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FrozenGate by Avery

Micro-Drive laser driver by rkcstr

Do you make your own circuit boards or do you have them made for you? Either way, is it expensive?
 





I use a company here in the US for my PCBs. Whether they're expensive is relative. for me, they are cheap as I had enough made for 5000 drivers for under $500. But, if you just need a small amount, it's likely not as cost effective.

There are some places online that can do prototype boards for pretty cheap, usually charging by the square inch. You might be able to get a small sheet of multiple PCBs made for under $30. Can't think of the one I know at the moment, but search google and youll probably find it.
 
Hi rksctr. I recently ordered two drivers from you and they arrived quickly and well packed. Thank you.

One small problem is the two drivers were not separated--i.e. they're both on one board. I tried to gently snap the two drivers apart where the board appears to be scored but it doesn't snap easily. I don't want to break one or both drivers when separating them. What do you recommend? Should I try to snap them apart by using a little more pressure, use a knife on the score line, sidecutters or what?

TIA,

Ed
 
CoherentRays said:
Hi rksctr. I recently ordered two drivers from you and they arrived quickly and well packed. Thank you.

One small problem is the two drivers were not separated--i.e. they're both on one board. I tried to gently snap the two drivers apart where the board appears to be scored but it doesn't snap easily. I don't want to break one or both drivers when separating them. What do you recommend? Should I try to snap them apart by using a little more pressure, use a knife on the score line, sidecutters or what?

TIA,

Ed
Click to expand...

My bag of driver's say and i quote "Drivers snap apart with gentle bending" Just slowly bend back and forth and they will snap apart. Hope this helps
 
Don't be afraid, they'll snap apart!

Just one in your right and one in your left and bend. The components won't break and you won't break the PCB. I snap them apart by hand, no special technique or tool. It just helps prevent them from being damaged during shipping by keeping them flat.
 
If you plan on making a V4 driver, you should use HIMNL9's Crazy Current Source Driver as the circuit. Only 1.5 volt dropout, yet up to an amp off current :D
 
I'm not familiar with the circuit, not to mention, it would be unfair of me to just "steal" it.

But, I'm open to working with others on development of a new driver. I don't get enough free time to do it myself, but I would really like to produce an improved driver.
 
rkcstr it would be AWESOME if You developed a Boost Driver to augment Your Linear Driver. I'm sure the community would provide support in the design efforts.

My 0.02
 
I agree! Unfortunately, the availability of ICs suitable for use in a current source for a laser driver is rather limited at this time. There are a lot of ones out there for LEDs, but they tend to have a lot of ripple/noise or regulation isn't very good, etc, that makes them unsuitable for more sensitive LDs. I occasionally look around to see what's out there, but for the most part, I wouldn't be able to offer anything better than is currently available from other sellers on here. And, it doesn't make sense to offer basically the same thing as someone else in a small market unless I have some advantage over the others.
 
I feel You on the IC issue, because I've poked around with little success in finding a good chip. Another source for drivers would be a good thing in My opinion as Dr. Lava's drivers are at times hard to get, and He may one day decide to stop producing them. Competition would also lower the price.

My 0.02
 
It's an idiom. Never heard it before?

People say it after giving their opinion, which it is meant to mean that its just their "small contribution" to a conversation, suggesting it may not be worth much as a sign of humility.

My two cents (idiom) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Anyway, I realize that providing a more consistently available product and possibly a better price would make me more competitive, but I'd prefer to also have something novel to offer as well. However, I'm not sure I'd have time to work on a new design either. Plus, starting the end of June, I'll begin my residency as a physician and have really no free time. I may have to make some changes to my business and possibly move to using a distributor rather than doing it myself.
 
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Also, for anyone who wants some cheap drivers that just require a little solder work, I have some of my "imperfect" drivers to sell. I have a pile of them on my desk that I just want to get rid of:

Set 1:
15x older type 12V max input V3 drivers
Most just have some parts that are out of place, and need resoldered, few missing components (I'll include replacements).

Set 2: SOLD
10x newest type driver (15V max input). Again, most just need parts resoldered, a couple need the pot replaced (I'll include them).

Price? Cheap! Set 1 is $65 shipped, Set 2 is $45 shipped. Buy both for $100 shipped, that's $4 each! And, again, all you should need is your equipment and skill to solder the parts. You can do what you please with these, I just ask if you plan to resell, please disclose they are repaired.
 
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If set 2 is still available I will take it. Let me know and I will send the funds.
Thanks
 
:bumpit:

I received the "imperfect" drivers a while ago and barely got around to playing with some of them (3 so far). The first three that I pulled out were easy to fix :) The rest look just as easy too. I'm surprised the first set hasn't sold yet. A little over $4 per driver is a steal! Whoever decides to snag the first set won't be disappointed.

Thanks again, Ryan.
 
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