first build

[5jf5]

Hi
I want to make a 300mw 650nm red laser and i almost have everything I need but I'm missing a bit of information.

I already have these parts:

Micro-Drive V3 adjustable driver (assembled) - $13.00 : rkcstr.com, Micro-Drive and laser diode electronics

650nm LPC815 Sled [LPC815 Sled] - $9.58 : High Tech DealZ, Simplifying the LASER Hobby!

An Aixiz module

Host

What I'm missing is the powersource! It should be easy to get but i don't know what kind of battery i should use. According to what I've read i should be using more than 5.2V but i don't know the maximum. If i use an aixiz housing and the right amount of current, i shouldn't need a bigger heatsink? Correct me if I'm wrong!:bowdown:

 

[davey696]

from what little knowledge i have built up so far the batteries very much depend on your host size and you want 2x 3.0-3.6v or 1x 6-7v batteries. I'm currently running an o-like 200mw red laser on 2x cr2 3.0v 600mah.
Just in case you don't know what the different numberes/letters mean,
Cr2=battery style, 3.0v is the voltage it supplies, 600mah= how long the battery will last under load typically the higher this value the better.
Dave

 

[5jf5]

Can i find those in a local shop because buying batteries on the internet everytime isn't what I'm looking for...

 

[BShanahan14rulz]

What kind of batteries does your host fit? If it fits 18650's, you can use 2 cr123a primaries (2x3V=6V)

CR2 are about half the size of AA (diameter is ~1mm larger, and length is half that of AA, plus about 1 or 2mm)
CR123a are about half the size of 18650

 

[davey696]

to be honest i would invest in some good quality rechargeable batteries. Then you only have to buy them if they start to degrade.You can buy some from dealextreme and o-like. I just look for the cheapest named batteries. The batteries i'm using at the moment are ultrafire but im going to upgrade to juice batteries i think because they are 3.6v compared to the ultrafire 3.0v.
Dave

 

[5jf5]

My host was made to fit 3 AAA batteries(It's about 1 inch in diameter and less than 2" in lenght.:bumpit:

I'll go to the store and see if there are batteries that fit in my host that give 6-7V!
Thanks

 

[chipdouglas]

if i remember correctly the rkcstr is good up to 12vdc, although i read that member pushed it to 14.

and as for batteries a good electronics store will have AA 3.7vdc lithium primaries. although a bit pricey.

michael

 

[rpaloalto]

Not sure you will really find anything at a local store.
Your only choice is to use 2 10440 3.6v cells and one dummy battery. Or buy yourself a Dr. Lava flex drive. The flex drive will work just fine with 2 or 3 standard AAA cells.

DealExtreme: $4.23 Ultra Fire 10440 3.6V 500mAh 2Pack
http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/lava-micro-flexdrive-driver-lavadrive2-fits-pens-22502.html

 

[jayrob]

I asked rkcstr about it a while back and he said that 3 X 10440's won't hurt the driver. You have to figure that as soon as you turn it on, the voltage will drop a little as they take a load. So even at full charge, they will probably be below 12 volts very soon, if not instantly.

I'm pretty sure there are a lot of builds out there that are using 3 X 10440's with a rkcstr...

 

[GreenLaser]

hey guys, thanks for showing me this!!! so this woud run my 5mw red? and any other red diode i can get from a dvd drive?
pls inform me
cheers

 

[jayrob]

Depending on the diode you use, the current setting of the driver will need to be adjusted accordingly...

You should refer to the driver documentation for range limitations...
rkcstr.com, Micro-Drive and laser diode electronics

 

[davey696]

The driver will run any dvd-burner diode but you will need to research the safe operating current for the diode and set that on the driver using a dummy load and a multimeter. If you don't know how to do this use the search box and also read some of the beginners laser tutorial. when i first started i skipped them thinking ive already picked up that knowledge. only to find them very valuable resources i have learnt LOADS from them.
Dave

 

[chipdouglas]

I have a dorcy LED that has the little"cartridge that uses 3 AAA, i am using it with the 10440's and no problems here. but then again my duty cycles are fairly short. but also im using a 6x in it.

rpaloalto, my local electronic store does sell 3.7 lithum primaries. but i'm so used to it i guess not all cities have "real" electronic stores LoL.

michael

 

[5jf5]

Ok, so if i want my laser to lase like this, :lasergun: I should power it with a battery that puts out from 6 to 9 volts?

(btw, what's a dummy battery?)

 

[chipdouglas]

you need voltage and current "mah" so for a red the 6-9 volts will do. but if you use those square alkline 9volt batts it wont last long at all. they are like 100mah.

a dummy battery is just any metel conductor (some ppl stack magnets together) to fill the extra battery cavity space.

if you want your laser to blast like in that animation you will then have to ditch your red efforts and buy a greenie LoL.


michael

 

[5jf5]

Thanks, really appreciated!
I think I'll buy the ultrafire batteries.

Would I need an heatsink or the aixiz module will be ok?:thinking: