Do I need to use a driver?

[BeavRat]

I have a aixiz and a 22x LG dvd diode. Do I need to use a driver, or can I just hook it up to 2 AAs? If I need a driver, how do I get one?

Thanks

 

[jonrobertd]

DRIVER PLEASE

This is one you can make: http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1185701612/0
Many to buy.

 

[BeavRat]

What are some of the drivers I can buy?

 

[Jimmymcjimthejim]

What are some of the drivers I can buy?

Well, depends on how many volts (what types and how many batteries) you want to run the laser on.

 

[BeavRat]

lets say 2 rechargeable AAs

 

[Spyderz20x6]

lets say 2 rechargeable AAs

Then go with the Drlava Flexdrive. It is in the Buy/Sell/Trade section, right at the top.

 

[BeavRat]

How long would it last on 2 AA without a driver? Just wondering (won't do it)

 

[Things]

It depends. A few people have got away with running them direct from batteries, and the others have all had the diode die instantly. Batteries have a fairly high internal resistance, which is the only thing protecting a diode from the full current. It could last 10 nanoseconds, 10 seconds, 10 days, 10 weeks, 10 months, 10 years, or anything. Best chances are to use a driver, then those chances of 10 weeks and below are minimized. I would also recommend the flexdrive, or the rkcstr driver.

 

[Spyderz20x6]

How long would it last on 2 AA without a driver? Just wondering (won't do it)

A couple seconds... ;D

 

[spaceman_hux]

i'm sure many other threads have answered this question before \
you just need to read
yes you certainly need a driver if you want a reliable laser

 

[hydrogenman15]

If you don't use a driver your laser could:
Die instantly.
be very unstable.
not be running at the max power it can.
have a VERY short duty cycle lifetime.
take way to much or to little current depending on the batteries your using.
make you cry :'(
cost you 20 dollars.
or maybe work just fine...Not really...it won't work very well at all.

Thats just my 0.02 dollars.

--hydro15

 

[thebucketmouse]

my first laser was just a dvd burner diode and 2x AA's inside a dorcy flashlight. that was almost a year ago, and i still use it often and it burns like crazy still. havnt even changed the batteries i dont think maybe i just got lucky, but my burner diode is absolutely fine with no driver

 

[spaceman_hux]

Then thebucketmouse you are a very lucky man ;D

 

[laserman55]

o no u might have just jinxed yourself

 

[thebucketmouse]

haha nah. i mean, has anyone else even tried running a dvd burner diode with AAs?? ive done it with two different diodes from entirely different DVD burners, they both seem to do fine. i think the whole "kill the diode instantly" thing is just a ploy to sell more drivers.

 

[drlava]

haha nah. i mean, has anyone else even tried running a dvd burner diode with AAs?? ive done it with two different diodes from entirely different DVD burners, they both seem to do fine. i think the whole "kill the diode instantly" thing is just a ploy to sell more drivers.

haha, not a ploy, one of the reasons yours has lasted so long is probably that you haven't changed the batteries very often, so it's not putting out peak power. With a driver you can precisely dial in the power you want and it will keep that power through the life of the batteries (with the Flex) or will start to dim only once the battery voltage droops enough (with most other drivers). With no driver, you only get peak power when the batteries are fresh, all other times it's a crap shoot. Also the battery voltage will sag in the first few seconds, so even with fresh batts, with no driver you only get peak power for the first few seconds.