Dr Lava flex-drives

[Joe]

I ordered one preset to 110ma to drive my PHR 803t. Is Dr Lava pretty good about getting the drives set to what you ordered? The thing is that I fried one of two diodes and that leaves me with one. I dont want to kill the new one. It is working now, but I am unsure if it will continue to do so.
I know I should test the thing myself to see what the current is, but I am unsure on how to go about this. I don't have a dummy load on hand. Is there anything I can get from Radio Shack that would work? If so what is it and how do I "measure the current across the resistor?"
I have searched the forum and I still dont get it: How do I measure the ma? :-?

 

[nvmextc]

I've never gotten a preset driver from Dr Lava but I don't think I've seen anyone complain about them being set wrong.
The dummy load for a BR is 6 IN4001 diodes and a 1ohm resistor. You set your multimeter to read voltage(v) and you should read a voltage drop across the resistor, that is the current.
Here's a link to the thread on testing http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1197651171

 

[Joe]

Sheesh. I stared at that tutorial yesterday for the longest time and it never clicked. I get it now. Thanks!
Now I wonder if Radio Shack sells the diodes...

 

[phoenix3200]

They do...but they don't sell the resistors. Get the variety pack (which has 1N4001, 1N4002, and 1N4004). AFAIK the diodes in the package should be interchangeable for your purposes.

w00t 200th post!

 

[milantheone]

hello guys i have one questin about FlexDrive... it is described that it is trim-able but i have seen this stuff in person recently and i am wondering which side or where i can lead a cut..

one more think, which tool i need to use ??? :-/ :-/

 

[jayrob]

In his instruction sheet:
http://hacylon.case.edu/laser/lavadrive2/Micro_Flex_Drive_User_manual_V3.pdf

There is a picture with 'dotted' lines to show the idea... You obviously must not trim into any components or connection points.

For the method, I'm sure there is more than one way to 'skin a cat'... But I like to use a mini belt sander. I have a nice one-hand 'finger sized' belt sander. The belt is about 3/8" wide. Sweet tool...
Jay

 

[milantheone]

well i dont have tool like you :-/
could i use just an abrasive paper???

i am not going to trim this now i just would like to know how to do this in a case that i will need so..

i found this picture and there was written that the tiny black box in the upper right corner can be removed.

doesnt it affect funcion of this driver???

 

[jayrob]

I think it has something to do with reverse polarity protection. But you'll have to ask Dr. Lava to be sure...

Yes, file, sand paper, etc...
Jay