Dual Microflex or Dual Microboost?

Helios · Aug 16, 2011

I am planning a dual driver build but I cannot decide between dual microflex or dual microboost.

The battery I am using provides a working voltage of 3-3.3V and a max of 3.6V.

Using the formula found on the microflex and microboost driver manual

(Vout * Iout) / Vin <1.2

I get 1.2 for when I calculate for 3Vin assuming each driver is set to .9A and using 4V for a 445nm diode. Since the working voltage is 3-3.3V I think this should work.

Now I just need to decide between the microboost and microflex. I know the microflex claims more efficiency but I remember someone saying that the microboost is optimized for 445nm. What do you guys think?

regalis · Aug 17, 2011

i would search for DTRs 2W builds and checkout which drivers he has used

DTR said:
2.1W 32650 Ehgemus RPL Host
[SNIP]
So I prepped two flexdrives and set them to 900mA each for a combined 1.8A. I attached them with thermal adhesive to the nice little heatsinks that Ehgemus throws in.
[SNAP]

or

DTR said:
2W MCU-C88 Q5 26650 Host
[SNIP]
I started by stripping my wire from the host and preparing a couple of flex drives set to 900mA each.
[SNAP]

or

DTR said:
2.1W Ehgemus 26500 Alien Host
[SNIP]
Next I set up two flex drives to 950mA and used my thermal adhesive to attach them to the pennies.
[SNAP]

Either he is affiliated with the flexdrives manufacturer or it's the best solution!?..0o
Hope that helps

Wolfman29 · Aug 17, 2011

FlexDrive and MicroBoost are both manufactured by the same person

regalis · Aug 17, 2011

Hmm, this sounds like a driver monopoly

Wolfman29 · Aug 17, 2011

That's exactly what it is! That's why so many people are trying to make competitive boost/buck drivers recently.

Cyparagon · Aug 17, 2011

regalis said:
Either he is affiliated with the flexdrives manufacturer or it's the best solution!?

Or it's the only one he's familiar with.

regalis · Aug 17, 2011

Wolfman29 said:
That's exactly what it is! That's why so many people are trying to make competitive boost/buck drivers recently.

I read about the newly "available" drivers...but i'm too noob to know if they are good/better

Cyparagon said:
Or it's the only one he's familiar with.

What driver would you use to make an multidriver laser?
(Please don't say a custom one

)

Helios · Aug 17, 2011

ive seen lots of dual microflex setups but never an explanation of why the driver was chosen over the microboost. They are the same price, about the same size and both should work so I am just trying to figure out which one is best....if there arnt any strong opinions then I will default to the microflex

DTR · Aug 17, 2011

@Helios

The Microboost is not as efficient as the flexdrive so it will draw more current to do the same job and on top of that the negative side can not be continuous which means it will need to be isolated from the negative output which can require different ways of setting it up. With no apparent price difference the Flex will be the easiest option. But either will technically work.:beer:

Cyparagon said:
Or it's the only one he's familiar with.

I am sorry what highly efficient boost driver that will provide a stable output current with any voltage between 3V-5V that is readily available and in a as small of a package would you suggest? If you have one please enlighten us. I think there are quite a few individuals that would like to hear about it.

Helios · Aug 17, 2011

Sounds like a good reason to me. Thanks!

DTR: did you get my PM about a diode a few days ago?

DTR · Aug 17, 2011

I did. Sorry I thought I had replied. PM incoming.:beer:

I actually have had quite a few prototype boost drivers sent to me for testing by a few different individuals. All have been much larger and most suffering from one of the following issues or all of them.

Current dropping as voltage decreases even with IC's that are supposed to be constant current.
Stability issues - rising or falling current as the driver runs even with stable voltage
Not as nearly as efficient as a Flex

At best I may have found one or two worthy replacements for the NJG-18 driver.

I am with most that drlava's business practices leave something to be desired and his prices seem a bit high but he does have the best design for a boost driver suitable for the 445 that is available to us at the moment. And when a better solution comes along I will certainly be one of the first to embrace it.

Johnyz · Aug 18, 2011

I don't want to threadjack, but I am currently in progress of designing a boost driver. My advantages will be a lower price and OVP (it won't die if accidentally ran without load). I was actually kinda surprised when I first connected my prototype, test load and a 18650, and instead of blue smoke, current came out. :tinfoil: See my sig.

Tonga · Aug 18, 2011

I really like the MicroFlex V5 myself

! I ordered enough for stock and future projects for some time to come! Also got in a few more from DrLava last week with good turn around time

!

DTR · Aug 18, 2011

Johnyz said:
I don't want to threadjack, but I am currently in progress of designing a boost driver. My advantages will be a lower price and OVP (it won't die if accidentally ran without load). I was actually kinda surprised when I first connected my prototype, test load and a 18650, and instead of blue smoke, current came out. :tinfoil: See my sig.

When you get to a point that you feel it is ready for some independent testing I would be interested in taking a look at it for you.:beer:

jayrob · Aug 18, 2011

The FlexDrive is also a tad smaller... (thinner)

It will fit into a smaller space because of that. And especially for a dual set up.

It is also easy to thermal glue for extra heatsinking...

Johnyz · Aug 19, 2011

DTR said:
When you get to a point that you feel it is ready for some independent testing I would be interested in taking a look at it for you.:beer:

Sure thing! :beer:

Dual Microflex or Dual Microboost?

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