Going to build some drivers. Which to build?

[Stianbl]

Ok, so I'v read a lot on these forums now, but I get 2 things confused.

FlexDrive. Is't this a great drive?

What is this then?

DDL Driver
The original laser diode driver - The second link is how to test it
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1185701612
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1197651171

I want to build some drivers that will fit with any laser (red, green, blu-ray, IR), but before I order parts I will have to know which is reccomended =)

Thanks a lot!

 

[Stianbl]

Anyone? =D

 

[phoenix3200]

The FlexDrive is a very small boost driver - which allows you to power blu-ray diodes (which require around 5 V) from an input voltage of 3 V.  Because it uses surface mount parts heavily (and is a proprietary design), you won't be able to make this yourself.

The DDL driver is a do-it-yourself driver which requires a higher input voltage (about 2V higher) than the output voltage.  For a blu-ray, that would mean that you need a power source which can provide 7 V or more.  Most people do this by using two Li-Ion cells in series.

As the wavelength of a laser decreases, the voltage required to lase usually goes up.  In the case of a green laser (which you won't be able to build yourself), it uses an IR laser to drive a crystal that produces green light.  So, any driver that can drive a blu-ray should be adequate (for the time being) for any other type of laser you'll be able to build.

Read around a little more, because your questions are answered quite thoroughly throughout the site.

 

[Stianbl]

Thanks a lot =)

So if I want to make drivers myself, then its the DDL I should make? When I first order some parts, I'm going to order parts for about 10 units or something. Have to know if that is the driver reccomended to make

 

[phoenix3200]

You can also find some kits in a few of the member's online stores:

At Rkcstr's store, he sells everything from prebuilt to kits to just the boards. However, he's a busy guy, so it will probably take some time to get it.

Another option is to get a Groove kit from DrLava.

Both of the above are linear drivers, not boost drivers, and I think are based around the DDL design.