Micro-Drive laser driver

Post #2 includes updates and latest news (if I remember to update it!)

You can read the post in Experiments & Modifications with more information here.

These are assembled in batches. Typically I have plenty on-hand, but once my stock gets near to depletion, I may run out before more can be produced. That will be avoided, if possible, but sometimes certain components are backordered and take time to arrive.


How much does it cost?

• As an LPF member, I give a 10% discount off of my normal prices that makes the drivers about $11.70 for an assembled driver, plus as little as$2.50 shipping charge per order within the US. *International shipping charges are more expensive, but not by much, typically under $5 for standard shipping (usually <1 week, no tracking) or $11 for Priority (quoted as 6-10 days, no tracking) or $27 for Express (EMS, 3-5 days, tracking and $100 insurance).
• For advanced users, unassembled driver kits are available for ~$7-9. *Extensive PDF full-color instructions available through my website. *Also, resistor kits which include the extra values needed to change to any of the available output options are ~$1. *It is recommended that you have the proper tools and have had experience soldering SMD components for either option.
• To purchase, visit this website: *rkcstr.com, Micro-Drive and laser diode electronics *Make sure you enter the Discount Code "LPF" to get the prices above

The specs:

• A micro-sized driver designed for high power output but able to fit the smallest of applications, including the Aixiz laser module(* see note in second post).
• Fully adjustable range of regulated current output from ~30mA up to ~440mA. *Smaller ranges available in kit form as well to improve the ease of adjusting current.
• Design based around a low-dropout linear regulator IC (1117 series) in a constant current topology.
• Solders directly to any laser diode with standard pin-out
• Dropout voltage (minimum input voltage) theoretically 2.25V+output voltage. *So, for red diodes ~5V, blu-ray diodes ~7V. *MAXIMUM VOLTAGE is 12V.
• Advanced protection for the laser diode and driver function against reverse polarity and voltage spikes.
• Because of the compact size, for higher output values the duty cycle is shorter. *You can read more in here.

Instructions for assembly and usage of the drivers are available in the descriptions for each item (for assembly instructions, see the kits).

Pretty pictures:



New V3 driver

Fixed-value driver

Full-range adjustable driver

Test load

Updates and Information


06/27/2009:
Everything is at the assembler and getting close to being done! Should be finished somewhere around 6/29 to 7/6, then a few days to ship to me and then shipped to you!

06/05/2009:
Status so far is I have prices on assembly, I'm just waiting on the PCBs and parts, which I should have by next week. At that point, they get shipped to the assembler and they should be done in 2-3 weeks after that. I'm hoping to have them by the end of this month.

06/02/2009:
I decided to start up the presale while I wait to get confirmation of assembly prices. You can check out this post to get the details.

06/01/2009:
I'm finalizing prices for my assembled drivers (still waiting on hearing back on one thing). I will probably start the presale in the next couple days using my new prices (plus extra discount!). The pre-sale will be for assembled drivers only. Any other items (kits/parts) will be available when I start selling items regularly again (sometime after June 15th).

Check this post for information on what my revised offerings will include.

05/09/2009:
The manufacturer has contacted me and is working on a quote for assembly of the drivers. Once I have a cost, I will revise my current prices. If the cost is reasonably low, then I will likely lower prices. I don't expect the cost for assembly to be very high, so in all likelihood, I WILL lower prices! No word yet on when I may have any more available for sale, but I'm trying to make them available ASAP. Also, once I get assembly arranged and in process, I will probably be holding a "pre-sale" to cover costs, but selling them with a PRE-SALE DISCOUNT! Keep your eyes open for that


*IMPORTANT: Aixiz Module Size Variances:
It has been brought to my attention that recently Aixiz modules have not been as accurately (or should I say consistently) manufactured. Some have said that their modules were shorter than usual and my driver did not fit properly. So, if you already have your module, before you buy, make some measurements to see if it's a regular size. A standard module will have the back portion (the part that screws onto the "head" that holds the diode), should be about 22mm (mine have measured 22.5mm), and the threaded portion on the head should be 3mm. If you back portion is shorter, you can still use the drivers, but you may have to modify the driver board or the module to fit it properly.

International Shipping:
I quote the standard international shipping as 2-3 weeks, but the US Post Office doesn't give a time frame for any country, so that may be inaccurate. The good news is that, I've heard from some members that they've received their items in a week. So, you may receive your items in 1-2 weeks in actuality, rather than 2-3 weeks. But, that's only a possibility, if you definitely want them faster, you can pay more for the Expedited (6-10 days), Express (3-5 days) or Express Air (1-3 days).

Extra output value settings:
A request by someone on the forum spawned this idea. Typically, I only offer the values specified in my first post, as you know. But, if you need a slightly different value, it's possible for a little adjustment between the normal values of 38-400mA by using the 33 ohm resistors I use for the blu-ray in combination with the others. There is actually a large amount of values possible, so this link below is a spreadsheet with all of the values and other information. Most people probably won't need anything that specific, but they are available. Also, as a note, my standard values aren't exact, they can vary by a few mA (except the 38mA, it's exactly 37.7mA), as you can see in the document:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?k...0BZw&hl=en

You will need a Google account to view the files above. Or, alternatively, you can download the Microsoft Excel file here:

http://rkcstr.googlepages.com/OutputSettings.xls

Also, to note... other (ie higher) output values are possible by either adding more parallel resistors or different values. It's possible to stack more resistors on top of the four, but that's not recommended by me, so feel free to order extra resistors and DIY.[s][/s]

IMPORTANT WARNING (for old drivers, pre Oct '08):

When connecting your driver to a power source, it is CRITICAL that you connect the leads to the proper polarity!!

[If you ordered as of 6/12/08, a better protection has been implemented and there is less concern for this problem, though you should always take care to make the correct connections!]

I've had some troubles recently with driver malfuction after reversing polarity, which for the most part, I know people are careful enough to not do that, but if you do, it may possibly damage the regulator chip on there causing it to put out TOO MUCH current to your diode and possibly damaging it.

This mainly comes from my own mistake in reversing the power leads on a module I made up... ended up blowing the diode when the chip put out 1A into it

Now, some may say, "hey, there's a reverse-protection diode on there, what gives??" This was originally implemented because mostly because of requests to be like Daedel's circuit, which uses the same design. But, what this effectively does is it creates a short across the diode when the polarity is reversed, which means you're shorting the regulator IC. This WILL protect the diode, but if you damage the driver, causing it to put out too much current, when you go to power it up the CORRECT way, it will kill your diode.

So, what I suggest is that if you think you've reversed polarity, to TEST the driver before powering up your laser diode again. This means disconnecting the diode from the driver and hooking up a test load to make sure it's putting out the proper current.

What does this all mean to you? Not much, if you follow directions, lol ;D Just make sure you don't switch the input wires around.... WHITE IS POSITIVE, BLACK IS NEGATIVE

I'm currently looking into implementing a better protection using a MOSFET (credit goes to Colin, AKA cdanjo), which should effectively break the circuit entirely in the case of a polarity reversal. I'll also be including a reminder warning with all of the drivers I sent out.

38mA and 50mA drivers ordered before 5/13/2008:
As mentioned in this thread and in an email that was sent to all those who would be affected, I have found that the low output drivers tend to put out below spec current. There is no danger to damaging your laser diode, it just may not be driven by as much current as you expect. There is a simple fix which involves adding a small capacitor to the board. This can be done by me or yourself if you feel this is a problem, but for most, this really isn't a big deal. The perceived and actual difference between the output of the two drivers is really minimal (actual output may be around 32mA for the 38mA drivers). But, again, if this is a problem you wish to be resolved, you may contact me and we will figure something out.

Ok so here's the important question. *cause it's very likely that based on your response you may have a FLOOD of folks interested in these. *HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE AFTER ORDER IS PLACED BEFORE YOU WILL SHIP?

