Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using.

[jib77]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

If I wanted to use this driver with a PHR803T, would I have to modify it in anyway and would I have any problems using 3 10440 batteries?

You will need a boost driver for a PHR. This one may work if you find and replace the current setting resistor with one that will yield a current of about 100mA(it also has to have the proper wattage rating). The only question is if this driver will boost the voltage if needed(I haven't looked at the datasheet so I don't know).

 

[huntman21014]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

You will need a boost driver for a PHR. This one may work if you find and replace the current setting resistor with one that will yield a current of about 100mA(it also has to have the proper wattage rating). The only question is if this driver will boost the voltage if needed(I haven't looked at the datasheet so I don't know).

Would going with a micro boost be better than going for a regular flexdrive if using a regular 16500 li-on battery?

 

[jib77]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

Would going with a micro boost be better than going for a regular flexdrive if using a regular 16500 li-on battery?

Both will work fine for a PHR build ... the flex drive does both buck and boost, thus the name, and you will be able to re-purpose it in future red or high power 445 builds. The microboost only boosts and the LD- line must be isolated from ground, you are limited to BR and 445 builds.

 

[lazeerer]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

I have not tested this driver with blu-ray yet, but hen the new drivers come in i will test it for you and see what resistor you need to get ~100mA and if it works OK.

3. 10440 cells is more then enough to run this driver at. It can run with just 2 3.0v cells no problem.

Iam sure you can use this driver no problem with a blu ray diode but i dont want to give you the OK with out checking myself. So i would wit until i check and see.

Also Here is the thread that i have tested these drivers in.
http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/driver-mod-up-1-8amps-2x-18650-cells-59336.html

So you might want to check it out. I will update that thread often with new drivers iam waiting on and will update it with the blue ray test. I also order a another 12x today from O Like to test with this driver.

 

[Montez]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

Have you tested this driver with primary cr123's? I ask this because I just got one of these drivers and it seems with primary cr123's it only outputs about 500 mA, and with Li-Ion cr123's it outputs just below 1200 mA does this seem right?

 

[lazeerer]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

Yes it seems right. As far with the CR123A that seem right iam getting 1215mA so that is good as this driver ranges 30mA + - .

Just tested Primary cells for you and the driver reads ~520mA not stable. SO they will not work.

Hope this helps.

 

[Montez]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

It would work if you were satisfied with 500 mA wouldn't it? Oh well, I just ordered some extra LI-Ions to go with this driver. My guess is the primaries just can't handle the draw.

 

[lazeerer]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

NO. It is not a good idea to do this. As the driver is struggling to put out what its meant to do witch is ~1200mA Stock.

Iam pretty sure its a not good and it could damage your diode/driver. I would not use it until you get the proper cells.

Someone with more knowledge then me with this question might jump in and explain why better.

 

[Montez]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

Thanks for the help. I may just stick with LI-Ions until I know more.


Thanks again,

Ben

 

[Garoq]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

My experience is that primaries deliver about the same amount of current with this driver. So I don't know what is causing the different readings. :thinking: I have however noticed that there is a steeper drop in power over time with some brands of primaries.

How fresh were the batteries and what was the voltage? I know that this driver requires a certain voltage differential to work properly. If the battery voltage falls below a certain amount the driver will not be able to keep up. For example, when using an 18650 battery this driver will only deliver enough current to produce about 150-200 mW with a 445nm diode.

 

[lazeerer]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

^^Mine were 3.09v and 2.98v. should have tested the voltage first. I dont have any more primary CR123A cells but just tried this with 2x CR2 Primary cells brand spanking new Duracell's and iam getting a reading of:

~1100mA not stable. But this is with CR2's. If you have tested it with primary CR123A and you say it works fine then Cool to know this. But like you said you sacrifices alot more drop in power over time. I dont think its practical to use them. You will be spend a crap load of money over time.

 

[Montez]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

^^Mine were 3.09v and 2.98v. should have tested the voltage first. I dont have any more primary CR123A cells but just tried this with 2x CR2 Primary cells brand spanking new Duracell's and iam getting a reading of:

~1100mA not stable. But this is with CR2's. If you have tested it with primary CR123A and you say it works fine then Cool to know this. But like you said you sacrifices alot more drop in power over time. I dont think its practical to use them. You will be spend a crap load of money over time.

I'm using the panasonic photo cells that digi-key sells, maybe I should try using a better quality cr123 and see if I get different results. Both of the cr123's I used were brand new out of the package when I tested them.

 

[Garoq]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

I found the Energizer Lithium photo cells to work well. The Titanium Innovations cells work too, but their output falls more rapidly.

 

[murrat]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

Hi, All

Here is the Driver: $1.99
DealExtreme: $1.99 18V 5W Cree Circuit Board for Flashlights (16.8mm*5.5mm)

I am running it off 2 Lifepo4 batteries 3.0 volts each cell. "When fully charged there ~3.36 each" SO if you are looking for a Driver that is single modded On/Off and running at 1.2amps this is a good driver.

My outputs with the 2x 3.0 volt cells is 1167mW and with the 18650 iam getting around 215mW. So in a way it has 2 modes if you have an 18650 cell available.

I have the Yobrasel build below with the same driver(below photo) but I use batteries that are 3,6V or 3,7V. How it effects the 445nm LD?
As I am not good at electronics I want to know what that driver does. Does it only regulates current? If so what is the upper voltage(and current) limit of that 445nm LD ? If you use 2 3V batteries it gives 7,2V but if they are 3,6V batteries they give 8,4V.
I am confused a bit :thinking:

 

[Montez]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

From what I have seen based on my own tests it regulates both. With 2 primary
CR123A's I was getting ~500 mA at ~4.2 V, with 2 3.6v Li-Ion CR123A's I was getting ~1200 mA at ~4.6 volts. This was using a test load. It seems that the more current the driver is passing the diode will draw slightly more voltage. Which I think is normal of any driver. The only modification I made to this driver was the addition of a 10 mf 16 volt cap across the output leads, but as many have said its probably not nessicary. With the primary CR123A's It also seems that brand has alot to do with how much current will pass through the driver, I was using the cheapest ones that digikey sold. Use of a high quality battery such as energizer lithium may give better results, but I have not tested this. IMO Li-Ion rechargeable's are going to give you the best results if you are using this driver. ymmv. Hope this helps. Also to awnser you other question, I think the upper voltage limit of the 445 diode is about 5 volts.

 

[Coherent Light]

Re: Cheap 1.2 amp driver running off 2x 3.0v lifepo4 cells that iam using. Only $1.99

@ lazeerer the led drivers I bought from GoodLuckBuy that are listed the same as the ones from DX are NOT the same. The ones I received are a 2 piece sandwich I'll try to throw up some pictures later.