Using a dimmer, to dim the beam of a 520nm laser module

Hi,

I am about to buy this 10mw, 520nm laser module

10mW Green (520nm) Locking Focus Direct Diode Laser Module Dot, Line and Cross (16mm, 3-5V) - OdicForce

I was thinking to buy a dimmer like this

Dimmer Switch Cable for 5V Laser Modules with 5.5mm x 2.1mm Plug and Socket - OdicForce

1) Will the dimmer make the beam less bright, so I can control the brightness according to the level of ambient light pollution ( i will use the laser for astronomy in different areas more or less light pollutes)

2) Can the dimmer damage the module, changing the amount of electricity passing through?

3) Will the dimmer save some battery life?

Thanks

Giangi

I would guess the best thing to do is email or call OdicForce and ask them any questions and what is the best thing they can offer you for your application and concerns.

It looks in the descriptions they're made to be mated as the module is 3-5v and the dimmer is for 5v module but rated at maximum 2A.. if the dimmer is still going into a driver (inside the module I'd presume) then you would really just be limiting the amount of input voltage with this "dimmer". It would limit the brightness but I can't say how effective it would be, about the same as your battery dying over time is the amount of control I could see this having.

I'll let one of the more circut friendly guy's chime in on it, bottom line it would probably work but not the greatest option. A 5v TTL setup on a 12v chinese driver would probably even give better control?

94Z28 said:

It looks in the descriptions they're made to be mated as the module is 3-5v and the dimmer is for 5v module but rated at maximum 2A.. if the dimmer is still going into a driver (inside the module I'd presume) then you would really just be limiting the amount of input voltage with this "dimmer". It would limit the brightness but I can't say how effective it would be, about the same as your battery dying over time is the amount of control I could see this having.

I'll let one of the more circut friendly guy's chime in on it, bottom line it would probably work but not the greatest option. A 5v TTL setup on a 12v chinese driver would probably even give better control?

Click to expand...

Will the dimmer impact on Voltage or on the amount of electricity (i.e. mA)?
Since the driver is capable to work between 3 and 5 volt I wonder if the dimmer is not going to be compensated by the driver whitout any visible effect. I am not sure if this can damage the driver or the diode.

I have another question about battery supply.

Would it be better to use

The module operative range is 3-5 V

3 x AA 1.2v rechargeable batteries = 3.6 V
4 x AA 1.2v rechargeable batteries = 4.8 V
3 x AA 1.5v non rechargeable batteries = 4.5V

All three are in the correct range. I am not sure if this changes the overall mAh capability of the pack since they will be in series, provided that good rechargable AA have a slightly lower nominal mAh than premium non rechargeable AA.

DId you ask Odic?

They are Odic's products they should be able to answer your questions.

Nobody on LPF has that set up so at best all you are going to get in an educated guess

As Encap says I am just making a guess at the setup, but I can tell you that the dimmer being before the driver is going to regulate voltage not the current of the driver, although the current of most drivers is impacted by voltage (fall out of regulation with a voltage decrease).. Damage, maybe not... efficient or effective probably not....

94Z28 said:

As Encap says I am just making a guess at the setup, but I can tell you that the dimmer being before the driver is going to regulate voltage not the current of the driver, although the current of most drivers is impacted by voltage (fall out of regulation with a voltage decrease).. Damage, maybe not... efficient or effective probably not....

Click to expand...

Exactly---as you have said already "it would be, about the same as your battery dying over time is the amount of control I could see this having"

He needs to ask the seller Odic about these any issue or concerns.