driver recommenadation

[wolfman]

I just need someone to direct me to a driver for a red laser that reaches 600mA
but is reasonably priced (less then $15).

 

[Bionic-Badger]

A resistor. They're only about $0.01 in quantity.

To be serious, you haven't provided some other key parameters: input voltage, portability, etc. that determine the price you'll pay.

 

[Blord]

What BB said. It depends what laser build it will be. There is no driver that does it all. Every driver has it's strengths and weaknesses.

 

[lasersbee]

I just need someone to direct me to a driver for a red laser that reaches 600mA
but is reasonably priced (less then $15).

I would build an LM317 Driver (DDL) for about <$5.00...

Jerry

 

[Fretwrecker94]

600mA is pretty bold! But I agree with the above posts, a simple LM317 Driver works fantastically! you'd need a 2.08 ohm resistor. But if you found a 2.1 ohm it would run just a little under the 600mA mark. But again, 600mA is playing with fire (or photons) pretty dangerously for a red laser diode.... unless its 635nm

 

[wolfman]

For that LM317 driver would 2 14500 battries be a good power supply?

 

[Fretwrecker94]

For that LM317 driver would 2 14500 battries be a good power supply?

Absolutely! I have a build using 2 14500 batteries and an LM317 and I haven't had to recharge it yet (although I haven't put TOO much time into using it... maybe 30-40 minutes tops)