Newbie needs help!

[Tesla]

Hi I’m new to the form and sort of a newbie with lasers, I’m trying to build a red 300mw 650nm with an Rkcstr driver and diode from high teck dealz.com.:drool: I was not sure what to power it with, but after searching through some of the excellent posts here, I decided on an 8v 400ma wall transformer to drive my laser at 380ma. When I hooked everything up however the diode barley lit up, (did I use the wrong voltage?) there was only a tiny red speak glowing inside the diode. No matter what I did it never got any brighter:thinking:. The only possibility I can think of is that it’s an inferred diode (Either way I was careful not to look directly at the diode, and never collimated it!) does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about what might be wrong? When I ordered the diode I bought it in a sled, and harvested the diode myself is it possible I damaged it? Sorry if this is a little confusing it’s my first time posting on a form. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated:thanks:

 

[bobhaha]

1) Did you test the drivers output on a dummy load?
2) Are all your solder joints clean and strong?
3) Are there any solder bridges you may have missed?

 

[Kookapeli]

Did you test your driver with a testload ?? how did you set your diver at 380mA ?

Could you post some pics how you hooked it all up ?

 

[weeba2kv]

I think he blew the diode UP instant ( wall transformer to drive my laser ) with a peak of 1 amp or 2 watever..... it's dead

 

[Coherent Light]

The max output of the driver is ~410ma so even at full tilt the LOC should be able to handle it. If the pot is turned way down it won't reach threshold. The wall charger may not be putting out enough current even if it says 400ma, as They are notorious for current draw problems. I would try two CR123's or a variable PS. Post some pictures of your driver!

 

[Tesla]

Thanks for all the ideas guys. I went to take some pictures of my set up and show the faint glowing diode, when I got everything hooked up and turned it in nothing happened. After double checking my connections, I'm fairly certain its dead o well I'm going to do what Coherent Light suggested and buy 2 cr123s, and then get another diode. Anyway thanks for the help it’s really appreciated!