Micro-Drive laser driver by rkcstr

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

(see previous page for new Test Load pictures)

Also, a couple announcements:

1.  I'm going to start including a different type of wire with my drivers.  It has been pointed out that it is possible to damage the PCB, diode or something else by using the solid core wire that I include as it doesn't flex or give well.  So, I'm going to start including a stranded wire instead to help those who use the wire to avoid damage since the wire will be more flexible.  I would hope that most would identify such an issue before it affected your build, but I suggest you always be careful and take your time when building, it will help to avoid complications.

2.  My education is pretty important, if not more so than my building of drivers (sorry, guys!) and things have picked up a little bit with the start of the new year.  So, there may be delays on orders going out as I try to keep up with everything.  I appreciate your patience and you are welcome to send me a PM or email if you're wondering about when I'll get to your order;  I'll try to give you a estimate to the best of my ability about when to expect shipment.

Thanks!

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

Hey rkcstr......
    now that looks professional.....  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
and I bet a lot easier to assemble....

Jerry

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

I don't think assembly was too bad before. What is nice now is that the holes are thru-plated so there's no need to worry about soldering both sides of the board.

Also, the bridge points for selecting a range seem to be simpler to solder. I just stick the iron on each pad, touch the solder wire to each pad to get a little on each, then use the tip to cross both pads and quickly touch the solder again to allow it to bridge the pads. Usually only takes a few seconds to do it all.

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

oo thanks for the last 2 orders they came quick, quick (noob =/)question, can u mount the ld to the other side of the driver? (its hard for me to solder it with the chip in the way) whats your recomended ESD safe practices?

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

Well, the pads are set up so that the positive and negative of the diodes are lined up. The bottom pads have no connection, so you can solder it there, you will just have to solder wires then from the correct pads to the bottom ones, then. It sounds like you just need a smaller tip on your iron, though

As for ESD, basically you should just be working over a table so that things won't hit the ground, use an ESD-safe soldering iron and wear an anti-static strap.

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

coolio. il be sure to do that i have a junky old soldering iron i found in the basement it worked for the first one but then i got the dreaded click when i whent was puting on the houseing :'( broke off a pin. o well

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

Sorry to hear that. What got caught and caused the driver to twist? Also, I typically try to solder all three pins to the driver or solder the case pin (for a blu-ray) to the negative pin. That will make it less prone to twisting and lessen the chance of damaging the pins.

Anyway, you have to take it slow when you're building. If you're trying to screw on the back and you hit some resistance, stop. Take it back apart and figure out why it isn't going on easily.

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

lol well i solderd the LD to far away from the driver and i thought i had clearence but i underestemated it, o well lesson learned >< i actualy drilled out the back of an extra houseing so i can see it while im putting it on nextime.

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

http://rkcstr.nfshost.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=180 when will this be back in stock?

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

AusLasersSuck:  A PM OR a post in the forum is sufficient, doing both isn't necessary.  I answered your PM.

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

I just wanted to let everybody know: if you need a driver or anything from me in the next couple weeks, you have until tomorrow afternoon to get your order in. I have an exam coming up, so I need to stop taking orders so I can study. Thanks!

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

http://rkcstr.nfshost.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=180 when will this be back in stock?

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

I'm sorry you missed it, but I did have more posted when I told you last time to check up until yesterday.   I won't be takings orders again until Sat 1/31.  

Also, the main page of my website (the first page you see when you goto http://rkcstr.nfshost.com ) has all of this information listed on there.  I put that there in hopes that people will actually read it (that means you), so please try reading my website and maybe the last few posts in this topic before asking questions about stock or availability.

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

Hey Rckstr or anyone else. I was just wondering if i put a DMM on the LD+ and GD on this driver, how many volts should i get. With a 9v at about 8.9volts i got 8.1 volts when i touched the LD side. That doesn't seam right to me.

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

Measuring voltage across the output of the driver with nothing connected to it will give you strange results.  Since the driver regulates current, the output voltage will depend on the load;  it is not "constant", but rather varies depending on the load.  So, instead, what you can do is set your multimeter to current (mA or A, but make sure it can handle the peak current of your driver) while connected in the same way and measure while powered.  This will give you the output current on the driver.

This may not make much sense to you and if so, I suggest you do a little studying tonight.  Try reading up on Ohm's Law, which states that voltage is equal to the current multiplied by the resistance, or V = I*R.  If you think about it, when you regulated current (I = constant), changing R (the load) means voltage (V) will have to change as well.  So, with constant current, voltage changes with the load.  Conversely, if you have a voltage regulator, changing the load will then mean you have to increase the current to keep voltage the same.

So, just try measuring current with your meter and you should see some more normal values.

Re: Micro-Drive laser driver *NOW ADJUSTABLE*

Ordering is open again.

Usual stuff of 5 drivers per order, 1 order per week per person, with a total of 30 drivers. Larger orders are accepted upon request, but will likely have a week or so wait.

Also, for future knowledge: I'll be taking orders up until Feb. 23rd, then stop until around March 7th for my next exam.