danq said:
...and basically, the reason for not using an ammeter is insertion loss - you'll find that your meter introduces resistance to the circuit, varying depending on what range it is on. That's because your meter is measuring voltage across an internal resistor!
That's ok, i don't use a multimeter in series anyway, i can see the current (and can limit it if needed) on my lab PSU.
Well anyway, yesturday i finally managed to make my FIRST working laser!!!
I used the LD from the Samsung TS-H552 version B, (16x DVD+R/12x DVD-R..... i'm saving the version U for later, hoping it's stronger)
These are unfortunatelly soldered onto one chunk of metal, which is then soldered onto another one that is then screwed into the optical assembly of the drive..
I only removed the outer chunk of metal (using a dremel - trying to unsolder it would probably kill it, since i would have to heat EVERYTHING, including the LD, up to the solder melting temp.) and attached some heatsinks to the inner chunk of metal... Since it's soldered it dissipates heat very nicely..
I had to get creative with the lens assembly, but i FINALLY managed to get a WORKING laser!
i went up to 280mA, but am guessing it could do even more.. It hardly even heated up... And there's still a Peltier in my drawer...
Finally a visible red laser beam! Feels great! I can't wait till i get the AixiZ modules, to make it all even better...
Thanks to everyone for your help and ideas! I really appreciate it!
Igor
P.S. I'll attach the pic of the LD, just so you can see how hard it is to get out...