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FrozenGate by Avery

Alx's LD CURRENT DRIVER (30mA-800mA/5V-16V)

lasersbee said:
Don't get me wrong.... I'm not really taking anyone's side here...(maybe the design engineer's)

I think that if anyone should cry "It's my circuit and I own it" it should
be the original Design Engineer that originally showed the Schematic of
the LM117/LM217/LM317 Regulator  application schematics...
I have a National Linear Data Book (dated 1976) that shows similar
if not the same Voltage and Current regulated application circuits.

And if anyone was copying anyone..... I was not the Design Engineer....IMO  8-)

BTW... I agree with dr-ebert and rkcstr in that... the difference is in the
quality of the build and the honesty/reality of the stated specifications....
And even more important... Customer Service...

I personally prefer a professionally produced Solder Masked PCB...
I have no problem with competition...

I mean.... look at the PHR803T GBs... without competion... the prices here
on LPF would not have dropped as fast... I remember paying $55.00 for a
sled not long ago... ::)

Jerry
Click to expand...


Like Jerry here, I can't take sides in this. But I can say that Jerry is right. All these "LM317/117" drivers (DDL, rkcstr, etc.) are just slight variations on the standard LM317 current limiting schematic that can easily be found on almost any 317 series datasheet. Therefore the only person who would be able to claim true rights to designing the LM317 driver is the engineer who first laid out the schematics in those datasheets.

The actual layouts of the circuits are similar, but there are enough differences that I don't think anything has been copied exactly. If the schematics for these circuits were drawn using the same program, and the board layout was generated in the same program with the same dimensions, it stands to reason that (as similar as they are) the program would render a similar board layout for each.

A little competition is a healthy thing..
 





Again... not taking sides.....

I design boards and route the traces by hand... (I don't use
the automatic router option)..

Now lets see... where would I put an Input Cap or an Input
protection Diode... I know At the Input... ::)

And where would I put an Output Cap and LD pins... I Know
at the Output...  ::)

Then the LM117 Current Regulating Resisistors would need to
be close to the Regulator... Hmmm where to put those... ::)

All I'm saying is.... if the PCB real-estate is limited... there
are only so many ways you can layout the parts to get them
routed with the least amount of feed-throughs and shortest
trace runs.. 8-)

But I must agree... they do look similar... hard to really tell
from the 1st pics...


Jerry
 
Now that I see it that way, Jerry, it IS one of the only really sensible layouts for this type of driver. I will retract my copying thoughts completely, and don't really want to say anything else until after the testing of it. Hope to see how this all turns out now in terms of dependability/functionality :)
 
I have spoken to Alx and plan to test this driver soon. I'll definitely post results as soon as I have them.
 
ElektroFreak said:
I have spoken to Alx and plan to test this driver soon. I'll definitely post results as soon as I have them.
Click to expand...

hello to all,

1. I updated first post today. so read it.

2. I shipped on 27April 3 drivers for free: 1 to Canada and 2 to USA lpf users.

On 5 May, Canada confirmed that received it, but till today, never come back to me with any feedback
On around 10-12 May, booth USA customers, confirmed that received it, but the same like for first user, don't come back to me with their feedback. Only one of them, asked me to sell it another few. My reply to him was to read this thread to understand why I delayed any sale!

3. I decided to not wait anyone's feedback and update first post in order to start this project! I know that this driver is better quality than existing one here and very very cheap. So, who will be interested, please contact me, like I said on my first post, at email provided there.

4. also, has been released this new project:
First professional dual layer glass lens (DL405PRO), 405nm, AR COATED for blue pointers, transmittance over 97%
http://laserpointerforums.com/laser_pointer_forums_3/forum/showthread.php?p=526845#post526845

Regards,
Alx
 
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^I have one of alx's drivers to test, but finding time to test has been a challenge. Since it is based on the standard LM317/117 current limiting circuit, I don't anticipate any problems. The build quality is quite nice, and it looks great all around. This is a very good price!
 
Uh, Bank Transfer beyond EU is sucking deep in Germany. costs more than M2 shipping :D

Do you take Moneybookers? I have an active account there...
 
Xer0 said:
Uh, Bank Transfer beyond EU is sucking deep in Germany. costs more than M2 shipping :D

Do you take Moneybookers? I have an active account there...
Click to expand...

Hi Xer0,

I know that wire transfer it cost a little more and is slower. It not worth for small orders (few drivers). Anyway, for small EU orders, is available first shipping method (5USD/order) and we have many options. I am absolutely sure that we can find a way for payment. I sent you a private message.

Regards,
Alx
 
It is a circuit that goes right back to the (now ancient) original lm317 datasheets application notes, so i think there shouldn't be any fuss about copying or copyright here. Also, this is not a bad thing, as manufacturers do test those application notes, and keep devices compatible with them in future production series.

The heatsinking problem is as universal: if you need to drop x volts at y amps, its gonna dissipate xy watts, either in the semiconductor, a resistor or wherever else in the circuit. The only away around this is go switching, or decrease the voltage drop so far you can use a lower supply voltage (i.e. fewer batteries).
 
Benm said:
It is a circuit that goes right back to the (now ancient) original lm317 datasheets application notes, so i think there shouldn't be any fuss about copying or copyright here. Also, this is not a bad thing, as manufacturers do test those application notes, and keep devices compatible with them in future production series.

The heatsinking problem is as universal: if you need to drop x volts at y amps, its gonna dissipate xy watts, either in the semiconductor, a resistor or wherever else in the circuit. The only way around this is go switching, or decrease the voltage drop so far you can use a lower supply voltage (i.e. fewer batteries).
Click to expand...

Right Benm! That's I said that 2 x 3.7V LI-ION will be ok - even we can go up to 16V. 2 Li-IOn accumulators will cover our present needs (LPC, PHR, GBW, GGW diodes), and for higher currents, duty cycles are a required.

Regards,
Alx
 
Alx,

I'd like to buy 30. Can I buy them? Reading some of these posts you sounded like you aren't selling yet. I normally would buy form Rkcstr but he doesn't have any and your drivers look very suitable for my needs.

PM sent.

thanks,
Kendall

edit: never mind I don't want any..
 
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Hi Xer0,

Your drivers has been shipped yesterday (25 May), tracking provided. Check your mailbox!

I'm expecting to receive it on Friday 28 May. Let me know when you picked up!

Regards,
Alx
 
Hi kendall,

Yes, you can buy it. I already sent to you my email addres and my proposals. 30 pcs does not represent a problem. Just contact me by email to arrange delivery & payment. If you are moving fast, you can have it in 7-10 days. Drivers are in stock and ready for delivery!

Regards,
Alx
 
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The package has left your country now... yes i assume it will be here this week! :)
 
Hi Xer0,

Indeed: Expedited at 26.05.2009 ... has left my country at 20:39 ... You are vigilant :-))

Regards,
Alx
 
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Finally got around to trying out my driver. I'm using it to power an LOC diode at 320mA, with 9V on the input. There is a little heating at this current setting, but that is to be expected. The driver functions perfectly, and is of very good build quality. For the price they are an EXCELLENT deal. Highly recommended.
 
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