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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

A quick voltage question.

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Apr 26, 2010
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Can I run a PHR-803T diode without a driver, with only 2x AAA (normal) batteries? So...3V? Thanks, I got one that I think is pretty much shot, its not at max, a bit dull...I think...anyway, I wanted to set it up to put it in a maglite, so I can either 'plug-in' a red or blu-ray diode. BUT it will run off a 4-pack AA battery holder,but not in the maglite, no matter what I do, I try my red...it works...so I'm guessing that it's just not going to run with only 3V. Can anybdy confirm this?
 





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I will do some further experimenting with this 'voltage issue'. Also, when I get my driver I'd like to mess with that for a couple days. There are some further tests planned that I'd like to also take note of. Not to say PHR's are 'cheap' but it's cheaper than a 6x, so I'd MUCH RATHER get this 'necessary' testing done with a PHR rather than with a 6x. Know what I mean? Anyway, I gotta go do some testing. I will also examine what properties cuse the diode to require certain voltages, maybe I can tinker with that and figure out if that is a property I can change. I don't believe I can without opening the diode and causing some catastrophic irraparable damage in doing so, but nothing was ever discovered without blowing away a few bucks. So, I might look at the diode that I KNOW is dead (won't even 'light up'...) I will note all observations that see fit to...note. Granted I have neither a volt meter, nor the ability to test wattage output. I'd still like to examine it, and see if there IS anything I can change without putting the diode's life in jeopordy, and IF I have to, then so be it. If I NEED to open it, then I will, like I said, start with the dead one. I atleast want to know what makes these things tick. Updates will follow this post, maybe not tonight, but I will try to update this, no pics though... =[ Thanks for staying posted (those that do...)
 
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You sir, need to do helluva lot more reading and learning on this forum.

To make long story sound short,
No you CANNOT use such setup on bluray diode.

Forward voltage of Bluray diodes is 4.8 V , at high current for 8x/12x , even up to 5.5 and 6 V.

You need to supply correct current to your diode. You do that via current regulators.
Linear step downs, boost converters, premade, DIY
Take your pick.

It is not happening without a driver.
If you are running your red diode without a driver,
I double dare you to install fresh new alkaline cells in it. It will work for a bout a milisecond. Then you will find yourself clicking "Order" again.

Don't torture and kill your diodes for nothing.
 
Joined
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Messages
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You sir, need to do helluva lot more reading and learning on this forum.

To make long story sound short,
No you CANNOT use such setup on bluray diode.

Forward voltage of Bluray diodes is 4.8 V , at high current for 8x/12x , even up to 5.5 and 6 V.

You need to supply correct current to your diode. You do that via current regulators.
Linear step downs, boost converters, premade, DIY
Take your pick.

It is not happening without a driver.
If you are running your red diode without a driver,
I double dare you to install fresh new alkaline cells in it. It will work for a bout a milisecond. Then you will find yourself clicking "Order" again.

Don't torture and kill your diodes for nothing.

I know I can't regulate it without a driver....that's what the driver is for, I got that. I was only using it for a maglite because that particular PHR was weak, when I first got me 3 PHRs, I used a 4-pack AA battery holder to look at it and go 'ooo...aahhhh' then it went dim. So I figured I might as well have a 5mw blu-ray if anything. And, I knew blu-rays had a higher 'minimum' but I didn't know HOW HIGH. And yeah, alkaline cells would kill it, because they are like 3.7 per battery, vs 1.5 and DVD burner diodes (the red ones) take 3V...not 7.4V. So, I'll keep the red one in the Maglite, I'll put a driver in there when I can, and until then I'll just use it as it is now, a noobish burner. I realize it's dumb, but it's all I got for now, my driver will be coming in the mail on Monday (I hope). So then I'll set-up my blu-ray properly (sp), the one that's unused, so I know it isn't dead, or dim. Until then, I'll just mess around with my red one.
 
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I know I can't regulate it without a driver....that's what the driver is for, I got that. I was only using it for a maglite because that particular PHR was weak, when I first got me 3 PHRs, I used a 4-pack AA battery holder to look at it and go 'ooo...aahhhh' then it went dim. So I figured I might as well have a 5mw blu-ray if anything. And, I knew blu-rays had a higher 'minimum' but I didn't know HOW HIGH. And yeah, alkaline cells would kill it, because they are like 3.7 per battery, vs 1.5 and DVD burner diodes (the red ones) take 3V...not 7.4V. So, I'll keep the red one in the Maglite, I'll put a driver in there when I can, and until then I'll just use it as it is now, a noobish burner. I realize it's dumb, but it's all I got for now, my driver will be coming in the mail on Monday (I hope). So then I'll set-up my blu-ray properly (sp), the one that's unused, so I know it isn't dead, or dim. Until then, I'll just mess around with my red one.
Wrong, alkaline cells are 1.5 V each, aprox same as Zinc Carbon cells.

