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Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using.

lazeerer

lazeerer

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Hi, All

Just wanted to share with you all the driver that i have been using in my 445nm laser build for the last couple of months and it has been working great for me.:D I held off posting this till now to make sure it is working properly.:D

Heres the build iam using it in:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/m...ra-ss-r2-cree-jayrob-picture-heavy-52900.html


Here is the Driver: $1.99
DealExtreme: $1.99 18V 5W Cree Circuit Board for Flashlights (16.8mm*5.5mm)

I am running it off 2 Lifepo4 batteries 3.0 volts each cell. "When fully charged there ~3.36 each" SO if you are looking for a Driver that is single modded On/Off and running at 1.2amps this is a good driver.:)

I also want to mention that i stated above that it runs on 2 3.0v lifepo4 cells but if you put in 1 18650 it still works but not full power.:beer:

My outputs with the 2x 3.0 volt cells is 1167mW and with the 18650 iam getting around 215mW.:) So in a way it has 2 modes if you have an 18650 cell available.

Hope this helps anyone looking for a driver that is 1.2amps.:)



Also If your looking for the driver in this thread here ON CPF:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=189547&p=2800471&viewfull=1#post2800471

Here it is: you can put a pot on it and be able to adjust the current Ive got some coming in soon i will update you ll with the results:
http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1640

Also I want to mention that suppliers tend to some times change the board up a bit so Lets hope they are the same as they are showing in there Picture and in the CPF thread
 
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Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

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Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

rhd said:
Thanks for your post, I've been wondering about this approach for some time now. One question- you mention using LifePo4 batteries, which I'm unfamiliar with. So I googled, and as I now understand it, this is a battery technology, not a size. Can you explain - does LiFePo4 also imply a size of battery? If not, what size were your cells?
Click to expand...

It's a different battery chemistry, Lithium Iron Phosphate. See here. I'm sure he's talking about CR123A size LiFePO4. They're actually pretty good batteries and are one of the few rechargeable CR123As that will work in the DL Spartan.
 
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Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

rhd said:
Thanks for your post, I've been wondering about this approach for some time now. One question- you mention using LifePo4 batteries, which I'm unfamiliar with. So I googled, and as I now understand it, this is a battery technology, not a size. Can you explain - does LiFePo4 also imply a size of battery? If not, what size were your cells?
Click to expand...

Post 3 is correct. LifePo4 cells are just a different chemistry cell that is said to be safer. ALso they are CR123A Size cells and work Great. This driver can support all the way up to 18 volts but i would not pass 12 volts or even 8.4 volts, Because its not needed.:D
 
Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

Is there a particularly good source for purchasing LiFePo4s?
 
Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

I'm actually using this same driver for my builds. For the price there isn't a better alternative. My units came set at 1.25Amps (0.2Ohm resistor). I'm using 2 Li-ion 18650 cells and they last very long time.
There's a CPF thread about it, showing efficiency graphs. They are also describing a way to adjust the current with a potentiometer.
Another good thing - the IC has capability for PWM control. Which is very easy to use with this PCB. Refer to the datasheet of the IC used.
But keep in mind DX likes to change their suppliers, so the IC used might be different.
 
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Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

lazerov said:
I'm actually using this same driver for my builds. For the price there isn't a better alternative. My units came set at 1.25Amps (0.2Ohm resistor). I'm using 2 Li-ion 18650 cells and they last very long time.
There's a CPF thread about it, showing efficiency graphs. They are also describing a way to adjust the current with a potentiometer.
Another good thing - the IC has capability for PWM control. Which is very easy to use with this PCB. Refer to the datasheet of the IC used.
But keep in mind DX likes to change their suppliers, so the IC used might be different.
Click to expand...

Cool. I love this Driver and i can only Imagen how long it last on 2 18650.:eek:

I hope DX doesn't change anything because i have another one on the way. the last time i order on was like 3 months ago.
I have seen that thread on CPF But is it the same driver doesn't look the same. But it could be the same just different manufacture. I have order that driver in that thread specifically about a month ago and iam awaiting it in the mail should be here soon. I will post an update on that as well. Iam going to do that mod to it so i can control the output with a pot.:)
 
Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

What kind of host do you recommend with this size of driver?
 
Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

If you look at the OP you will see the thread i posted that is what iam using this driver in, But if you missed it here it is.
http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/m...ra-ss-r2-cree-jayrob-picture-heavy-52900.html

Also the Black version of this Host i believe has the same size driver in it so you just have to swap the drivers out from the old to this new one.:)

Its that simple.:)
 
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Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

This is the driver Yobresal is using for his 1W builds afaik. I have also used this driver. It works like a charm.
 
Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

Is this 1.2 amp output from the driver? Because if so, doesn't that imply (with a 5V-range LD), 1.2 x 5 = 6W (6000mW) ?
Which is far above what a 445nm diode can handle.

I know that I'm making an error here - what is it?
 
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Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

You seem to be confusing input power with output power.
You know, laser diodes aren't 100% efficient in transforming electrical current into light.;) (nothing is)

So yes, 6W input to the diode gives you 1W of light as output.
 
Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

Thank you, I appreciate the clarification.
I presumed it was something along those lines - but I had thought maybe the 6W to 1W conundrum was driver inefficiency - It's interesting to know that diode inefficiency can account for so much.
 
Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

If I wanted to use this driver with a PHR803T, would I have to modify it in anyway and would I have any problems using 3 10440 batteries?
 
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