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GGW-H20L vs. SF-AW210, which one is a better value?

spectral532

spectral532

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After completing my PHR-803T module, I've been considering building a 6x laser. However, I'm on a limited budget and cant decide which diode to get.

I've read that GGW-H20L diodes are more powerful than SF-AW210 sleds. But with GGW-H20L sleds priced around $70 and SF-AW210s priced around $30, is the extra $40 mark up worth it? According to this thread, SF-AW210 diodes run at around 200mw, while GGWs run at 210mw. Is the 10mw difference really worth the extra money? Is there anything that a GGW-H20L can do that a SF-AW210 cant? Are there other factors I might be overlooking that could justify the price?
 





D

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It's not just the extra mW, the ggw last longer. an SF-AW at 200mW won't last long while a GGW at this power is on almost "conservative" current.
 
jayrob

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Yep... the GGW's have been very good for us at 190mA's...

The AW-210 diodes have given mixed results. The higher power ones don't seem to last.

The general feeling is to run them at less than a GGW. Personally, I would say maybe 170mA's.

But as was mentioned. The GGW will still have more longevity, even at 190mA's. (normally)
 
Tabish

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Wait, I thought the AW-210 was safe at 190mA

Larry calculated 192mA I believe.
 
jayrob

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He is just posting information from stuff he read about. (I believe)

I am posting my opinion based on personal experience and that of others...
 
Tabish

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jayrob said:
He is just posting information from stuff he read about. (I believe)

I am posting my opinion based on personal experience and that of others...
Click to expand...

Referring to me ?

So you wouldn't drive a AW-210 over 170mA ?
 
brtaman

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Not really, unless I had a few to spare. The GGW is tried and true, it has proven to be reliable, mine has quite a few hours on it and is still running strong. The SF may run reliably for just as long, but it is an if.

Like jayrob said, his post and recomended current is based on the experience, I have to agree with his assessment.

Whether or not the 40$ extra for the GGW is worth it, is really in the eyes of the buyer, personally for 70$ I would almost consider waiting for another price drop and going 8x (Aren't they going for <<200$ already?).

Back in the day they were a cool 55ish $. IIRC
 
jander6442

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Jay I've notice that in other posting you seem to be somewhat partial to the SF diode.

Is there something your not telling us:whistle: or are you like me... 170mA is fine for a 405nm build and the price is good also.
 
D

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ye, I don't know where did you see the 70$ price but it's cheaper than that on the b/s/t

I don't have experience at all with this 2 diodes, but I'm just recalling what I've read about them.
 
brtaman

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Hallucynogenyc said:
ye, I don't know where did you see the 70$ price but it's cheaper than that on the b/s/t

I don't have experience at all with this 2 diodes, but I'm just recalling what I've read about them.
Click to expand...

Got the price from the OP. Did seem high tbh. :D If they are still in the 50$ range, 6X no question imo
 
jayrob

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jander6442 said:
Jay I've notice that in other posting you seem to be somewhat partial to the SF diode.

Is there something your not telling us:whistle: or are you like me... 170mA is fine for a 405nm build and the price is good also.
Click to expand...

Oh no... I am partial to the GGW diodes for sure!

But I have commented on the difference here and there, because it comes up a lot is all...

The GGW is definitely a better choice if available. But yeah, there's also nothing wrong with a 170mA build! :)
 
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spectral532

spectral532

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jayrob said:
Yep... the GGW's have been very good for us at 190mA's...

The AW-210 diodes have given mixed results. The higher power ones don't seem to last.

The general feeling is to run them at less than a GGW. Personally, I would say maybe 170mA's.

But as was mentioned. The GGW will still have more longevity, even at 190mA's. (normally)
Click to expand...

What I'm looking for is a blu-ray laser that will run in the 180mw+ range. Will a SF-AW210 be able to safely run at this power level? How much more power can a GGW-H20L safely output?
 
robjdixon

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Having only owned one of each diodes, I have been a bit unlucky with the GGW diodes. When I run one at 170mA, I get 120mW with acrylic lens, which is crap, frankly.

My AW-210 however, give me 240mW at 214ma with an aixiz acrylic lens. Its awesome
 
jayrob

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spectral532 said:
What I'm looking for is a blu-ray laser that will run in the 180mw+ range. Will a SF-AW210 be able to safely run at this power level? How much more power can a GGW-H20L safely output?
Click to expand...

That's the thing, everybody gets mixed results with them... (AW210)

Some have power similar to an 8X! Like robjdixon's.

I had one that was really HOT too, but I had it set too high and it died pretty fast...
 
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pwnstar

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Thanks for this thread. I have been wondering the difference myself too.
 
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