Groove2 Maximum Current Output?

[Icarus]

Hi Guy's, this may sound like a silly question to some of you but I have searched the forum and can't find a definitive answer. What is the SAFE maximum current output of a Groove2? I have read the user manual which states that the maximum output is 500mA on the high range and there is slight variation from unit to unit. I have also seen that DTR is running two in parallel set at 750mA each http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/1-5w-small-sun-zy-122-2x26650-host-59227.html On my current build I went to set the current last night and managed to get 910mA into my test load, albeit that the driver did get very hot. I have set the output to 700mA and secured the driver to my heatsink using some Arctic Silver. Will the driver be OK or must I drop the output to 500mA. I do not intend to run the laser for more than say 5 seconds at a time; however we all know how easy it is to get carried away. Also it may prove difficult to check the power output with my LaserBee 2.5 Watt LPM if I do restrict my run time to 5 seconds?

 

[Fiddy]

500mA is the max for the driver.

 

[Kevlar]

The data-sheet states 500mA but I've seen others get more. It's not that unusual.

 

[Icarus]

Hi Kevlar, you wouldn't happen to have a link to the data sheet would you? My groove2 is still set at 700mA out at the moment and so far all seems to be OK. It was interesting watching the output on my LaserBee LPM with a fresh set of batteries (Li-ion AAA's 600mAh), the output rose very quickly up to about 425mW then plateaued for about 5 -10 seconds then carried on rising to 650mW. Unfortunately I've not used my meter that much yet and ended up overwriting that trace with the second one I did about half an hour later which went straight up to 650mW. I can only assume that with the fresh batteries (straight out of the charger) the driver was dumping too much voltage and went in to thermal overload reducing the output?

 

[Kevlar]

Im on my mobile right now. I can upload it later today. It still should be available on drlava's website, but I don't have that right now either.

 

[Fiddy]

Bazinga!

HERE

 

[Icarus]

Thanks Guy's, but that is what I referred to as the user manual which I already have. When you said data sheet (Kevlar) I thought you meant the manufactures data sheet for the IC which actually handles the current? Sorry if I mislead anyone, or didn't make myself clear.

 

[daguin]

Although the driver CAN run at currents above 400mA, it has heating problems above that current.

If you are going to run it above 400mA, make sure that you have it heat-sinked well.

When it overheats, it begins to blink slowly

Peace,
dave