445nm DIY 2w laser build problems

[Th3dArKn3o]

You have to measure the current not the voltage !

 

[Bigpapashooga]

Yeah my dmm only goes to 200ma, so I'm going to have to buy a new one, but the test load supplies are on the way.

 

[Bigpapashooga]

Update:

I now have the correct tools to test the driver, I chose my host and have everything placed and am waiting on a 16850 battery holder.

I purchased some AS5 to add a heat sink to the driver since its going to be running around 1.7a, but am having some issues on exactly how it should be installed due to the driver having leads on both sides.

If I use the AS5 and place an outer ring of copper or aluminum around the driver that should be efficient, right?

Once I figure this out I will post some pictures, my host is a usual one but with my own twist on it

 

[Th3dArKn3o]

I don't know the AS5 but basically yes !

 

[Bigpapashooga]

Thanks!

The AS5 is Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste, one of the most commonly used thermal pastes it seems.

 

[Th3dArKn3o]

Yeah I know the Artic Silver
The Driver has input and output leads don't confuse the two

 

[Bigpapashooga]

Lol yeah, I'm new to lasers, not electronics!
Then again I wouldn't be surprised to see them mixed up in a state of eagerness and impatience.. Haha!

 

[Bigpapashooga]

Alright I have the driver set to 900ma, I tested it with the laser diode for a few seconds and it started flashing (I don't have the driver inside the heat sink yet so I figure a fail safe was tripped or it was just getting too hot).

Once I get the heat sink in place I'm going to finish the build and post some pics.

 

[Bigpapashooga]

Still not finished with the circuit or the cosmetics but its just to give an idea.

The battery is in the clip and is easily detachable and the safety works just like a normal gun. Also I'm hoping the gun will kinda turn blue when the laser is on.

 

[Th3dArKn3o]

Nice Idea of a host

 

[Bigpapashooga]

Thanks! I wanted to make my own custom gun but I had this laying around.. So I got to choppin! Lol

 

[nouthyella]

Re: the flashing, it is either due to overheating or insufficient current to the driver. It is usually caused by a poor heatsinking/poor connection from the driver to the battery.

 

[Laik]

Very nice, can't wait until you get it all up and running. Would love to see some beam shots and burning action.

 

[Bigpapashooga]

Thanks, unfortunately one of the gold connections chipped off the driver, I did some tight space soldering but don't want to risk hurting the diode so a new one is on its way. Once it's in along with some thermal paste ill be able to bond it to the heat sink and get some shots up

This was my test load, 6 ln5404 diodes with a 1ohm resistor. I'm not absolutely positive this was the best choice but it seemed to work. If anyone knows if I should have used fewer diodes or anything to get an exact reading let me know. When the driver was good I only was able to get a top reading of 800ma and its rated at 1.5a.

 

[Th3dArKn3o]

For Blue Diodes you should at least use 7 1N4007 (or other diodes)
But I don't think that will be a problem just don't forget it next time

 

[Bigpapashooga]

Thanks, would it make a conciderable difference in the measurement between the two test loads? i may have to get a few of those to correctly test the newer driver. I appreciate the info!