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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Driver Questions! PLEASE HELP!

Joined
Mar 29, 2013
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Hello everyone, i have been consulting this website for many months and i just registered today to ask this question. I am not new to laser but i am to building them. I am getting this driver:

18V 5W Cree Circuit Board for Flashlights (16.8mm*5.5mm) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

I know it works but i was wondering, how would i get it to power a 1.75w laser diode (445nm). It is preset at 1.25A (other details on the page) I have the host, heatsink, diode, etc figured out but not the driver. I don't want to buy a 1.5-2w diode and only get 1w or watever. Any help is greatly appreciated.

PS: If you are going to recommend a different driver, if you could find one in the exact same size, that would be AWESOME! :yh:
 





Joined
Feb 10, 2013
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As you've done your homework, I'll help you out some.
First, I wouldn't use that driver, but that's me. I'd choose a driver built specifically for laser diodes. The current of the driver, combined with the efficiency of the diode, will detemine how many watts you're getting out of the diode.

What diode did you buy? The M-140 44nm can take that kind of current, but I don't know if I would try to push an A-140 that hard.

Good luck with your build.
 
Joined
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It is a M140 1.5-2w rated diode. Also, because you seem like an experienced laser builder, what driver would you recommend for my build. I would prefer a circular driver because then it would fit snugly in the host's circumference. Again, any help is greatly appreciated!
 
Joined
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Also, since you seem to know about M140 diodes, what amperage would i set my drver to to get 1.75 watts?
 
Joined
Feb 21, 2013
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Could use THIS and set somewhere around 1.8A

EDIT: you may want to heat sink the driver to increase life span

there are many drivers out there, especially on this forum. just keep your eye out for a 17mm or 16.8mm round driver
 
Last edited:
Joined
Feb 10, 2013
Messages
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Ok..first of all, this is your first build. Let go of the wattage goal. What you need to focus on is a stable current drive to your diode so that you can have a decent life span on this diode. If you drive it at ~1.25A you will have a perfectly powerful laser, and exactly what wattage matters little. And, you will get a good life out of it @ that current AND be close to what you wattage goal is anyway.

If I was you, I'd get one of Lazeerer's X-boost drivers from Clif @ Canjunlasers.com. You wont be disappointed and each driver is individually tested before shipping to ensure results.

Test every driver on a dummy load (search the forum). Short your leads, and hook up your driver. You will be lasing your way to a good time quickly.

And, finally, don't be a dumb ass. Get your safety goggles BEFORE you ever even fire this laser up. I'M NOT FUCKING AROUND ABOUT THIS! A direct reflection from a NON REFLECTIVE source will still damage your retinas at less than 20 feet at this kind of power. You won't feel or notice a thing. But, by time you get to be my age, you'll have lost half your vision. This is not hyperbole!

Be safe. Don't fuck around. Ask questions.

Brian
 




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