What did I do wrong?

[sablehilt]

So i'm going to try the socket technique for starters on this next diode if i cant get the current one working. I think my problem is that i was using pliers at first to try and press it in myself which might have broken the connection.

 

[Blord]

You could test the diode by direct drive it with one 3.7V battery. Connect it for a fraction of a second and see if the diode lits at all.

The heat shrink tube are sold on Ebay, http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=heat+shrink+tubing
You can also buy it from Flaminpyro as suggested.

 

[sablehilt]

How do I do that? I've never done a direct power source to a diode

 

[ApexProxy]

If you would like, you could package up the diode in the heatsink and prepay shipping both ways and I could drop it on my PSU to see if its the diode or not. You could even send the driver and I can see if it is the issue or not also. It wouldn't take me more than a few minutes to test so I wouldn't mind. Its up to you.

 

[Blord]

How do I do that? I've never done a direct power source to a diode

Cut the wires. Connect the black wire to the RCR123a negative pole and touch the red wire to the RCR123a plus for a brief moment.

Before you do this check the batteries first. Maybe you have just a dead battery.

 

[sablehilt]

I would have to des older wht I have and solder on longer leads to the pins for this to happen.

 

[Blord]

Do what you have to do. The build isn't working so you have to trouble shoot now.

 

[sablehilt]

Yes I know the batteries weren't dead as I had just fully charged them. And you are right. I will keep you guys update tomorrow when I attempt to fix it.

 

[Blord]

Fully charged batteries are not enough. You have to measure the voltage between the poles. Full charged it should be 4.1-4.2V.

 

[ApexProxy]

The goal is to eliminate as many potential issues as possible to you don't waste time trying to work on things that may not be broken.

 

[djgringoboy2003]

As Blord said, you have nothing to lose.

 

[DrSid]

It's always the battery .. well in 99% of the times ..

 

[sablehilt]

The batteries I use only go up to about 3.3-3.4v when fully charged. Should I try using a single 3.7v 18650 li-ion?

 

[ApexProxy]

What batteries are those? I don't know that 3.4v would do that but if they don't output enough current to drive the laser maybe that could be the issue. A single 18650 does power my Blue Ice but not at full power.

I would suggest you use two 3.7v 16340s. Here are some low cost batteries I like to use and they power my Blue Ice very well:
Ultrafire 16340 3.6V Batteries (4-pack) - Worldwide Free Shipping - DX

I still think the issue is quite likely your diode. Have you check the continuity of your lead wires that run to your diode?