HELP: Rkcstr Driver + 1AA Host (Possible Solution)

I'm currently working on a build that uses a "Silver" Dark Horse Custom Kit (http://mysite.verizon.net/grall/darkhorsecustom/id75.html) and a Rkcstr driver because Dr.Lava's are out ATM and I have no patience.

Rkcstr uses 7-12V and the "Silver Host's" Diameter is to small for a CR2 Battery. So I was thinking use 2 LS14250 batteries because they are half the size of a AA and have 3.6V each.... Now I would just avoid this and use a "Utra-Fire" 3.7V Lithium (14500) With a Lava Driver if someone knows  a voltage mod for the Rkcstr Driver

Does DL 1/3N Mean that its 1/3 an N battery?


My Possible Solution: 2 LS14250 or 3X Aimpoint DL 1/3N, 3V Lithium Battery (from http://www.gearzoneproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2074)

My Problem: Thats only 4.2V on each battery with a good charge... and that won't last long.
My Question: Does anyone know a voltage mod for a single AA host that will let me use the Rkcstr driver with less voltage?

Re: HELP: Rkcstr Driver + 1AA Host (Possible Solut

pyrostic said:

My Question: Does anyone know a voltage mod for a single AA host that will let me use the Rkcstr driver with less voltage?

Click to expand...

No idea. You should try it and let us know how it goes

good luck,
Kendall

Re: HELP: Rkcstr Driver + 1AA Host (Possible Solut

You could try button batteries with a spacer :-/

Re: HELP: Rkcstr Driver + 1AA Host (Possible Solut

Button Rechargible? I just mailed Rkcstr about my problem and hopefully he will get ahold of me soon.

Re: HELP: Rkcstr Driver + 1AA Host (Possible Solut

The rkcstr driver is an excellent driver. I would recommend just using it for a different host/build. You can fit 3 X CR2 primaries into a 4171 host if you do a simple tail cap mod:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1235081254

For a host that only takes a single 3.0 volt or 3.6 volt battery, you will want a boost circuit. Dr. Lava will have his FlexDrives available very soon...
Jay

Re: HELP: Rkcstr Driver + 1AA Host (Possible Solut

Ok, post here and post in E&M and an email?  Little impatient, eh?  

Anyway, I responded to the email and FYI for the forum, here's the response:

No, there's not really any way to lower the voltage requirement on my driver.  The requirement depends on the voltage needed by the chip itself (around 1V) plus the voltage that has to be dropped across the current-setting resistors (1.25V).

There are circuits that use a different setup of adjusting the voltage to the set pin of the driver IC (the function of the current-setting resistors) and reduce voltage requirements by 1.25V, but you would have to remove both resistors and the pot, and make up a little circuit that had two resistors, a pot and a voltage reference chip on it to connect to my driver at three points.  Essentially, it's much more work that necessary and would only get rid of the need for the extra 1.25V from the current-setting resistors, which wouldn't even get you to powering a Blu-ray diode from 6V (well, maybe if it's operating voltage was <5V at the current you want).  Plus, I've experimented with this circuit before and it is very sensitive to component selection and isn't nearly as stable as my current design.

So, my suggestion is to either use a different host with more batteries or use a lower voltage (boost-capable) driver, like Dr Lava's.

Also, to add in, for a small AA-style host, a more efficient circuit (ie boost/buck circuit) would be better anyway since it would generate less heat (which is good for a small amount of heatsinking) and is more efficient meaning you'll get longer battery life from small batteries.

Re: HELP: Rkcstr Driver + 1AA Host (Possible Solut

Thanks for posting here also, Rkcstr I appriciate it. I actually posted here before mailing you just didn't get an authentic rkcstr. I thank you for your continued support on the forums.

Re: HELP: Rkcstr Driver + 1AA Host (Possible Solut

rkcstr said:

Ok, post here and post in E&M and an email?  Little impatient, eh?  

Anyway, I responded to the email and FYI for the forum, here's the response:

No, there's not really any way to lower the voltage requirement on my driver.  The requirement depends on the voltage needed by the chip itself (around 1V) plus the voltage that has to be dropped across the current-setting resistors (1.25V).

There are circuits that use a different setup of adjusting the voltage to the set pin of the driver IC (the function of the current-setting resistors) and reduce voltage requirements by 1.25V, but you would have to remove both resistors and the pot, and make up a little circuit that had two resistors, a pot and a voltage reference chip on it to connect to my driver at three points.  Essentially, it's much more work that necessary and would only get rid of the need for the extra 1.25V from the current-setting resistors, which wouldn't even get you to powering a Blu-ray diode from 6V (well, maybe if it's operating voltage was <5V at the current you want).  Plus, I've experimented with this circuit before and it is very sensitive to component selection and isn't nearly as stable as my current design.

So, my suggestion is to either use a different host with more batteries or use a lower voltage (boost-capable) driver, like Dr Lava's.

Also, to add in, for a small AA-style host, a more efficient circuit (ie boost/buck circuit) would be better anyway since it would generate less heat (which is good for a small amount of heatsinking) and is more efficient meaning you'll get longer battery life from small batteries.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info and for building these, your drivers .

Re: HELP: Rkcstr Driver + 1AA Host (Possible Solut

jander6442 said:

Thanks for the info and for building these, your drivers .

Click to expand...

Hey you got some brown stuff on your nose there...oops its on your lips too