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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Drivers

neo64

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Jan 10, 2013
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Hi everyone, newb in town :)

So I've owned a couple of lasers from DX (red @ 250mW and a green @ 150mW). At that time I didn't get into specifics like laser wavelength, current handling, module sizes etc..

This changed when I decided to build a laser of my own. After a short while of googling stuff, I realised that most of the hits were on this forum - and with good reason :wave: And after spending some time reading about you guys' work here at LPF, now I know where to ask for help!

I'm somewhat of an electronics enthusiast and have sound knowledge of components, power, and soldering :D

So I intend to build a 445nm laser. Bought a host from ebay and with it came a boost driver rated at 2A. After some reading here I found out that buck drivers would be a better solution to my use - nonetheless I wired up the boost driver to gain some practice. And I have some questions if you don't mind :)

Below is the driver in question... details can be found here:
Adjustable 2W 445nm/445nm blue laser driver booster circuit/ 2A/9*20mm | eBay
20130113_132135.jpg



This is a more detailed image of the back where the power resistor is
20130113_132000.jpg



And an image of the top of the PCB..
20130113_132055.jpg



Now my question is this.. The boost driver claims to be current adjustable up to 2A. I couldn't test for currents up to 2A because my 1N4001's in the test load I had kept desoldering themselves with the heat buildup :D (didn't solder them onto a veroboard)
What I found out though, and what I'd appreciate some clarification about, is that the output current wasn't adjustable fully down to 0%. I estimated the output current to be adjustible only in the range of 70% to 100%

Is this true for all drivers or only boost drivers? Or is it due to this being a shoddy driver off ebay?
Don't worry, I intend to treat a 445nm with the respect it deserves by driving it from an X-drive or similar :)

Sorry for the long post and large photos, please let me know if I can improve my posting etiquette.. I'm a new member eager to learn :D
 









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