How to do check whether my driver works or not!?

hi guys, i think i killed my laser diode by heat while i was soldering, it used to work perfect, but one day the wire went out, so I opened the housing, and trying to solder it back, but for some reason, it took me too long to solder it back, and when I got it back, i turned it on, the light was only like 20% bright as it used to be, and after 1 minute, it died!! so i just want to ask you guys how to check my driver is workin or not!? because im gonna buy another diode for sure but not sure about a new driver. thanks, I'll be appreciate with you helps!

Kai

updates: I know I can use a dummy, but i dont have one, so is there anyways to check while im waiting my another diode?
by the way, perhaps my driver dont work, or not working properly, will it kill my new diode?

don't kill that new diode

if your driver is at fault it will kill the new diode. there is no way around it you must have a dummy load connected to your driver to check it properly. use 4 ea 1n4004 diodes and a 1 ohm resistor in series.

best of luck Pyro... :eg:

what do you mean the driver is at fault? I bought my flexdrive from drlava with pre set at 120ma, i didnt change the potentionmeter. ok i'll get a test load.

You could try testing it with the dud LD and a 1ohm resistor but for a few cents you can build a test load that will always be available for future builds.

Regards rog8811

A test load is indeed a wise investment, you can always use it later. I got clued into that real quick here