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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Current on driver adjustment help?

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Jul 11, 2015
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Im making my own laser it is 1w and max input of amps is 1.2 and I bought a driver that has a default current of 1.3 amps... what would happen if I used it like that? also the current is adjustable, how would I regulate the current without burning out my diode? please help, thanks
 





Joined
Dec 15, 2014
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Hi first is the diode in a heat sink module and what nm is it. You say it's a 1W so it can't be that much money if it's a Chinese one off eBay. Ok 1.2mA is max and your driver is 1.3mA is it a laser driver or a flashlight driver that will be no good. In order to regulate the driver output you need a test load get it at survival lasers . Com . A battery holder for power . And a multimeter set to voltage . 1 V = 1mA it's ohms law read up. You have a lot of information here at LPF read and search for it. You can get pre wired low output diodes on eBay like 10 for 12.00 dollars. So if the drivers for a laser run the 1.3mA it's set at if its properly heat sinked. I'm giving you a few ideas but there's much more to consider and know how to this hobby. If you decide to expand your quest in lasers get yourself a pair of good glasses at survival lasers also be safe . 1mW of beam is harmless to a point but your eyes are priceless wear them. This is only scratching the surface of info so start reading up if you wish to continue this isn't a game it's serious stuff. Instead of asking do your own research. I'm being nice and throwing you a little bit. But others here might not be that way but all folks at LPF are here to help. Get you equipment a little at a time and start reading for yourself. Hope things work out . Did you introduce yourself properly to LPF and state in your avatar where your from folks here like to know.
 
Joined
Jul 11, 2015
Messages
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Hi first is the diode in a heat sink module and what nm is it. You say it's a 1W so it can't be that much money if it's a Chinese one off eBay. Ok 1.2mA is max and your driver is 1.3mA is it a laser driver or a flashlight driver that will be no good. In order to regulate the driver output you need a test load get it at survival lasers . Com . A battery holder for power . And a multimeter set to voltage . 1 V = 1mA it's ohms law read up. You have a lot of information here at LPF read and search for it. You can get pre wired low output diodes on eBay like 10 for 12.00 dollars. So if the drivers for a laser run the 1.3mA it's set at if its properly heat sinked. I'm giving you a few ideas but there's much more to consider and know how to this hobby. If you decide to expand your quest in lasers get yourself a pair of good glasses at survival lasers also be safe . 1mW of beam is harmless to a point but your eyes are priceless wear them. This is only scratching the surface of info so start reading up if you wish to continue this isn't a game it's serious stuff. Instead of asking do your own research. I'm being nice and throwing you a little bit. But others here might not be that way but all folks at LPF are here to help. Get you equipment a little at a time and start reading for yourself. Hope things work out . Did you introduce yourself properly to LPF and state in your avatar where your from folks here like to know.

Hi sorry about that, i will soon introduce myself and i didnt properly ask the questions. I bought a 1w 445nm laser diode with a output of 1.5amps not mA and an input of .8amps to 1.2amps not mA. The driver i purchased is a laser driver currently made for 1w diode 445nm. Yet the output of the current of the driver i purchased is 1.3amps. Though it has a potentiometer that i can modify. How will i be able to adjust the current and test it without burning out my diode. Thank you
 
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Also i purchased laser glasses and do have a aluminum heatsink for my diode. I couldnt decide between copper and aluminmum and i chose aluminimum.
 
Joined
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You need a test load of you want to change/ set the current on the driver. It simulates the draw of a diode. You need a multimeter as well to see where the current is actually at. Search m140 test load and youll get all the info you need. Theres a few ways to do it
 

Pman

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I am confused to what diode you bought saying it is 1W. Do you have the link to it and the driver?
 
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Jul 11, 2015
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Hi so i googled m140, so is that diodes stacked together and replaced where LD is supposed to be? And what kind of.diode would that be?
 
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Yes. You put the diodes in series. The amount of diodes depends on the diodes volt drop your trying to simulate. You can either then use an ameter in series to check current or do the 1ohm resistor methode. A few people make selectable test loads. I have some 1n4004 diodes i was told can work. I ended up buying one from survival lasers. Four to six diodes for blue diodes i think. Sry for being vague. Theres just a few ways to do it
 
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Hi @10fenny according to the things i bought, what would be the best thing to simulate my LD replaced with the diode? How many should i use according to your experience. My goal is to check the current so i can properly adjust it... Thanks very much
 
Joined
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Well I didnt look too close on the details but i dont know if tht driver is a buck(volt dropping)/boost(volt boosting)/linear(volts in volts out)! So that will let you know the voltage supply needed. Sry a little off topic. My notes show that the usual blue diode has a volt drop or forward volts of about 4.8 to about 5.2v! So like i said 4 to 6 diodes should work.. Depending on the diodes used. Im still kinda new so anyone correct me! This info should give ya a good start
 
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thanks @10fenny , much appreciated, I will try to this as soon as I grt my shipment!
 
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Right on! well you can also PM me any further questions as well.. Im a nerd!
 
Joined
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Right on! well you can also PM me any further questions as well.. Im a nerd!

Hi, i received all my items today, and looked for my local radioshack.Turns out they are shutdown and wont open anytime soon, so I wont be able to have time to make a dummy or test load. Can I just adjust the pot really low and test the current as i turn and adjust it?
 
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