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G1 and G2 lenses are nearly identical its just G2 lenses tend to be a little easier to get and very slightly cheaper. G1 lenses are nearly unnoticeably better than G2s. Both G lenses are far superior output to 3-Element lenses but the beams they produce have less divergence so the beam spreads quicker making the dot larger at the same distance. G lenses are superior burners by a long shot unless you want to burn at long distance.
M140s tend to range from 4.5-5.5V depending on the current you give them. M140s burn very well because of their super high output. Your LM317 has a max current of 1.5A right? M140s typically run at 1.2-1.8A with 1.8A pushing the diode pretty hard. 1.4A would preserve the diode and give you a much better run life while still allowing outputs of maybe 1.2-1.5W depending on diode efficiency. If you had it run at that current behind a G lens you would have an amazing burner that can light cigarettes NP.
For thermal performance You would need to run the M140 in a copper module and I would suggest using a copper heatsink as well. Don't forget to heatsink your driver at that current because linears like to make some heat
M140s tend to range from 4.5-5.5V depending on the current you give them. M140s burn very well because of their super high output. Your LM317 has a max current of 1.5A right? M140s typically run at 1.2-1.8A with 1.8A pushing the diode pretty hard. 1.4A would preserve the diode and give you a much better run life while still allowing outputs of maybe 1.2-1.5W depending on diode efficiency. If you had it run at that current behind a G lens you would have an amazing burner that can light cigarettes NP.
For thermal performance You would need to run the M140 in a copper module and I would suggest using a copper heatsink as well. Don't forget to heatsink your driver at that current because linears like to make some heat
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