First Laser. VERY IMPRESSED

[cheech226]

looks like it was putting out, it was burning.
but now your diode may well be dead, the spot looked pretty dim.
you really need to read up a bit on test loads. get a volt meter and a lpc-826 diode. set your groove to 450ma or so and burn away.

 

[lJakel]

i dont think my driver worked in the first place... when i turned the POT it never got darker or lighter. When i hooked the multimeter to the diode and driver (when it was dead and still illuminating) no matter where the POT was, it still pulled the full 200ma current. how do you test a driver?

 

[cheech226]

you need a test load to simulate your laser diode. i've found those pots to be fragile. you may do better with a fixed current linear driver. like this one
Mohgasm 428mA Round linear driver circuit [MOHR428] - $14.99 : Cajunlasers Store
cliff ships quick. you won't have to wait long for your driver.

 

[lJakel]

you need a test load to simulate your laser diode. i've found those pots to be fragile. you may do better with a fixed current linear driver. like this one
Mohgasm 428mA Round linear driver circuit [MOHR428] - $14.99 : Cajunlasers Store
cliff ships quick. you won't have to wait long for your driver.

When i test the driver, how do I know its dead? The current wont change?

 

[cheech226]

by reading the output of your driver under the test load you will see if the groove is still working. if the current setting can't be changed note the current it is outputting - it just could be suitable to run the diode.