Optimal driver/battery configuration for an M-140 in Saik host

Hello everyone, I've been doing some heavy searching in the forums regarding the optimal selection and configuration of components for a 445nm build using the Saik host with the M-140 diode and I still have a couple questions. I wonder if anyone would be able to offer some good input based on their experience with this setup or laser builds in general.

I would like my project to be able to generate between 1 and 2 W if possible. For optimum diode lifespan I was going to aim for a target current of 1.5 - 1.6 amps to the diode (from what I've been reading that seems to be the optimal current).

For best battery life, performance, cost, and versatility, would it be better for me to employ one x-drive or one or two flex drives? And based on that recommendation I was wondering if it would be better for me to use a single 32600 cell (with the host machined to fit the new slightly larger cells from Kaidomain) or to use 3 14500 batteries using the stock battery holder and whether I should set those up in parallel or series to achieve the required voltage to run the driver. I realize that cost is a big factor in these choices and while money certainly is an object for me, I would rather build a quality project designed for longevity and have it cost a little more and take a little more time to acquire the parts.

I apologize for the complexity, generality, and n00bness of the questions but I was hoping someone has done a similar build and would be able to share their experience with me. Any help on this topic would be super appreciated

Mark

I've got several configurations for that host. The M140 is a very hardy diode, if you had one shot to go then go with the Xdrive and modify the battery tray to except 2 14500 you would still be at the mercy of the diodes efficiency. Good luck and keep reading.

Thanks for the input! I will definitely look more into going with the single drive with 2 14500s. I feel like a kid in a (very expensive) candy store. It can be very overwhelming. I'm for sure going to keep myself buried in reading the forum for a while before I take my first step.

If you wanted a cheaper option you could try a Moh linear at 1.62 or 1.82 A from Blord. (Hes selling them for $9). This option would give you slightly shorter run times than a boost (you probably wont notice the difference though) and you could run it with either 2 x 14500's + spacer, or 3 x 14500's.

If you decided to go with a boost you could rewire the battery compartment to run 3x 14500s in parallel or just get a 32600 battery. Btw check out Lazereers V7 driver if you decide to go that route.

Heres my Saik build at 1.8 A, using a 1.8 A Moh linear, which gave approx 2.6 W. Hopefully it might give you some ideas. Good luck :beer:

Edit: FYI my last post in that thread answered questions; where I bought everything, how much it cost and some general safety stuff...

grainde said:

If you wanted a cheaper option you could try a Moh linear at 1.62 or 1.82 A from Blord. (Hes selling them for $9). This option would give you slightly shorter run times than a boost (you probably wont notice the difference though) and you could run it with either 2 x 14500's + spacer, or 3 x 14500's.

If you decided to go with a boost you could rewire the battery compartment to run 3x 14500s in parallel or just get a 32600 battery. Btw check out Lazereers V7 driver if you decide to go that route.

Heres my Saik build at 1.8 A, using a 1.8 A Moh linear, which gave approx 2.6 W. Hopefully it might give you some ideas. Good luck :beer:

Edit: FYI my last post in that thread answered questions; where I bought everything, how much it cost and some general safety stuff...

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This sounds like a really good setup for my build. I plan to do it as a Christmas present for my brother. I'm not a cheapskate but hey, he'll get a pretty sick laser and I'll save a few bucks! Thanks for the input and the link to your build. It's going to be a great resource for when I start my project! Very much appreciated.

I run mine with 3 benboosts set at 1.8a total with a modded battery holder for 3 x 14500's in parallel.

Polonium210 said:

I run mine with 3 benboosts set at 1.8a total with a modded battery holder for 3 x 14500's in parallel.

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I'm definitely considering running the same battery setup as suggested by jayrob as a part of the Saik hosts he sells. Do you get a better efficiency with the 3 benboosts as you would with just two drivers set to a total of 1.8 or a single 1.8a x-drive?

SubstanceD said:

I'm definitely considering running the same battery setup as suggested by jayrob as a part of the Saik hosts he sells. Do you get a better efficiency with the 3 benboosts as you would with just two drivers set to a total of 1.8 or a single 1.8a x-drive?

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I'm sure you loose a bit of efficiency but splitting the load on three drivers as opposed to two makes for less driver heating.

Polonium210 said:

I'm sure you loose a bit of efficiency but splitting the load on three drivers as opposed to two makes for less driver heating.

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Which in turn probably improves your duty cycle and likely the overall lifetime of the diode if I had to guess

SubstanceD said:

Which in turn probably improves your duty cycle and likely the overall lifetime of the diode if I had to guess

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Yes. I had problems with only two drivers reaching the thermal cutout and the diode starts to flash so I split the load over three drivers and was able to run longer duty cycles.
The SAIK is a nice host because the size of heat sink allows room to sink all those drivers

I can run the Xdrive for unlimited run times if I so choose. The Ben boost would not be my first route and three paralleled Prolly should not be your first build.

jander6442 said:

I can run the Xdrive for unlimited run times if I so choose. The Ben boost would not be my first route and three paralleled Prolly should not be your first build.

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I'm mostly just looking into my options right now for this host build. I have ordered some parts for less expensive and more simple builds to familiarize myself with some of the basic laser compenent concepts. I definitely won't try to tackle this project right off the bat for your xdrive build would you recommend just two 14500s in parallel or in series? Or would a single 32600 be the way to go for increased capacity? I really appreciate all the input!

There are several X drives the latest versions are; buck V6 and boost V7.

If you choose boost you need 1 battery - so run more of them parallel.
If you choose buck you need 2 batteries - so run them in series.

:beer:

Edit: As Jander mentioned you should just make a build with a single driver to start with. Wiring up 3 Ben Boosts, sinking them in the host and getting it all to fit and work wont be that easy!

Okay thanks for clearing that up! I feel like I understand the way that drivers can be implemented a lot better now. And no worries jander and grainde, I will definitely start out slow with single driver builds using the simplest setups possible. I don't want to bury myself in a complex project and lose motivation over the frustration. Thanks again for helping me understand all this, I super appreciate it!!! :yh:

buck with an x-drive

If you look at a boost driver the FMT is perfect for this host. 1.7A and can easily attach to the back of the main sink or to the top of the pill for heatsinking using a single 32600.:beer: