488nm Diode Driver Questions

[Arcygenical]

I'm running all my 488's off cheap 2$ ebay drivers at around 200ma. Honestly, the poor electronics on the board are the limiting factor, as the drivers overheat. I can still see the beam in the dark so, eh.

 

[Lifetime17]

Hi,
Go to Survival Lasers site Gary sells 220mA fixed 17mm round drivers .
Th only rectangular drive he sells id for high power builds.
I wish he would offer some rectangular drivers with the choice of Amperage as the 17mm drivers.
Rich

 

[paul1598419]

I'm running all my 488's off cheap 2$ ebay drivers at around 200ma. Honestly, the poor electronics on the board are the limiting factor, as the drivers overheat. I can still see the beam in the dark so, eh.

Your problem maybe because these diodes have a higher forward voltage, up to 6+ volts depending on the current they are set at. Often the cheap drivers are linear and may need a higher input voltage to make them work properly.