possible cheap driver

i found this on dealextreme DealExtreme: $2.40 MR16 1*3W 320~350mA Constant Current Regulated LED Driver (12~16V Input) would taht work as a laser diode driver? i mean thats just 2 dollars...

It will require at least 12 volts input.... that's a lot of batteries..
and we don't know what the max output voltage is... or if the
output current is adjustable...:undecided:


Jerry

Well by my calculations at 350ma, its putting out ~8.5v... bit too high for current LD, can always use a resistor in series to drop the current. BTW have you seen the variable driver at rayfoss.. they are $6 and seem to work well at low currents. Higher currents can be achieved, but the use of a ceramic or smd capacitor is needed to bypass spikes so that your LD doesn't fry!

@jerry, the MXDL host supports 3x 3.6v 10440 batteries, these make 12v easily, but the real problem would be its battery life. My current batteries are 600mAh and they last about 10 mins before the voltage is to low to even lase!

Hope that helped -Adrian

That's what I was getting at... 3 batteries at least... when you can
run a boost driver with only one...

I suppose if size is no problem you could run it off a car battery...:crackup:

Jerry

Try this:
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=9607
and the same 20packs
DealExtreme: $16.68 Quality AMC7135 350mA Regulated Circuit Board for DIY Flashlights 20-Pack

It's about a dollar.
I tried on LOC and it worked.

That's what I was getting at... 3 batteries at least... when you can
run a boost driver with only one...

I suppose if size is no problem you could run it off a car battery...

Jerry

Click to expand...

Or use the car battery hack and run thousands of lasers with boost drivers