0.5 meters in doesn't light them at all. Come on, it's 140 mW! Maybe I'm just picky but it is a concern. Man, I want - No, I need a power meter!

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

Ok, since i have an LPM, i know my power is above 150 quite a lot, and yet i can not burn matches super fast.

I have to paint them black and even then do it from close up, so my hand is not shaking. So again, i don't think you have anything to worry about. One of my reds, that is only 145mW would light matches instantly, but that is because i can focus it down.


What is the divergence on your units? Do your beams have a waist? JimJo:, how fast and from how far away does yours burn matches?

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

IgorT said:

Ok, since i have an LPM, i know my power is above 150 quite a lot, and yet i can not burn matches super fast.

I have to paint them black and even then do it from close up, so my hand is not shaking. So again, i don't think you have anything to worry about. One of my reds, that is only 145mW would light matches instantly, but that is because i can focus it down.


What is the divergence on your units? Do your beams have a waist? JimJo:, how fast and from how far away does yours burn matches?

Click to expand...

Yeah the focus on the DIY reds make burning alot better. My CNI 150 burns unsharpied matches out to about 3 feet with good batteries. Although not nearly as quick as my focusable reds.

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

My divergence is 1.28mRad (not quite up to spec I know). I can't tell if it has a beam waist though.
Sure have you seen the videos on the web when people light matches with their 125mW green with no problem. I've seen cbrian4's video [smiley=thumbup.gif]. He used the sanyo eneloop.

Re: What batteries do you use in your Nova X150?

FML: Do you perhaps have a black floppy laying around?

What is the diameter of your beam at the apperture?