Do I need a driver for my red 5mW diode if I don't want to boost power?

[EPRSEric]

I bought this diode off of Ebay...http://cgi.ebay.com/INDUSTRIAL-LASER-MODULE-GRID-SQUARE-BEAM-5mW-3V-635nm_W0QQitemZ140106020267QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item209ef835ab&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116...for the grid pattern (specialized use).

Do I need to even build a driver for it? It seems as though all the drivers for red lasers are for getting up to 150+ mW. I don't want that, I just want long battery/diode life and keep it at 5mw (or slightly less).

Thanks,
Eric

 

[john_lawson]

better ask the seller and thats way too much mula for a 5w module

oops i see its a grid setup i havent messed with those yet

 

[lasersbee]

It looks like that 635nm Red Laser already has a Driver built in...
All you need to do is supply 3Volts DC to the Red and Black wires...

BTW... The seller gives very little info on the stuff he's selling..

Jerry

 

[EPRSEric]

It looks like that 635nm Red Laser already has a Driver built in...
All you need to do is supply 3Volts DC to the Red and Black wires...

BTW... The seller gives very little info on the stuff he's selling..

Jerry

I noticed that, but if you click the specs link, they do give you some info. I've been to their website, and it looks like they are mainly in the business of selling piezo transducers. However, they were the only place I could find such a thing. Thanks for the input. I'll just hook it up to 2 AAAs and a switch. If they do have something in that casing, it's got to be tiny!

 

[lasersbee]

You want to see tiny... look at the FlexDrive found in the B/S/T
section...

If there was no driver installed they would not have mentioned
3 Volts DC... they would have mentioned a current in mA...

The specs also state Automatic Power Control....
That APC circuit is part of the feedback control of the Driver..


Jerry

 

[EPRSEric]

You want to see tiny... look at the FlexDrive found in the B/S/T
section...

If there was no driver installed they would not have mentioned
3 Volts DC... they would have mentioned a current in mA...

The specs also state Automatic Power Control....
That APC circuit is part of the feedback control of the Driver..


Jerry

Excellent! So that's what the automatic power control is! It seems like most of the diodes on Ebay have that...at least the low-power ones that are in a can. I guess this project is going to be easier than I imagined. I still want measure the output though, before use...like I said...safety! I guess I should focus my efforts on building an LPM.

 

[ndrew2505]

you wont need an lpm for what your doing.

now if you get into high power builds...then you'll need an lpm.

 

[EPRSEric]

you wont need an lpm for what your doing.

now if you get into high power builds...then you'll need an lpm.

I just want to be 100% certain I'm not throwing anything over 5mW. As this is for a tv shoot, there are extra legalities I must see to. I think I'm going to pick up laserbee's $30 jobbie. It seems like that should work quite nicely for my needs.

 

[lasersbee]

Yeah... I know I'm biased...
but I would still say it is the least expensive pre-calibrated and built alternative...
Go to eBay and search "Laser Power Meter"... that is the cheapest place to get
one...

Jerry

 

[KGB_Productions]

Correct me if im wrong Jerry but I thought your lpm couldn't read below 5mw...I dont know where I read that.

 

[ndrew2505]

Correct me if im wrong Jerry but I thought your lpm couldn't read below 5mw...I dont know where I read that.

if it doesnt measure then you know its safe lol

edit: he meant the small ones for red and green. not the laserbee 1..

 

[laserpyro]

holy sh*t thats expensive for a red module. i paid about $20 for 10.

 

[lasersbee]

Thanks for stepping in Drew...

@laserpyro... his Laser only a bit expensive...
It is a 635nm not a cheap 650-660nm and it has
a 16 Grid lens...

@KGB_Productions....
This is the LPM I'm referring to.....

Calibrated Laser Power Meter Sensor Module by J.BAUER Electronics (EBAYHLPM)


Jerry
(3800-5009-67)