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rckstr microdriver vs lava flexdrive micro

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Feb 9, 2008
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Can anyone help me with understanding the difference between these two drivers? I'm not sure which one I want, and I don't want to miss any key features of the other driver if I pick the wrong one.
 





Re: rckstr microdriver vs lava micro

i have both one works at 3v to 5.5 v the other 7.5-9 volts so it depends on your input voltage i guess . the lava has a 1 second delay before it lases also oh and the rckstr will get to you lickedy split ryan kicks a$$ on shipping  ;) :D :) ;D :D ;) :) :D ;D
 
The flexdrive is square and must be cut down to use in a pen-style
The Rkcstr is rectangular and will fit inside an AixiZ module

The flexdrive generates very little heat
The Rkcstr can get pretty warm at high currents (above 350mA)

The flexdrive is a "boost/buck" driver
The Rkcstr is a linear driver

The flexdrive cuts off when the voltage gets below 2.4V
The Rkcstr slowly drops down in output as the batteries drain

Peace,
dave
 
FlexDrive:
Input voltage 2.5v - 5.5v provides constant regulation untill batteries voltage drops bellow 2.3V under load, produced nearly no heat from the driver.

Power source:
2x 1.5v AA or AAA batteries any kind
1x 3.0v CR123A Primary or 3.7v RCR123A rechargeable
1x 3.7v 18650 or 17650

Rckstr MicroDriver:
Input voltage +2 volts higher than output voltage under load, fits inside the module.
 
So ideally, I would like to power my 803T diode with 2x AA batteries. This would be possible with the lava, but not rckstr, correct?

also @ daguin, what did you mean by boost/buck vs linear?
 
Damn, seems I'm too late to help!  :P  Not like I could have done better then Dave anyway!  The 803T needs 6V, the rkcstr takes ~9V and uses 3V for regulation.  The flex driver amplifies the voltage and current for the regulation and to feed the LD the power and current it needs, that's also why it has 1 sec delay, because the capacitors need to be charged in order to deliver the power and current.  Think of it like building up pressure in a hose, if you squeeze the nozzle then release it it shoots way further although the pressure coming from the wall is still the same.  

Another thing, I prefer the rkcstr drivers because:
1.  I don't mind the larger builds
2.  Battery power!  Last ALLOT longer on a single charge since the driver isn't draining the battery to boost the current/voltage because the batteries are already at the desired current/voltage.  
3.  IMHO, I feel the rckstr driver is more reliable, BUT THAT'S JUST MY OPINION! for what it's worth.
 
yea I hope Ryans reading this so we can get that extra discount j/k his stuff is great i think i have used about 20 of his drivers on builds the only time they failed was because of me :-? and boy they are looking nice here lately almost a shame to hide them in the builds ;D ;D
 
Ace82 said:
Another thing, I prefer the rkcstr drivers because:
1.  I don't mind the larger builds
2.  Battery power!  Last ALLOT longer on a single charge since the driver isn't draining the battery to boost the current/voltage because the batteries are already at the desired current/voltage.  
3.  IMHO, I feel the rckstr driver is more reliable, BUT THAT'S JUST MY OPINION! for what it's worth.

Just had to point out that
2) is incorrect.. given the same battery capacity the FlexDrive will give a much longer runtime
3) is debatable, the FlexMod is more fragile if you don't know what you're doing :)

other than that, good comparison, guys
 
so can i run one of these in a host with 3x AAA's ? i cant seem to get a driver from drlava, its pissing me off immensely ;/ been waiting close to a month and his reply is always 'wait 2 weeks'
 
which bring up a question i've wondered....since the flex drive has to power up a capaciter to run, how long can you run before you look your desired output? or can it keep going at the same output voltage untill your batteries go dead?
 


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