Anyone recognize this driver?

[Bradfo69]

This is for a Laser Century (chinese) 250mw 671nm module that I purchased from (I think) Diachi perhaps 9 months ago. I had a problem with the connector where the umbilical attaches to the driver and some bad solder joints and got DZ to fix that at SELEM. After that, the laser no longer responds to a modulation signal. It's constantly "on" as soon as power is supplied. Not saying DZ had anything to do with it but, I'd either like to simply find a replacement driver or, see if someone can suggest some other way of making this laser work. Can something like one of Badpips' drivers or a Flexmod be used in it's place somehow?







Any and all help/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[laserist]

I'd look for a solder bridge at the repair site...

[badger1666]

Is it analog or ttl ?
Just wondering if theres a small switch or jumper somwhere that shifts it from plus to minus modulation
You could try reversing the + - modulation pins and try it , and if it goes off when modulation is applied
Then its an easy fix

[dave]

If its Laser Century, its probably a CNI

[Bradfo69]

It is analog - and worked prior to the fix of the serial style connector for the head to the driver. The original problem was you had to wiggle the connector a little in order to keep the laser on. So, DZ resoldered the connector. When I put it into the projector after that, the laser goes on when the power is turned on and stays on constantly. You can even disconnect the modulation plug altogether and it will stay on. I'm leaning towards an errand solder blob somewhere. I think there might have been a *touch* bit of alcohol involved during the repair. But, I don't want to necessarily "blame" DZ. I guess I'm going to have to take it back out and inspect it with a magnifying glass. DZ worked with the projector after we put the module back in and helped with the alignment but seemed puzzled with the reason as to why the red stayed on constantly. But again, he was taxed pretty thin during SELEM so, I'll take a closer look at it. I LOVE the tiny spot size with this laser and the unusual color of 671 so, I'd like to have it work properly.

[DZ]

Well it's certainly possible that a solder bridge formed in the rework. Brad if you aren't able to find anything causing this you are welcome to send it to me so I can take a closer look.

[Bradfo69]

Thanks David. I'm going to try and take a closer look at it over the next few days. Hurricane Sandy might actually afford me some quiet time to stay home from work and be able to mess with lasers a bit.