Help with first build (from scratch)

[kmm5117]

Although I have build other lasers with the diode/driver assembled in the module, I decided to a build from scratch with inexpensive components. I am having trouble on where to solder the + and - pins of the diode, as well as what to do with the common pin (from what i understand it is usually bent back). I am also curious of whether i need to solder and connections to the spring, or if it is already wired into the pcb board on the driver.

Here is the information of the components along with attached images, when replying, if you could respond of where the diode pins are to be attached to by #1 and #2 (once you see the image you will understand) it would help.

Thanks !!!

Driver: eBay 5-100mW 3-5V driver
Diode: Sony 405nm 80mW laser diode (LD SLD3234FV)

 

[Tw15t3r]

Can't help you with the laser diode (I haven't built a violet one before) but for the driver, the spring should be already connected. To know which one is postive and which is negative on the driver for your laser diode, just turn it on and use a voltmeter to check. Normally you don't connect the case pin, so just + to + and - to -

 

[kmm5117]

So my driver came in the mail this morning, and I've run into another problem The driver arrived basically as pictured (also with ld+ and - labels), but once I connected my voltage source and tested it, I'm getting no current from it.

The only difference from the picture and my actual driver is there is another B+ contact on the same end as the diode contacts, but on the opposite side (where the hole in the picture is) what should be connected to that contact since the battery + is also connected at the opposite end?

Thanks !

 

[DTR]

That is a boost driver. You should not attempt to run it without a load. Don't use a DMM directly to test it or the driver could become damaged. You will want to use a test load to test the current. With a boost driver the input voltage should not exceed the voltage of the load.

 

[kmm5117]

I am testing it with a selectable 3A test load, not directly with the MM. But here is a picture to explain my question, the contact with an arrow pointing it i'm unsure of what to do with. Please don't mind my shotty soldering, I was only temporarily attaching the wires for testing purposes, but for some reason I can't get any current with the test load.

 

[DTR]

What setting do you have the DMM set to that is attached to the test load?

 

[kmm5117]

I have tried both the mA setting and the and the voltage setting, what setting is correct ? I thought voltage was correct since with the test load setup 1mV = 1mA. Is that driver set up correctly ?

 

[DTR]

yes set it to the voltage setting put on a range around 2000mV. Is the driver drawaing current when connected to the test load? Was it ever powered without the test load attached to the driver?