First build: Need driver advice

let me first start by saying i have read numerous "how to build" or "i want to build a laser" threads here and i believe i can take on this challenge.

I want to use the Cree C6 host and have purchased both an aluminum and a copper heat sink for this host and buying two hosts soon. i plan on doing both a 638/650nm and 405nm build but not sure which to tackle first. i believe the red would be best from what ive read but i am open to suggestions/corrections on anything i say.

i want to build the 638/650nm at above 200mW maybe 300mW+ and the 405nm at above 500mW.
the diodes im looking at using for my first builds are DTR's:
650nm or 638nm
405nm

now as for the driver i have no idea what to use. i have watched PyroGadgets youtube video on making a 445nm in Cree C6 and he suggests either mohgasm's driver or a cheap DX driver. i want to make this build with quality parts so it doesn't die easy but i also don't want to spend a ton in case i do ruin something, but with that being said i think the mohgasm driver is reasonable priced. which driver would you all recommend for each diode and also what output?

i have some experience soldering but the soldering iron i have now sucks so i am investing in a new one with a nice sharp tip along with some helping hands, heat wrap tubing, etc....

if anyone has suggestions i would love to hear them since knowledge comes from building and this would be my first build so my knowledge is limited.

Thanks in advance for the help

Re: Looking to build first laser

Are you going to use 2x 16340 or 1x 18650...? :thinking:

Jim

Re: Looking to build first laser

oh sorry, i was hoping to use 2x 16340's but i also have some 18650's. wasnt planning on using the 18650's due to the lower power

If you are going to use 2X 16340's a buck driver would work great for all of the above mentioned diodes. I would recommend using a X-Drive for a buck driver. Good luck with your build!

do you have a link to any buck drivers that are for sale. i have had no luck searching for buck drivers for sale. i know blord had a few in the B/S/T section a while back but i think they all sold. also what should the driver be set to for the red and violet?

i would like a round 16.8mm driver but the only buck's ive found are lazeerer's x-drive v6 mini.

Clif has some at CajunLasers.com

There are BlitzBuck buck drivers over at Cajunlasers which are round drivers.

For the 650nm (DTR 300mw module): Keep it under 400mA
For the 638nm (ML520G71 Mits. 300mw diodes): Not sure, someone with more experience than me should answer this.
For the 405nm (SO6J diodes): 500mA max! Some people here go over that limit but it diminishes the life of the diode a lot.

I've got DTR's 300mW 650nm driven @ ~475mA by a preset Mohgasm linear, that's going in a C-6 today.

I've got DTR's S06J 405nm driven @ ~495mA by a Benboost Mini V5 in am MXDL host. Never warms up.

I've got DTR's M-140 445nm driven @ 1.9A by a X-Boost on 16.8mm board.

I am satisfied by all three and have had a good time w/ the 650nm and linear driver w/ just a 3100mAh 18650. The Vf is low enough to not be as issue..as yet.

scum and cube, thanks for the help on the driver output. that helps a lot. i could have just based it off what others build their lasers at but like you said cube, many people over drive their lasers and im not looking to do that. i want a nice long lasting laser

I saw that DTR sells his 300mW 638nm modules preset at 850mA, I'm guessing that it should be a safe current for the 300mW 638nm :beer:

it also says for use with 1 3.7V Li-Ion though so cant use that driver.

It uses a X-Drive which is a buck driver, thus you can use two Li-Ion's. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but the Vf of the diode is low enough that you can run the diode with a buck driver of one Li-Ion because of the driver's low dropout voltage. The X-Drive can easily handle two Li-Ions.

This is my 1st post and I know nothing. But, I bought that 638 module from DTR for a MoD build and asked DTR himself about the single 1.3V (MoD uses 2). He replied with basically what Cube777 said. The 2 are okay, the mention of the single is more of a disclaimer, if I understand correctly what he said. Anyway, I have the module and am taking his expert opinion. I will be installing it as soon as the host arrives in a couple days. If you want, get back to me and I'll tell you if I killed it or not.

i'd love to see what you are building but i think i was just having a major brain fart all last week due to being sick. i didnt connect the driver it was using with what it was able to run on and just saw uses 1 battery and ran with that (it was simple and simple is great when your sick)

I'm using a mohgasm linear set to 378mA for my 650nm dtr module, wich is just a bit under the recommended min of 400mA from his site. Good luck on witch ever you do go with :beer:

what is the 650 putting out with that? got excited seeing lasers w/ output in your sig and then go figure, its missing :undecided: