445nm 'handheld' design

Hi,

This is my first post here, and although I only joined today I've been reading/utilizing information throughout the threads here, and I wanted to say that it has helped me greatly in conceptualizing/designing/constructing previous lasers. I have recently gotten a m140 projector and have succeeded in extracting the block and the diodes, and I do have to sell some to replace the cost of the projector and a little extra. I am about to complete a single diode build with one diode and it is coming out very nicely if you wondered, as for my next project I want to embark on an extremely difficult task of combining a bunch of diodes in a handheld. Initially I was think a dual or triple but since I have a knife edge array from the projector(along with everything else in it) that could do 8, I've settled on that number. So I have a couple of things I am trying to work out and decided to come here for help. In my mind, I think that if all diodes are sideways and have the array on one side then put driver(s) on the other side of the diodes along with some battery source. There is the original block which I could utilize or I could get 8 modules but I think that the modules would probably be too long to make the device handheld. As for power supply 8 drivers sounds like a lot but if necessary is still possible. To power those 8 i was wondering if I was wrong in that I could use say 8 18650s in series and then have the drivers in series or doing them both parallel(please tell me if that is a bad idea). Thanks for reading and any and all help is appreciated. And yes before you ask I do have safety goggles. Would not want to blind myself.


Edit: I plan to run the diodes at 1.8 amps a piece. And also wanted to ask if I use the block the diodes come on would it be a good idea to use the stock lens plate?

If anyone was interested I got really lucky with the m140 projector, was only 500+50 shipping.

DoctorEvil said:

If anyone was interested I got really lucky with the m140 projector, was only 500+50 shipping.

Click to expand...

Dang, was it new? Even if it wasn't, I would happily pay 23$ a piece for 2W capable diodes if they were used...

@crazyspaz it was brand new, unopened box. I don't understand how it was being sold so cheap. I sniped it on eBay. It was very nice and was collector mint edition material(if anyone were to collect them). The door to the diode block met a cruel fate though. I didn't have the tools for those screws so I busted out pliers and then a utility knife. Poor little piece of plastic.

If anyone wants to discuss or reply to the design idea aforementioned, please do.

8 18650 in series! I think I'd go parallel

Would that work though? Like would it power all drivers effectively?

And what's so bad about 8 18650s in series?

That would give you 4.2 v x 8 giving you 34.2 volts. I don't think ANY diode or driver would survive

:beer:
-Matt

No but couldn't you wire the drivers in series so that it spreads evenly? Or does it have to all be parallel?

DoctorEvil said:

No but couldn't you wire the drivers in series so that it spreads evenly? Or does it have to all be parallel?

Click to expand...

DoctorEvil said:

Would that work though? Like would it power all drivers effectively?

And what's so bad about 8 18650s in series?

Click to expand...

Are you talking about batteries or drivers. You should stay on one topic.

For a build you will wire boost drivers in parallel. NEVER in series, then you would be boosting off of the output of a boost driver, putting more stress on the first driver, and not getting you the current you need.

For boost drivers , your 3.7 volt batteries will be in PARALLEL.

If you use a buck driver, you will have 2 batteries in series, adding the voltages of the batteries (for 7.4 - 8.4 volts)

In PARALLEL batteries will keep their normal voltage no matter how many cells you add. Just google it if you are confused.
Hope this helps.

:beer:
-Matt

Thanks Matt, what about heatsinking? I can imagine that it would need to be great for 8 at 1.8 amps, but would it be logical to use the plate it came on? Is there a more effective thing?

Your going to need a serious fan for that system. Just a heatsink has no hope. Best of luck to you. Lots of work and research ahead.

Do you think the fans from the projector would be sufficient?

The fAns from the projector are quiet and powerful. They are great. Just a bit big... If you can incorporate one into your build that would be cool. Keep in mind they run off of 12v...

:beer:
-Matt

Thanks Matt ill be sure to update as it progresses

I actually have a dmm that runs off a 12v battery about half the size of a AAA. I had no Idea they made battery that small with such high voltage. But I have played with one of those fans and they do run off 1 3.7v battery but not as efficient of course. I know I've seen a few fan cooled handheld, so you might want to dig for the threads to get some ideas.