Recent content by Marksolberg

I don't know how to calculate the appropriate value for a resistor in series with the control line and gate. Any direction or help there? Also, why a zener diode and not just a regular diode? The interweb tells me that the difference is that a zener diode can conduct current in a reverse...

I was considering adding a resistor between the control and the gate only because I've seen that done in a number of similar circuits. Can you explain what the resistor would do there? Mark

Yes, I actually disconnected the wire from the control to the gate and the diode remains on. I also tried grounding the gate see if that would turn it off and it does not. Seemingly by that time the mosfet is "stuck" closed. Mark

Yes, it's a constant current 450ma driver. No the fet was not heatsinked. The 5v control and the 5v power may not have a common ground. They are both separately powered by the same electical outlet.

So I have an S06J 405nm diode and driver from DTR. Works great. I'm trying to hook it up to my CNC machine for engraving. Here's the circuit I'm using. I have both this switch circuit and the diode running off of a 5v wall wart power supply with plenty of power. When I test this on the bench...

Forgive my ignorance but once the z axis reaches its desired depth won't the laser turn off?

I would have thought this would have been an easy question to answer via google but I didn't find a clear answer. Does a mosfet act like a momentary switch or does it "latch" until another pulse/signal is received?

I figured it was overkill but it's something I can understand. If you could point me in the right direction in accomplishing this with other electronics I would love to go that route. I'll do some research on mosfets. Mark

I purchased this unit: 12X S06J Bluray Diode In Copper Module W/Microboost & 405-G-2 Glass Lens from DTR's site. I believe it's set at 500ma but I think the G2 lens makes a big difference. I'm sure I have an extra axis output on my cnc driver but I was considering using an arduino with a...

Per your advice I purchased a 405nm laser. I got the module, driver and G2 lens from DTR. He has been extremely helpful. So far it's just mounted in an aluminum bar and clamped to my router. I can only manually adjust the focus and have no ability to turn it on and off outside of...

Thank you for all the advice. I am much more comfortable with making a decision now. Mark

I'd lean more towards the finer lines than speed. So I should be looking at about 500mw+ on a 405nm diode for engraving?

I have no experience with lasers but would like to add a laser to my large format cnc for engraving/marking wood. This would definitely be hobbyist level, I have no illusions on using it for production work. I would like to be able to engrave on lighter colored wood like maple. I would need a...