405nm S06J getting dim diode

scumbagatheist · Apr 5, 2013

Thanks for the input, Cheech.

Here's the latest:
I had time at work today to fire up my brand new Weller soldering station, and get to fiddling with this diode.
When I opened up the host, I discovered that one of the pin connections to the driver looked to have come loose. I was sure it wasn't dry when I made it.
I also took the time to make sure that all of the connections were thoroughly wet-soldered.
None of this seems to have helped. While I had it open, I inspected the window as much as I could with a pathetic magnifier. I didn't see any debris, but there is a distinctive "fog" just barely perceptible around the dot. So, I think that Cheech might be on to something, though it hasn't been long since I cleaned it.
I will take some acetone or 91% alcohol to it tomorrow.

Does anyone know whether I can get this thing a decent life span if I tune it down to below 400mA?

benmwv · Apr 5, 2013

The problem with current spikes has been fixed on the new versions of the benboost. I posted oscope tests and all on page 47 but I think once a thread is that long most people stop looking at the posts haha.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/f...iver-tested-working-71433-47.html#post1104257

Running at that current spikes will be in the order of 10-15ma, perfectly safe.

Absolutely don't put a big cap between the diode pins. This interferes with the current feedback system and was the original cause of the current spikes. You can try throwing a 2.2uf in there but at your own risk. (I wouldnt...)

Most likely that loose connection was disconnected for a split second, the caps charged up, and when it touched back a burst went through the diode and damaged it. Happens to the best of us buddy :beer: I killed the first working prototype of the benboost and my first a140 this way.

If I were you Id take it out and make it into a low power pen build at like 100-200ma. Then get a replacement and rebuild the laser. Test the driver out too, just to make sure it hasn't been damaged from running with an open connection.

jander6442 · Apr 5, 2013

benmwv said:
The problem with current spikes has been fixed on the new versions of the benboost. I posted oscope tests and all on page 47 but I think once a thread is that long most people stop looking at the posts haha.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/f...iver-tested-working-71433-47.html#post1104257

Running at that current spikes will be in the order of 10-15ma, perfectly safe.

Absolutely don't put a big cap between the diode pins. This interferes with the current feedback system and was the original cause of the current spikes. You can try throwing a 2.2uf in there but at your own risk. (I wouldnt...)

Most likely that loose connection was disconnected for a split second, the caps charged up, and when it touched back a burst went through the diode and damaged it. Happens to the best of us buddy :beer: I killed the first working prototype of the benboost and my first a140 this way.

If I were you Id take it out and make it into a low power pen build at like 100-200ma. Then get a replacement and rebuild the laser. Test the driver out too, just to make sure it hasn't been damaged from running with an open connection.

Last I read on that thread, and I was following it pretty good, until Tsteel left us:cryyy: I was understanding that scraping off the cap between the LD output post or omitting it completely did a better job on spike reduction same thing as what we are stating here.

scumbagatheist · Apr 5, 2013

Thanks Ben. I've read many of the pages on that thread...I can't swear I read all the way to page 47! lol

I'll wind up doing just what you said. Considering it fell a couple of times before I got my case and now the dry solder on the pins, it's a miracle this diode didn't LED already.

405nm S06J getting dim diode

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