FlexDrive v5 worries... how do i test load this thing and not fry my diode?!

Kaokin · Nov 20, 2009

I just ordered a PHR sled to practice on and a GGW sled for my final build as well as a FlexDrive v5 as my driver. I have been reading quite a bit and i know that it is strongly recommended that you test load the driver and measure the current before mounting the diode, but i cant seem to find any detailed information on how to do so... I have a DMM but i dont have very much electronics knowledge... Do i need to build a test load or can i just short the output terminals or use a resistor or ??? :thinking: Any help is appreciated!!!

jayrob · Nov 20, 2009

This article about drivers and test loads is great from rog8811. In it, he shows a DDL driver, but it is the exact same procedure and test load when using a FlexDrive:
It can be done - Laser driver

The tiny FlexDrive has resistors that you can solder a 'jumper' for setting a range of current for the single turn pot. Here is the FlexDrive documentation:
http://hacylon.case.edu/ebay/laser_diode/MicroFlexDrive_V5_manual.pdf

jander6442 · Nov 20, 2009

This is probably the most asked question on this fine forum, and just short of plagiarizing any response you will find your answer I'm sure if you try using the search
feature. It's there I know.

Kaokin · Nov 20, 2009

Jayrob, Thank you very much, that explained driver circuits and test loads nicely :yh: I will go to radio shack today and see if they have the diodes. The only other thing i am alittle unclear about is the forward voltage produced by the flex drive. I have read the flexdrive PDF manual and understand the soldering jumpers and pot for setting the current, but how is the forward voltage set?

Jander: i used the search feature and looked for well over an hour before i asked this question, which i indicated in my post. Just because i am new here and only have 2 posts please dont assume i am some kind of idiot who doesnt know how to use the search feature. Jayrob answered my question quicky and concisely in 30 seconds flat.

Thanks for the help jayrob :beer:

Flaminpyro · Nov 20, 2009

Why don't you try out one of my easy to use PYRO Test Loads here is a picture.

you will find them in the laser pro shop along with other fine laser tools you my need to get the job done !

Peace All FlaminPyro...

Kaokin said:
I just ordered a PHR sled to practice on and a GGW sled for my final build as well as a FlexDrive v5 as my driver. I have been reading quite a bit and i know that it is strongly recommended that you test load the driver and measure the current before mounting the diode, but i cant seem to find any detailed information on how to do so... I have a DMM but i dont have very much electronics knowledge... Do i need to build a test load or can i just short the output terminals or use a resistor or ??? :thinking: Any help is appreciated!!!

jander6442 · Nov 20, 2009

Kaokin said:
I just ordered a PHR sled to practice on and a GGW sled for my final build as well as a FlexDrive v5 as my driver. I have been reading quite a bit and i know that it is strongly recommended that you test load the driver and measure the current before mounting the diode, but i cant seem to find any detailed information on how to do so... I have a DMM but i dont have very much electronics knowledge... Do i need to build a test load or can i just short the output terminals or use a resistor or ??? :thinking: Any help is appreciated!!!

After 1 hour on the search and you can't find any detailed info on
this...:undecided: also, I'm not in any way calling you an idiot nor have I ever to any forum member, sir.

I know that questions beget questions and in short could be found in the search.

Myself... I lurked here for over a month before asking this same question
that you just did only becouse I was less inclined to be spoooned feed.

I want to start over again and just say welcome :beer:any questions use the search.

Just be glad forum member Tech_Junkie wasn't repling cause he would have been less ginger in his responces, especially when it comes to new members asking the ol' test load questions.

PS. don't forget to short the caps. peace JOsh.

Kaokin · Nov 20, 2009

Thanks Josh, im no trying to be spoon fed either i just have a bunch of components on my workbench and im excited to get started, thats all, im sure you can relate to that!

Flamingpyro, i noticed those test loads in another thread, very sweet!!! i was actually contemplating getting one and some of the silicone wire from you as well as a few other misc things... What i really need is a heatsink or two; and i noticed that really sweet lathe setup you have there

I know you have done alot of work on alot of different hosts, have you ever made a heatsink for a Trustfire Tr-801? would you be willing to make an easy custom heatsink for an uncommon host if i gave you dimensions?? I am using a 405-g-1 lense mounted in a 10.5mm housing as shown here:

jayrob · Nov 20, 2009

Kaokin said:
Jayrob, Thank you very much, that explained driver circuits and test loads nicely :yh: I will go to radio shack today and see if they have the diodes. The only other thing i am alittle unclear about is the forward voltage produced by the flex drive. I have read the flexdrive PDF manual and understand the soldering jumpers and pot for setting the current, but how is the forward voltage set?

Thanks for the help jayrob :beer:

You don't have to worry about voltage. (for normal diodes up to 6X blu-ray's - V5 will give at least 300mA's up to 6 volts demand) The FlexDrive is designed to regulate the current with the voltage demand being taken care of.

All you need to do, is have the proper supply (between 2 and 5.5 volts), and have the current set properly. And the diode will take what ever voltage it needs.

3 X AAA batteries (standard or rechargeable), 2 X AAA (or other 1.5 volt batteries), a single lithium battery (primary or rechargeable), are all perfect supplies for a FlexDrive red or blu-ray...

Kaokin · Nov 20, 2009

Cool Jayrob thanks

netwave · Feb 2, 2010

Im at the point where I need to solder a jumper across 3 resistors to set the flexdrive v5 to 155mA~600mA
These drives are allot smaller than expected & thought Id best ask one of you for any useful advise at this point as not to screw up.

I thought of using a pin as the jumper, but appears too big, now im wondering if tinning a single strand of copper wire to bridge the resistors would be a better option,
Any suggestions?

mfo · Feb 3, 2010

netwave said:
Im at the point where I need to solder a jumper across 3 resistors to set the flexdrive v5 to 155mA~600mA
These drives are allot smaller than expected & thought Id best ask one of you for any useful advise at this point as not to screw up.

I thought of using a pin as the jumper, but appears too big, now im wondering if tinning a single strand of copper wire to bridge the resistors would be a better option,
Any suggestions?

Watch this video thanks to mohrenberg.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/how-set-flex-drives-current-45653.html

netwave · Feb 3, 2010

excellent tutorial thanks..
had a chuckle when I saw the nail clippers come into the scene for snips, as I too thief the house hold clippers for the same purpose

mfo · Feb 3, 2010

netwave said:
excellent tutorial thanks..
had a chuckle when I saw the nail clippers come into the scene for snips, as I too thief the house hold clippers for the same purpose

I think we all do haha.

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