Project : Laser By Batteries

[Aidan]

200m = 05.3
20m = 0.53

Are the measurments accross the tracks

Taken with the 10ADC (Max 10A Unfused) socket on the DMM.

Thanks,

[Genesis]

when you are on the 10A slots you needs to be in 10A position and not in 200m or 20m

[Aidan]

The reading is 0.53 using the 10A selection.

The laser is also not pulsating at all, its constant.

Thanks,

[Genesis]

thats better 530mA is ok i think.
ok
the laser work @ 3.8v 530mA
you need to make a choice for the battery system.
what do you prefer? but don't forget 530mA is a large amount of current for little batteries.
the best choice is 6v 1.2A acid lead battery, NiMH or lithium battery.
the best way is to use 7.2v NiCd accu pack for radio car i think.
you have lot of power with this
after you need to find or build a voltage regulator but i can help you

[Aidan]

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...attery&doy=5m3

Would this kind of battery work?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?...=5m3&source=15

Or pick one

How much is a voltage regulator going to cost me?

Thanks,

[Genesis]

you don't want to use rechargeable battery? because the current used by the laser is high and even with a big not rechargeable battery i think you not have lot of autonomy.
for the cost this depend of the regulator
linear is simple and cost effective but have a bad efficiency.
the switching regulator is more expensive but have a good efficiency and can draw more power from the battery. but he is more complex to build.

[Aidan]

Want to build me one?

What costs am i looking at?

I may as well get a non rechargeable battery 1st off and time that amount of "lazing" i get out of it. I can try a few batteries \ combos then. Once i have found a decent one i will get a rechargeable one.

Thanks,

[Genesis]

the problem is about the battery voltage because to make the regulator i need to know the battery voltage and technology
but your laser have a power of 25mW some laser pointer have this range of power and is a little unit.
are you sure to want to use your laser?
for your laser a buck boost regulator is the better choice. but the input voltage need to be in the 2.5-4.5v range
i have built some prototype for the system i have built at work. that work well

[Aidan]

How do you mean, im not quite following you.

Its just a little side project, as i ripped it out of another unit.

Mounting it inside a small project box with a battery.

Ill do whatever gives me a good balance of performance \ value.

Ill just get whatever you recommend.

Im not quite up to building the circuits myself at the mo.

Did think about trying to get some more power out of it, but i think this is a bit hard to do.

Thanks,

[Genesis]

yes, don't try to increase the laser diode current to obtain more power because this is a dangerous mod.