I posted this in the other review thread, but I guess it belongs in this section.
First some data:
I did some voltage and current readings.
The module draws 208mA down from 6V until about 4.15V. At that point the current continues to drop as it falls out of regulation.
So that means at least 380mW ((6-4.15)x208) is being dissipated by the driver with fresh batteries.
If we assume the circuit is about 90% efficient just where it drops out of regulation, that would mean the LD would get about 780mW of electrical power (4.15x208x0.9).
Anyone know the electrical to optical ballpark efficiency of red LDs at this drive level?
Now some mods:
Tailcap shroud (to prevent accidental turn-on)
Aperture cover. Heatshrink, wine cork, green plastic, arcrylic rod. The green plastic greatly attenuates the output and the arcrylic further diffuses the output. That way, you can still see if it has been left turned on.
I got curious. The brass module is 14mm wide (OD) and about 47mm long. The white stuff is silicone.
Regarding the power drop due to the anodizing - it is possible. All it had to do is add about 9 ohms of resistance for the driver to drop out of regulation.
Paul
First some data:
I did some voltage and current readings.
The module draws 208mA down from 6V until about 4.15V. At that point the current continues to drop as it falls out of regulation.
So that means at least 380mW ((6-4.15)x208) is being dissipated by the driver with fresh batteries.
If we assume the circuit is about 90% efficient just where it drops out of regulation, that would mean the LD would get about 780mW of electrical power (4.15x208x0.9).
Anyone know the electrical to optical ballpark efficiency of red LDs at this drive level?
Now some mods:
Tailcap shroud (to prevent accidental turn-on)
Aperture cover. Heatshrink, wine cork, green plastic, arcrylic rod. The green plastic greatly attenuates the output and the arcrylic further diffuses the output. That way, you can still see if it has been left turned on.
I got curious. The brass module is 14mm wide (OD) and about 47mm long. The white stuff is silicone.
Regarding the power drop due to the anodizing - it is possible. All it had to do is add about 9 ohms of resistance for the driver to drop out of regulation.
Paul