LM317 for 445nm laser

[Limecat]

^1.2A is within the LM317's limits. There's no reason to spend $15 when a $2 chip will suffice.

The lm338 would give off the same amount of heat as an lm317. Two lm317s in parallel would give off the same amount of heat as one lm317. If you use two lm317 in parallel, you only double the area the heat can be emitted while a heat sink can increase surface area 20 times or more. Adding a heat sink is simpler, more effective, and likely cheaper.

I would get the 338. Or even the 350
Because if it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing.

 

[Leodahsan]

we need some plans/schematics of new drivers.
the 317 is so.. old
just my 0.02 cents

 

[Limecat]

we need some plans/schematics of new drivers.
the 317 is so.. old
just my 0.02 cents

What's wrong with LM317s? They're perfectly viable for constant current sources. You can step up to LM350 if its not enough, or LM338 if you want yet more current. If you want a whole different circuit all together for some reason, Let me google that for you

Otherwise, my own obstacle is building a power supply that will give enough juice.