THIS ITEM WILL NO LONGER BE OFFERED AFTER STOCK IS SOLD OUT.
NOW WITH A NEW PCB! Professionally manufactured and solder mask and silkscreening! All surface-mount component design.
This is a simple circuit designed to allow you to have something to hook up to a laser driver in order to test and set current. It is NOT REQUIRED to set the current, but merely makes the process simpler. It allows you to select one of two voltage ranges:
- "RED", which will be about 2.5 to 3.0V, depending on driving current.
- "BLU", meant to be similar to the blu-ray (405nm) diodes, about 4.5 to 5.0V, depending on driving current.
There is also an onboard resistor of 1.0ohm to allow you to measure the output current, which is equivalent to the voltage across the resistor, where 1mV is roughly equivalent to 1mA of current.
Also, there is built-in "automatic output capacitor discharge", which is optionally defeatable. Upon turning off the driver, it will automatically dissipate any remaining charge in any capacitor coupled to the output (across the positive/negative pins of the laser diode), which will prevent any accidental damage due to voltage spike to the laser diode upon connection. It does, however, draw a small amount of current (1-3mA), which will affect measurement across the onboard resistor, and so can be defeated if you choose.
All options are selected by simply bridging (putting a small blob of solder across) two pads.
This is HIGHLY recommended for ANYONE buying a driver has a method to test current output, whether this item or another method. It's always a good idea to test your drivers out (or just for setting the current on adjutable ones) before connecting to a laser diode! This item is supplied in KIT form meaning "assembly required". You MUST have the tools and skills necessary to assemble surface mount components! Detailed assembly instructions (electronic form) are available below:
Usage instructions (401kb PDF) - pictures not up to date, but information still useful.
Assembly instructions (872kb PDF) - pictures now updated
NOTE: These
electronics are designed and intended for personal use only. They are
not for use for any application which can cause harm to others or for
any illegal purposes. These are also not to be used in any commercial,
medical or other critical application.
If ordered in quantities of greater than 5, items come in bulk form. Bulk form means that components come in strips (on a "tape") and not individually packaged into kits. Extra pink anti-static baggies are available for extra purchase for $0.05 each under Parts and Misc.
This product was added to our catalog on Monday 22 September, 2008.
