16x Red Diode?

[Wolfman29]

Hey all.

A friend just gave me an old HP and it turns out it has a 16x DVD burner in it.

I know that a safe current, heatsank, for 20x is 420mA for a decent lifetime. What about for the 16x? I put it in my adjustable, sort of labby PSU, and I ran it at 280mA so far and the copper heatsink is getting slightly above room temp. Any recommendations? I don't want to kill this one, because I won't be able to buy any diodes (or any other laser gear) for quite some time, so I want something to play with.

I am thinking around 320mA for a safe run? Anyone else know?

 

[Wolfman29]

Okay, so nevermind It died, probably because my adj pin became temporarily unattached to the output pin... sad ending, but whatever. Was free, and I still have one more.

 

[Drew]

That sucks! Sorry dude. Now that it doesn't matter if I'm wrong I think it's like 350ma for a 16x?

 

[lazeerer]

Keep it under 350mA and your Fine. To bad you lost it already.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f50/red-laser-diode-roundup-36202.html


:beer:

 

[Wolfman29]

What about the 808s in DVD burners and CD burners? Those worth anything? I know you can't see them, but power wise, what are we talking?

 

[lazeerer]

What 808nm one you speak of.? Link Please.

The IR in a LPC-815 is a 780nm I believe and iam pushing to to 120mW.

Not sure what comes in the 16x sled.

 

[Wolfman29]

I have no idea. I just figured the second diode was an IR because on the box it says, "BEWARE INVISIBLE RADIATION"