Lithium cells are 3 V , Lithium ion are 3.7V.

Fresh cells will push several amps though the laser diode (if you are having 2x AA maglite). Imagine the fireworks inside the little unhappy thing. There are none :D

Laser diodes require constant current, not constant voltage source.

Batteries are constant voltage - they supply one value of voltage, and the current is drawn according to the resistance of entire load applied.

Constant current source apply one single current, and voltage is drawn according to the needs of the load, as much is applied as needed to complete the circuit (except extreme cases like no load at all).
Linear step downs can supply maximum voltage according to the input voltage and their dropout, and boost converters can supply as much voltage needed, at the expense of more current draw from the batteries (they basically draw extra current to turn it into voltage).

Maglites are bad hosts also. No room for anything. No switch at all actually, once you are all set up, you cannot turn off the laser as twisting the head would break everything inside.

Sorry to burst your bubble, dude. I really am. But please, if you really want to build something usefull to have fun with and amazefriends and so, get a decent host first:
Try DealExtreme, they have large selection, same as Kaidomain.
Get hold of some Lithium ion batteries and charger for them. They are priceless.
Get a good diode / source setup - The one that fits your needs.

Get a proper heatsink for your host.

Once you have that completed, everything else suddenly turns different.
 
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Right, I knew about the maglite issue, turning it twists the pins, so I just turn it off by taking out the batteries. I want a good host, really I do. But I don't have the cash for one of Jayrob's kits, and heatsinks are a bit expensive too. For my blu-ray, I might just have to deal with a project box. I'll have a power source, diode, 'host', and driver. And I'll sav up for some chargable batteries...plus charger.
 
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Right, I knew about the maglite issue, turning it twists the pins, so I just turn it off by taking out the batteries. I want a good host, really I do. But I don't have the cash for one of Jayrob's kits, and heatsinks are a bit expensive too. For my blu-ray, I might just have to deal with a project box. I'll have a power source, diode, 'host', and driver. And I'll sav up for some chargable batteries...plus charger.
DealExtreme: $10.90 C6 DIY Cree LED Flashlight Full Casing/Shell with Driver Pill (2*CR123A/1*18650)

The best host I ever came across.
See my thread in the green lasers section, and one in 'Multimedia' section.
I already made all three colors into that one, as I like it so much.
Takes one 18650, or two 16340 (CR123).
 
Joined
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Messages
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DealExtreme: $10.90 C6 DIY Cree LED Flashlight Full Casing/Shell with Driver Pill (2*CR123A/1*18650)

The best host I ever came across.
See my thread in the green lasers section, and one in 'Multimedia' section.
I already made all three colors into that one, as I like it so much.
Takes one 18650, or two 16340 (CR123).

Thanks a lot, you've been quite the bit of help, I still have two remaining questions. Are those 9-LED flashlights good hosts? They take 3x AAA's so I can run a blu-ray quite well with that, using the 10...44 something batteries, 10344...I don't know, something like that. Anyway, I saw a video for some Russian or German based laser company where they used a 9-LED flashlight, but they had some insane looking module + heatsink setup that they used in it. So I don't know about that one...but I also found this:
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1058

And for the 9-LED flashlighs I was talking about:
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=7435

They got 2packs for only $4, and you can pick from different colors. Anyway, thanks for all your help.
 

daguin

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Right, I knew about the maglite issue, turning it twists the pins, so I just turn it off by taking out the batteries. I want a good host, really I do. But I don't have the cash for one of Jayrob's kits, and heatsinks are a bit expensive too. For my blu-ray, I might just have to deal with a project box. I'll have a power source, diode, 'host', and driver. And I'll sav up for some chargable batteries...plus charger.

They make tail cap switches for the mag light

1 MINI MAGLITE ON OFF TAIL CAP SWITCH AA MAG LITE NEW - eBay (item 200459976585 end time May-10-10 09:17:39 PDT)

Peace,
dave
 
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Messages
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Thanks a lot, you've been quite the bit of help, I still have two remaining questions. Are those 9-LED flashlights good hosts? They take 3x AAA's so I can run a blu-ray quite well with that, using the 10...44 something batteries, 10344...I don't know, something like that. Anyway, I saw a video for some Russian or German based laser company where they used a 9-LED flashlight, but they had some insane looking module + heatsink setup that they used in it. So I don't know about that one...but I also found this:
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1058

And for the 9-LED flashlighs I was talking about:
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=7435

They got 2packs for only $4, and you can pick from different colors. Anyway, thanks for all your help.
10440 lithium ion batts, same size as AAA.
Also, 14500 is same size as AA.

Everything makes a nice host if you know how to use it :D

I knew that there were some 'Nite Easy' or something switches that can be fitted on Maglites, but they were momentary buttons and did not math the color... Gryphon has a video of his lasers in maglites there, with those.

I didn't know about replacement switches though.
 




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