Finally done it (back again)

[jonrobertd]

Well after all the wonderful help I have gotten on this site I have ordered a 22x LG drive and a Rkcstr driver to build my 2nd laser.
I asked for the driver to be set at 420ma, as this is what I keep reading is the sweet spot for these lasers. I have a DDL homebuilt driver powering a now toast 8x laser (it still lases but looks weaker than a dollar store pointer). I hope this is all correct and look foward to posting pics of things soon.

 

[randomlugia]

Re: Finally done it

Nice, hope it works out. If it does, definately post some pics. ;D

 

[jonrobertd]

Re: Finally done it

Pics of current stuff:
work bench                                                                                                          Copper plated Axiz

       

proto driver                                                                                                          Adjustable DDL driver

       

pot and heatsink                                                                                                   powersource

       

dots... top is a boresighter bottom is 8x DVD (toasted?) running at 3.1v ~217ma

 

[erdabyz]

Re: Finally done it

I think RKCSTR is not a ROCKSTAR LOL


Nice work!

 

[jonrobertd]

Re: Finally done it

Yeah just realised that....

Also is that LIPO too much power for the Rkcstr?

 

[rkcstr]

Re: Finally done it

7.4v should be fine. As close to the dropout voltage without going under is ideal to minimize heat production by the driver, but battery voltages aren't quite as flexible.

Technically, I named the driver Micro-Drive, but I suppose people just like to refer to it as my (rkcstr) driver Just so happens "rkc" are my initials and it looks like "rck" so I just abbreviated "star" as "str" and stuck it on the end, in case you were wondering why I can't abbreviate "rock" properly

 

[jonrobertd]

Re: Finally done it

It sucks being dislecsic. 90% I am ok but 10% I get messed up, especially on abbreviations, like GA as AG. and thanks for answering my ? on the battery although it can hit 8+ volts on a full charge so I plan on running it down a little before running the driver

 

[Snytbaggen]

Re: Finally done it

7.4v should be fine.  As close to the dropout voltage without going under is ideal to minimize heat production by the driver, but battery voltages aren't quite as flexible.

Technically, I named the driver Micro-Drive, but I suppose people just like to refer to it as my (rkcstr) driver  Just so happens "rkc" are my initials and it looks like "rck" so I just abbreviated "star" as "str" and stuck it on the end, in case you were wondering why I can't abbreviate "rock" properly  

Huh. I didn't notice until now :-?

 

[jonrobertd]

Re: Finally done it

Well my drive arrived today, and fifteen minutes after opening the box, Laser Goodness!!!!!! YAY!!!!
Just a ? though, What is the square plastic 4 pin diode, IR? I lit it up at 89ma and it was suprisingly bright still in the sled, way brighter than any IR I have seen. more pics tomorrow

 

[jonrobertd]

Re: Finally done it

just another thought:
would this work to limit the current to the diode so if it went over 315ma the fuse would blow. I think so but knowing my luck someone will prove me wrong.... see pic please

also I know this is underpower but it still works and this is more of a concept to save lower powered diodes

 

[lasersbee]

Re: Finally done it

Your 315ma fuse needs to be a Fast Blow type... and even then if there is a fast voltage
spike the LD could get damaged before the fuse actually blows...
A is a thermal device and the fuse blows once it heats up enough to melt the fuse juction....
and that takes time...(us to ms) IMHO...

 

[jonrobertd]

Re: Finally done it

The one I am looking at is a fast blow but still could be "slow" enough to damage the laser? It's a replacement for DMMs (i blew mine LOL) and have 3 left. This is the fuse http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103762 . What I am wanting to do is put it on my 22x which can handle 420+ (correct) to preserve it, but also say a 16x could use it too, if they can handle upto say 350+ma.

 

[jonrobertd]

Re: Finally done it

OH MY GOD I just lit my first match YAY!!!!!!! (and gunpowder lol i know careless)

 

[adsfasdf]

Re: Finally done it

Congratulations.

 

[laserman55]

Re: Finally done it

ya i am working on the DDL driver right now and will an LM317T work becuase thats all they had but it say that its adjustable or something like that

 

[jonrobertd]

Re: Finally done it

The LM317T is exactly what you need.