Driver Setting Help

[More Power]

I have a flexdrive that is set to 330ma (preset) and I want to adjust it to 360ma for my 12x laser project. I assume this is the threshold for this driver - 360ma for 12x (if not tell me...). I do not have a testload and I cannot use my voltometer because of the tight housing. Could anyone do me a favor and give me the approximate increase in ma that occurs for one revolution of the pot on a v5 flexdrive? I know that doing this without the right equiptment is probably frowned apon but it would be a great help and I would more than apprecieate it!!!

Thanks for the help!

 

[pyrotech]

The pot on the FlexDrive only has one turn. If you make a full turn, you will be at max power. If you spent the money on a 12x - spring for an inexpensive dummy load from Flaminpyro. Your expensive diode maybe at risk. Even if you only use the dummy load once - it is money well spent. The FlexDrive has several current ranges set by bridging resistors on the tiny circuit board as well as the pot so be sure you are fully familiar with it before making a change.

Link to Dummyl oad:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-laser-parts-44733.html

 

[HaloBlu]

FlexDrive V5 manual
If it was preset to 330ma by DrLava then its pot will most likely be able to take it up to 412ma but it could also go to 600ma. FlexDrive can do 1.5 Amp max if the resistors are set for it. Check the FlexDrive V5 manual & see which resistors are bridged.
A dummy load really is worth it. You can also build if you have the parts. The pot can increase current alot with just a small tweak.

 

[More Power]

What if I used an LED in the place of a laser diode and measured the ma with a voltemeter (and adjusted the pot accordingly)? Would that work, or would the LED not properly simulate the Diode? If not I'll go head and get the test load, thanks for the help!!!

P.S. I was told by Jayrob that the flexdrive would not be able to provide the correct amount of forward voltage for the diode above 360ma or otherwise I would gladly crank it up to 412 ma

 

[mfo]

What if I used an LED in the place of a laser diode and measured the ma with a voltemeter (and adjusted the pot accordingly)? Would that work, or would the LED not properly simulate the Diode? If not I'll go head and get the test load, thanks for the help!!!

P.S. I was told by Jayrob that the flexdrive would not be able to provide the correct amount of forward voltage for the diode above 360ma or otherwise I would gladly crank it up to 412 ma

If it were as simple as using an LED, we wouldn't go through the troubles of constructing test loads.

Long story short, use a test load.

 

[More Power]

K, I guess that does make sense!

 

[Deleted member 8382]

if you're going to waste your money in a 12x please waste 10$ more and get a MM and a testload lol

 

[More Power]

Ya, I will, I think 500mw + of blu ray power is worth the price though, not really a waste, but ya it would be stupid not to get one, which is exactly why I did.