Main reason I ask is there are lots of folks out there that are just dying to get thier hands on my barrels and presently we havn't gotten assembled drivers yet. *for those impatient folks I'm sure that they would love to get thier hands on a driver that would mean they could get thier barrels as soon as possible. *(albiet this won't work for bluray in my barrels as the input voltage would be 6v-7.2v the higher voltage from rechargables that would soon loose the charge necessary to maintain above 7v.) Now this is no bash on bluefusion as he's been toiling night and day (ok just night) to build the hundreds of drivers he's sold. *I know I am interested in a few myself. *soooo. that being said, I await your response.
Ken

P.s. I just noticed you indicated you had enough for 40 and then would need to purchase the components necessary to build more. I'll warn you now you'll sell those 40 in a really quick hurry. soo that being said I'll take 4

Im from Sydney AU so PM me prices for shipping. I will take 1x400mA, 2x350mA, 1x150mA.

Might take more depending on shipping cost.

i am also based in sydney australia. i will take 2 400mA depending on shipping. if shipping is too much i will take one

ill take, 4xbr 38ma,2x400mA, 2x350mA,

Dibs on 2 of the 38mA for blu-rays

looks awesome. I'm ordering some

I have some spring cleaning to do today, but if I have less than 20 boards to make up tonight, I'm sure I can get them out in the mail tomorrow.... how's that for speed? *;D

As for parts, I basically wanted to see how quickly these would go so I could make a guess as to how many more I should expect to buy parts or. *Seeing that I have about 10 people wanting some already, I might be buying more parts tomorrow, lol.


For AU shipping will be $3.50US per order. *This is via First-Class Mail International, not sure of how long it takes, USPS.com just says "varies". *The next fastest (Priority mail international, 6-10days) will be $12.



For orders, please PM me your order. *It makes it easier because it puts you "in line" and I don't have to search this thread for orders.

Please check the 2nd post (Updates and Information) on up-to-the-date information on current production status.

told ya they would go fast.

Very nice rkcstr, It makes my think that building my own drivers for my batch of blue rays is a waste of time. I need to get into next month before I can place an order but it will be forthcoming soon

I am so glad you decided to go into production.

Regards rog8811

Can you post who made it for the first batch, as far as orders go ? I PM'd in my order earlier, and was wondering if I made the cutoff or not...

I'm trying to guess how many I should buy parts for now... think 200 will be enough to last a decent bit?

Can you post who made it for the first batch, as far as orders go ? *I PM'd in my order earlier, and was wondering if I made the cutoff or not...[/quote]

Sure, I'm getting all of the orders sorted and invoices sent out now. *After I get my nice spreadsheet made up, I'll post who's in and who's on the next batch.

EDIT: *DONE! See second post.

Sweeet ! Thanks - one last thing, do I wait for an invoice, or do I fire off the money to you ? 8-)

Invoice is sent... check your mail

payment sent

ok kool. payment sent
looks like im in the next batch ='[
lol..

Can you post who made it for the first batch, as far as orders go ? I PM'd in my order earlier, and was wondering if I made the cutoff or not...[/quote]
Senkat your back? its good to see you

Awesome, will these fit inside a minimag?

If an entire Aixiz module fits in, then I don't see why not.

If an entire Aixiz module fits in, then I don't see why not.
[/quote]

Its in an aixiz module similar to the one shown in your pictures, possibly a little smaller.

If the inner diameter of the minimag is greater than 10mm and you have about 20mm in length inside to spare, you should be fine to fit the board in there

If the inner diameter of the minimag is greater than 10mm and you have about 20mm in length inside to spare, you should be fine to fit the board in there
[/quote]

I have an idea on how to do this

for sale on my site. I'll post some pics of it once the drivers come in.

I can vouch for this guy (I got test units) these things are teh bomberz!!!


VERY SMALL, Good regulation, and everything else in a convenient pinky nail sized driver.

I love them.

Oh, and Im in for a few...


EDIT: PM SENT with 1x 400mA

this will be cool...

BTW: NICE TO HAVE YOU BACK SENKAT!!! A lot has changed while you were gone lol...