Using a pot to control a lasers power?

Eku · Jun 27, 2009

I was wondering if you used a 50k pot after the switch and before the driver would you be able to adjust to power from max to none on a laser would this work?

Also I would use this for a o-like <100mw, LOC and 8x so I think I would need less ohms so could anyone tell me how ohm's pot I will need?

Thanks!

Hemlock_Mike · Jun 27, 2009

Eku ---
Do you understand OHM's law? It is the law.

Mike

Eku · Jun 27, 2009

No :/

Meatball · Jun 27, 2009

choose your max current with a DDL driver. Choose a resistor to use accordingly, to achieve your max current. For adjust ability, connect a 25ohm pot in series with your chosen resistor, this will give you a current range of about ~50mA to whatever your max current level is. Please tell me you know how to make a DDL driver.

Meatball · Jun 27, 2009

Hemlock_Mike said:
Eku ---
Do you understand OHM's law? It is the law.

Mike

Amen!

pseudolobster · Jun 27, 2009

This would sorta work. Keep in mind though, it's really inefficient and backwards. Your drivers will always be set to their highest values, so make sure your drivers are capable of that current in a constant-on 100% duty cycle setting... Also keep in mind you're going to need one heck of a potentiometer... Whatever current you're resisting with your pot is being "thrown away" as heat. If you were to turn down a long open can at 420mA to its lowest setting your potentiometer would be dissipating 1.26 watts (!!!)

Eku · Jun 27, 2009

I'm using a flexdrive and a o-like module so no ddl driver.

Btw I'm building this in a big suitcase so I getz teh heatsinking

. (Fans ect)

Meatball · Jun 27, 2009

well the flexdrive is either always on, or always off. Once it's input voltage drops too low, it will simply shut off. It won't decrease its output ever.

Using a pot to control a lasers power?

Eku

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Eku

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