DIY Homemade laser diode driver

[tiedyeguy]

Yeah, mine is still 47uf. The pins are on the sides if that helps to describe it, and I think it has "axial leads"

 

[Gazoo]

That's fine but radial leads are easier to work with, especially if you are going to solder the capacitor to the diode. The reason I like the 10uf 16 volt caps is because they will fit in the aixiz module.

 

[toked323]

chido i mentioned you because your always like try not to post look how many pages there are

 

[chido]

chido i mentioned you because your always like try not to post look how many pages there are

I'm not all like that, I think you're refering to the post I made here:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1202515533/0#0
Sure, I do agree with amkdeath about locking this thread, I want to help people but I think they should do a little bit more on their end instead of relying on other people for all their questions.
Just don't say that I'm always saying not to post in this thread anymore bacause the post above is the only one I've made ragarding the subject.

 

[MTG18]

Gazoo, I have not tested it with a load yet so that makes sense. I was just using a DMM. Can I use a blue LED to test it, if I don't want to risk my diode? I will try that. Thanks for your help.

 

[chido]

Here's the thread on how to test the driver:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1197651171

 

[tiedyeguy]

Well I finally found a 47uf radial lead capacitor. Still... no 10-ohm 1/2-watt resistors though. Where would I parralel two 10-ohm 1-watt resistors? There are wires on each side of the resistor. Thanks

 

[tiedyeguy]

Oh yeah, I forgot. Do I solder stranded wire or solid core to the pos+ Neg- pins on the LD? or does it matter. Thanks for the help

 

[desslok]

Well I finally found a 47uf radial lead capacitor. Still... no 10-ohm 1/2-watt resistors though. Where would I parralel two 10-ohm 1-watt resistors? There are wires on each side  of the resistor. Thanks

You can use 10 ohm 1/4 watt resisitors, since when you parallel 2 of them, it effectively doubles the current they can handle, thus 1/2 watt.

 

[Gazoo]

Well I finally found a 47uf radial lead capacitor. Still... no 10-ohm 1/2-watt resistors though. Where would I parralel two 10-ohm 1-watt resistors? There are wires on each side of the resistor. Thanks

You asked this same question a couple of pages back and received an answer. Use small stranded wire. I think 26 gauge is good.

 

[MTG18]

I am only getting about 2.15 volts to the diode with the pot turned all the way up, so its lasing, but very weak. Any suggestions as to what my problem may be or how to increase the voltage/current?

 

[chido]

First, don't worry about voltage, think current And second, how are you measuring the voltage?

 

[supernova]

As far as volts, I suggest you supply 6v- 7v to a circuit like this...

As far as the 10ohm parallel this diagram should be similar to a real circuit you could make....

I think your trying to use a parallel of two 10 ohm .5 watt to obtain 5 ohm at 1 watt, not to obtain 10 ohm at .5 watt. Check the Ohms law for parallel resistors / series resistors to ensure your method obtains your goal.

SN

 

[supernova]

Can not attach 2 images,,, here is image 2...

Thanks to aaron for the original to modify!

SN

 

[chido]

Oh yeah, I forgot to ask what your input voltage was, thanks super nova.
And I suggest you put 7.2v into the circuit. Preferably use 6 nimh cells, otherwise if you put in the exact 6v the regulator will start to drop very quickly.

 

[supernova]

The image and the modified diagram are an attempt to line up the parts in a fashion to place them on a board and do the minimal of distant paths. If you place the parts in this fashion, there are only a few connections and no excess wires to use as the paths (not pre imprinted on the board) are local to one another. I like the arrangement, but of course you may not see things like I do and may prefer an alternate arrangement.

SN