New here and have several questions.

I have been lurking around the forum for a few weeks reading info on what I am trying to do. Unfortunately... I'm new to this and would like some simple straight answers. I apologize in advance and even if you just point me to the topic posts I need I will be grateful.

Was looking at the laser array topic:

1. If I had 5 500mW, 808nm lasers in the circle array, what kind of cooling would be needed?
A. What is the amount of heat that is really being produced?
2. Is a AMC7135 going to run each of them or is there a better option?
3. If I have read everything correctly I should need 25v (5v per driver) to run the rig. If this is heat sinked properly, how long can I run it and what kind of battery should I look at?
A. I was thinking about a long term rechargeable (something like a power drill style), suggestion?
4. I was thinking of making it handheld... even possible?


I know this is an ambitious project even for a seasoned community member. I am really still in the planning stages and want to know how far I am from plausible. If everything comes together as expected it will be an awesome finished work.

For 5 500mW 808nm diodes you would need active air cooling at least, preferably TEC cooling. There will be a considerable amount of heat produced both from each diode and from the output beams.

I'm not sure about the AMC7135 as I have never used one. In order to supply enough current I recommend using an LM317 driver on each diode. It's very basic, and can easily handle the current needed by that type of diode.

As far as run time, you should be able to have 100% duty as long as you use either active air cooling or TEC cooling.

Making it rechargeable would be possible as well as making it portable but there will be significant challenges involved in portability, most notably heat dissipation.

Thanks ElektroFreak, that helps me quite a bit.

Anyone else have any suggestions or info?