Flexdrive Current Range Issues

[skir0987]

I just got a flex drive V5 and soldered all my wires and connected the resistors to get 100-412ma range. I soldered the resistors like this:

x x--x
x

However, when I hook it up to my test load (using 6 diodes for 405nm), I only read a current range of ~260-275ma when turning the pot... 260 at one end, 275 at the other. My test load uses a 1ohm, 10-watt resistor instead of 1-watt but I don't think that should be too much of a problem because it was working with other drivers. Anyone know what could be wrong?

Thanks

 

[Elektrotechniker]

What power supply are you using?

 

[skir0987]

Mastech HY1803D

Nevermind about the flexdrive though... just fried it. I was driving my diode with constant voltage and variable current then switched over to the driver, accidentally forgot to turn the voltage knob back, and pumped my flexdrive with 18v. It started smoking pretty quickly, so there's another $25 down the drain.

Can anyone recommend another driver capable of driving a 405 (PHR-805t) from one Li-ion? It'd be great if it was smaller than the flexdrive as I'm trying to fit it into a pretty small host.

 

[Fiddy]

Ahh the old CC/CV change over.

Not sure of many other good boost drivers out there...you might have to stick with the flexdrive.

 

[Isoleucine]

You could try the Boostdrive, by the same guy who designed the flexdrive.

http://hacylon.case.edu/ebay/laser_diode/Micro_BoostDrive.php

If you don't know already, thats his website. There you can buy the drivers directly form him. Its roughly the same size. I like it better because the solder bridges to adjust it are simpler and easier to do, IMO.

I use one of those to drive my semi-operational LED'd 445 that still runs at 100% for roughly .3 seconds.