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12x BR diode with an 18650 -- FlexDrive or BoostDrive?

Bogart

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Oct 18, 2009
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So I got some more of these SF-BW512P sleds now, and want to try putting one of the 405 diodes in an 18650 based host.

Should I use Micro BoostDrive in order to achieve sufficient voltage, or will a Micro FlexDrive work just as well?

In a similar thought, will the BoostDrive make longer use of the battery (drain it more) before ceasing to drive the diode?
 





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IIRC the 12X diodes need ~6V.
The MicroBoost can boost voltage higher but is less efficient.

Either should work but the MicroBoost will be better for higher currents.
The FlexDrive isn't designed to hang with diodes that have such a high Vf.

Both drivers will get the most out of the battery but the more efficient Flex will allow longer life... but not by any amount that would be significant. Use batteries that are protected.
 
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Bogart

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I R haz success.

Got the build done, and didn't kill the diode this time.

There doesn't seem to be a need to heatsink the MicroBoost at 500mA.

It looks nice and purple in the atmosphere, but the spot looks light blue when it hits an object. I guess due to fluorescence of whatever it's hitting.
 
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Sep 20, 2010
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I am waiting on my dummy load to ship so I can check to see if I may or may not have killed my first 12X 405. {{{{{{Epic FAIL?}}}}}}}}

I used a bit too much solder and think the positive solder ball was barely touching the case at the base of diode. I de-soldered, cleaned excess and made a cleaner bond.

All I get is LED like light and sometimes a hint of flashing. So I wonder if it is bad diode or driver (Flex) ?
 
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Sep 22, 2010
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^

Sounds like you killed it unfortunately. I turned a 5mW 635 red into an LE Dlast week by accidentally shorting it.
 
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On a 12x BR, do you have to make a jumper from the negative pin to the unused third pin?
 

Bogart

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I didn't have to. I left that pin alone and it runs fine for me, even when the laser module is not grounded to the body of the host.
 
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RA;

The 18650's with the "lowest internal resistance" are unprotected.

They also are U.L. listed .

You do have to watch the discharge level,
but that is a good practice anyway.

The MicroBoost is having some difficulty with loads above 1 amp.

Thanks,

LarryDFW
 
Last edited:
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On a 12x BR, do you have to make a jumper from the negative pin to the unused third pin?

depents on what driver you use.
for flexdrive you could bridge the neg pin and the unused pin to make your laser case negative.
for microboost you can put a little wire from the unused pin to the - input of the driver also to make your laser case negative.
 
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Sep 20, 2010
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I installed a 445 laser diode into my solarforce host and it BLAZES !!!
Serious light at only 400 ma.

So, I did kill my 12x BR unfortunately. =(
I will need to buy another.
Anyone have a spare to sell???

Tanks,
Jeff
 
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I would ALWAYS go with a BoostDrive for 12x BluRays as FlexDrives don't supply voltages above 5.5v that these diodes need.
 




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