daguin
0
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2008
- Messages
- 15,989
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I have been monitoring the output of my 4X/6X more closely than I normally monitor the output of my lasers. This is because we are still trying to ascertain a "safe" current for them. I built one into an MXDL "chicken leg" (DX, 3405) using a flexdrive, a Merideth glass lens, and powered by three AAA's (Duracell, Copper Top). I set the driver at 210mA.
The laser started out at 180mW. Then it started a slow decline in output. I was half expecting it to do this based on some of IgorT's work. It slowly "degraded" down to 135mW and then blinked out. I was sure it had died. However, as is my usual routine, I replaced the batteries before going on to the next step in it's demise (I learned this the hard way). To my surprise, with the new batteries, it is still lasing AND it is now back up to putting out 180mW!
I thought that the flexdrive would hold the current constant until the lower limit of the voltage was reached. Was I wrong? I don't remember observing this sort of output decline in any other lasers using the flexdrive. In addition, if this is the case, this diode/driver combination is draining the batteries very rapidly.
Peace,
dave
The laser started out at 180mW. Then it started a slow decline in output. I was half expecting it to do this based on some of IgorT's work. It slowly "degraded" down to 135mW and then blinked out. I was sure it had died. However, as is my usual routine, I replaced the batteries before going on to the next step in it's demise (I learned this the hard way). To my surprise, with the new batteries, it is still lasing AND it is now back up to putting out 180mW!
I thought that the flexdrive would hold the current constant until the lower limit of the voltage was reached. Was I wrong? I don't remember observing this sort of output decline in any other lasers using the flexdrive. In addition, if this is the case, this diode/driver combination is draining the batteries very rapidly.
Peace,
dave