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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

CSI This for me...Killed something (GREAT BEAM SHOTS)

Joined
Mar 19, 2012
Messages
70
Points
8
I was taking my two 445's outside, I was going to sell one of them, so I wanted to get some beam shots. I first took some pics of (we'll say laser 1) with the one battery, 18650 in it. Then I took some shots of laser 2, which has been measured at 1.2W. The purpose was to say "hey, buy my laser, it has not been measured, but look at the beam output in comparison to laser 2, which has been measured"

So, I wanted some pics of laser 1 with the one 18650, and also with two 18350's. Now , I never knew it would really do this, but I found, upon trying, that when I put two 18350's, the output looked significantly brighter. When I was taking pictures, I wanted to get both "outputs" of laser 1, with both sets of batteries.

I never left two 18350's in laser 1 for that long with it on, because I was just a bit concerned with it, and I also noticed a small, electronic type of burning smell, although, the host itself never got warm. It's got a monster heat sink. Now laser 1 can be seen here:

http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/fs-1w-445nm-custom-laser-99-a-72743.html

So anyway, after laser 1 was on for a bit with the two batteries, it shut itself off. Can't get it to power on, no matter what batteries I put in it... What do you think died, and with certain drivers, it must increase the output, depending on voltage input. I wasn't aware of this, through all my research of drivers, and creating an original post to further my research of drivers, that this was possible: see mentioned post here:

http://laserpointerforums.com/f44/driver-ma-mw-73216.html

Also, to honor my killed laser, check out these incredible beam shots!!!

LASER 1 (one 18650)
laser11.jpg

laser12.jpg


LASER 1 (two 18350's)
laser12x2.jpg

laser12x1.jpg


LASER 2 (measured at 1.2W)
DSCN0211.jpg

DSCN0210.jpg
 





JLSE

1
Joined
Dec 13, 2007
Messages
3,580
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You most likely exceeded the voltage which the driver could handle. In this
case you probably have a dead driver...

Depending on what happened after that, there is also the possibility that
you shot the diode with too much current and popped it.

That burning smell was your driver begging for mercy :undecided:
 
Joined
Dec 11, 2011
Messages
4,364
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Yeah it looks like that laser uses a switchmode driver, which would most likely be a Boost driver and you probably overvolted it using two Li-Ions. Why on earth would you put two cells in to it if it was built and sold as a one cell laser?
 
Joined
Mar 19, 2012
Messages
70
Points
8
Yeah it looks like that laser uses a switchmode driver, which would most likely be a Boost driver and you probably overvolted it using two Li-Ions. Why on earth would you put two cells in to it if it was built and sold as a one cell laser?

I've seen many lasers advertised as taking one, or two batteries. I was ignorant on the fact that it could be damaging. I learned though, that is for sure.
 

JLSE

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I've seen many lasers advertised as taking one, or two batteries. I was ignorant on the fact that it could be damaging. I learned though, that is for sure.


Many lasers take 1, and many lasers take 2, not many lasers take
both. That is unless you are switching out a single Li-ion @3.6v for
2x 1.5v cells @ 3v

A 445 running on a single cell, as mentioned above, is most likely boost.
Even a driver like the flexdrive which is both boost and buck, still needs
a diode to drop the input voltage on 2 cell use.

As 'they' say, 'assumption is the mother of all...'

On a positive note, you can get the parts and fix it yourself :beer:
 
Last edited:
Joined
Feb 12, 2012
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Its a boost driver with a Max input of around 5 volts you pushed it way to far and what I assume was into its linear region witch fried the boost ic
 
Joined
Feb 18, 2012
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Its a boost driver with a Max input of around 5 volts you pushed it way to far and what I assume was into its linear region witch fried the boost ic

A boost driver doesn't have a "linear region". These are totally two different technologies.
 

Hiemal

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Dec 27, 2011
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I understand why he would say that, but yes, it's wrong.

Basically the driver is overvolted. The components used in manufacturing of the IC used can only withstand so much voltage, and because they're small they can only handle a small amount... which is why it dies when you try to add too much.
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2011
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Many lasers take 1, and many lasers take 2, not many lasers take
both. That is unless you are switching out a single Li-ion @3.6v for
2x 1.5v cells @ 3v

I can see where someone might read about Survival Lasers 445 and make that mistake though.

I like your attitude though, "learning experience." maybe he can replace the driver and get some sense of satisfaction from the experience.

:beer:
 
Joined
Mar 19, 2012
Messages
70
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Thanks for your help everyone. I'm going to have to opt for a new driver. What do you think is the best option for a driver? Anyone have one for sale?

Oh, and no comments on my beam shots! Don't they look beautiful?
 
Joined
Feb 12, 2012
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by linear region i meant it just fell out of regulation stated trying to come the current somewhere constant. most ICs,however don't do this very well they just go fritzy and do all sorts of crazy sh*t
umm im working on a linear capable of 1.25 amps and there is the been boost and blitzbuck or the elusive flexdrive that only comes out when dr lava crawls out from his normal life and reflows then and then the micro boost and its just a lil smaller than the ben bost and about double the price but is adjustable
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2011
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This may be a bad question, but why hasn't someone knocked off the flex drive?

I wouldn't suggest or ask this if it were regularly available? But since it is so unreliably available, it seems like a no brainer. Or at the very least, I'm surprised no one has knocked them off for personal, low volume use.


Maybe I'm looking at this wrong. I'm just curious though.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Dec 28, 2010
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This may be a bad question, but why hasn't someone knocked off the flex drive?

I wouldn't suggest or ask this if it were regularly available? But since it is so unreliably available, it seems like a no brainer. Or at the very least, I'm surprised no one has knocked them off for personal, low volume use.


Maybe I'm looking at this wrong. I'm just curious though.

I've wondered the same thing, it would be fairly simple to make a PCB and parts and produce them en masse. Perhaps there is a patent out there for it?
 




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