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Groove 2 drivers: in parallel?

micksterbs

micksterbs

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Hi y'all.

I want to get 1A or thereabouts from a Groove 2 driver. The datasheet says 500mA is the max.

I'm sure I read something about being able to run drivers in parallel to double the current, but I can't seem to find it any more.

Can it be done with the Groove 2 and if so are there any things to watch out for?

I could have used a Flexmod but there isn't the space in this build.

Cheers :beer:
 





Thanks guys. Unfortunately I've got 8.4 volts, which is too many for a MicroBoost or FlexDrive unless I drop the volts with a bunch of 1N4001s, but isn't that very inefficient?

8.4v is perfect for a Groove, but for the current.

I'll PM drlava and see what he says about paralleling the Grooves.

I may have to try and squeeze in a FlexMod after all.
 
micksterbs said:
Thanks guys. Unfortunately I've got 8.4 volts, which is too many for a MicroBoost or FlexDrive unless I drop the volts with a bunch of 1N4001s, but isn't that very inefficient?

8.4v is perfect for a Groove, but for the current.

I'll PM drlava and see what he says about paralleling the Grooves.

I may have to try and squeeze in a FlexMod after all.
Click to expand...

You could try an LM317 or LM338 driver. They are linear drivers that can give over 1A of current.

Here are some related threads.
http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/drivers-445-a-51830-7.html

http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/1500ma-445nm-diode-use-lm317t-lm338t-54288.html#post764607

http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/how-set-up-flexmod-p3-handheld-laser-56572.html#post798901
 
You are right, two grooves would be a great drop-in for an 8.4V supply. However at 1A that little driver pair brick will need to dissipate 4W assuming you're running 445nm so you will need to heatink the black transistors if you want to have a decent runtime before thermal protection kicks in. Alternatively assuming you're using 18650 you could use one 18650 and a dummy battery and use a FlexDrive.
 
DTR said:
You could try an LM317 or LM338 driver. They are linear drivers that can give over 1A of current.
Click to expand...

That's great, thanks. I've actually built some of these before but I've also blown some stuff up with them, and I like the safety features of the 'proper' drivers. Might be an option if I'm careful though.

drlava said:
You are right, two grooves would be a great drop-in for an 8.4V supply. However at 1A that little driver pair brick will need to dissipate 4W assuming you're running 445nm so you will need to heatink the black transistors if you want to have a decent runtime before thermal protection kicks in. Alternatively assuming you're using 18650 you could use one 18650 and a dummy battery and use a FlexDrive.
Click to expand...

It's actually 7 x 1.2v NiMh in series! I want the power capacity so I'm loathe to remove any of the batteries.

So it is possible to parallel them. Presumably the Grooves would only be dissipating the same W as a FlexMod if I was able to squeeze one of them in... but the FlexMod is way easier to heatsink.

Decisions, decisions.


Thanks again. I'll post an update once I've made some more progress.
 
If you can fit a flexmod it is the best driver I have used. I have a few of them waiting on hosts. The power range is great and the LD protection is a must.:beer:

like drlava said in another thread there are cheaper drivers but if you loose a diode it will cost you more in the end.;)
 
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