Did my diode burn out?

[frostz]

I jsut bought a 250mw red diode and I wanted to test it out by connecting it to two AA batteries. When I was connecting it, the diode moved and there was a little spark, coming from the pins. Is there a chance the diode survived or is it fried? :yabbem:

 

[daguin]

Prolly dead. Next time, use a driver.

Peace,
dave

 

[Eudaimonium]

Simple answer - YES, fried, burnt out.

First, stop following Kipkay's tutorials , or "hacks" as he calls them. Everything inside is wrong.

Second, do some readings, a member here called goninanbl00d has awsome tutorial here, let me link you there:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/unfinished-build-guide-53972-new-post.html

Diode NEEDS a driver to operate. ALWAYS.

Now, go do some reading, order a new diode, and don't forget to be safe.

Also, check out my signature if you want to see how stuff looks like when finished

 

[frostz]

I already have a rkcstr driver. I just wanted to make sure the diode works before I start all the soldering. I thought I would save time... Well, there goes my good mood lol. Anyone have any links to cheap 250mw red diodes? I bought mine for $14.

 

[Eudaimonium]

I already have a rkcstr driver. I just wanted to make sure the diode works before I start all the soldering. I thought I would save time... Well, there goes my good mood lol. Anyone have any links to cheap 250mw red diodes? I bought mine for $14.

HighTechDealZ - High Tech DealZ
Modwerx Home

And it's not exactly a 250mW output without considerable current of ~420-430 mA + and glass lens from Jayrob ($50 or so).

Hope for 200mW and you'll be alright

 

[goninanbl00d]

Eudaimonium, thanks for the reference.

Firstly, there is a slim chance that the diode survived. I have had a 16x red spark, and it survived. Try it with a driver set at 150-200mA.

Also, red diodes are available here, brand new too.

Brand New 660nm 200mW Mitsubishi CW Red Laser Diode/DIY - eBay (item 250601073082 end time Sep-17-10 04:14:41 PDT)

They seem to be the best price on naked diodes so far.

 

[Uranium]

If you want to test diodes like that, you're best using 3v lithium coin cells. They can't provide enough current to burn them out.