1.6 watt SolarForce L2 build

[Cenobite9]

This is my new 1.6W, dual-driver SolarForce L2 build. I used two V5 FlexDrives set at 800mA each wired in parallel to drive the 445 diode. The lens is a 405-G-1 and the power source is a 2900maH RediLast 18650.

Sorry about the beam shot, that was with no smoke and through my crappy cell phone camera (actually all of the pics were from my crappy cell phone camera but the beam shot came out the worst).

 

[udanis]

Nice build, I'm sure that wasn't cheap.

 

[Cenobite9]

Thanks! You're right, it was not cheap... just the lens and heatsink alone were over $100. Add in a couple FlexDrives, high quality battery, and the host and it starts to get expensive. Not to mention the time put into building it and the fact I blew the first diode trying to drive it to hard (originally had the drivers set to 900mA each).

 

[Flaminpyro]

Very nice build good job, is there any pics of your work ?

 

[Tonga]

Very nice build Cenobite9, I like the SolarForce host a lot! You got some real kick ass output too!

 

[Cenobite9]

Very nice build good job, is there any pics of your work ?

You know, I really should start taking pics as I go along... it's just one of those things I never think about when I start. I'm going to have to force myself to remember to do that next time... probably would help if I left my camera next to my work area but usually I'm just anxious to get the lasers together (I'm impatient like that )

 

[roSSco]

That's a sweet looking power meter!

 

[Spartan X]

Not to mention the time put into building it and the fact I blew the first diode trying to drive it to hard (originally had the drivers set to 900mA each).

Huh, my flexdrive's are set to 900mA each and it's been running just fine. Did you heat sink the drivers?

 

[DTR]

That is a sweet host. Great looking build.:beer:

Huh, my flexdrive's are set to 900mA each and it's been running just fine. Did you heat sink the drivers?

I suggest for any build you want to put more than 1.5A in that you first test it @ 1.5A and make sure you are getting at least 1.6W or more with a G-1 or 1.4W or more with the Aixiz lens. The more the better. If the diode is not very efficient it may be turning too much current into heat and damage your diode when you give it high currents. This build is giving 1.65W @ 1.6A with a G-1 so probably not the best candidate for a high powered build. The best I have seen is 1.75W @ 1.5A with a G-1.:beer:

 

[Cenobite9]

That is a sweet host. Great looking build.:beer:




I suggest for any build you want to put more than 1.5A in that you first test it @ 1.5A and make sure you are getting at least 1.6W or more with a G-1 or 1.4W or more with the Aixiz lens. The more the better. If the diode is not very efficient it may be turning too much current into heat and damage your diode when you give it high currents. This build is giving 1.65W @ 1.6A with a G-1 so probably not the best candidate for a high powered build. The best I have seen is 1.75W @ 1.5A with a G-1.:beer:

Yeah, I've been having bad luck getting really efficient diodes lately. The first attempt at dual drivers @ 900mA was with a diode that only put out about 1300mW @ 1500mA. I suspect the inefficient diode could not handle the current. I have one spare 445 left so hopefully it will be more efficient. I will probably use it in a direct drive build.

 

[DrSid]

Very nice ! I plan to change my Solarforce to dual drive one day. Can you show the insides ?