Is LM338 reliable for powering lasers

[akarion]

I'm quite new to working with lasers although I have experience with electronics in general. I wanted to set up a physics experiment involving a pretty powerful laser (NUBM44-V2) but I can't really buy a commercial laser driver like the Super X-Drive as many have suggested because I live in a country where the shipping fee is much more than the driver itself and I don't have the budget for that. With proper heat dissipation, would a current limiting circuit like the LM338 be able to power the laser at roughly 4.5A without damaging the laser? Would there be any issues like current spikes I have to be aware of?

If this isn't viable could someone suggest a budget-friendly alternative driver that would be able to run the NUBM44-V2?

 

[Z80 Lasers]

I'm quite new to working with lasers although I have experience with electronics in general. I wanted to set up a physics experiment involving a pretty powerful laser (NUBM44-V2) but I can't really buy a commercial laser driver like the Super X-Drive as many have suggested because I live in a country where the shipping fee is much more than the driver itself and I don't have the budget for that. With proper heat dissipation, would a current limiting circuit like the LM338 be able to power the laser at roughly 4.5A without damaging the laser? Would there be any issues like current spikes I have to be aware of?

If this isn't viable could someone suggest a budget-friendly alternative driver that would be able to run the NUBM44-V2?

I can ship to most countries for around $20 USD.

 

[Deleted member 46822]

I'm quite new to working with lasers although I have experience with electronics in general. I wanted to set up a physics experiment involving a pretty powerful laser (NUBM44-V2) but I can't really buy a commercial laser driver like the Super X-Drive as many have suggested because I live in a country where the shipping fee is much more than the driver itself and I don't have the budget for that. With proper heat dissipation, would a current limiting circuit like the LM338 be able to power the laser at roughly 4.5A without damaging the laser? Would there be any issues like current spikes I have to be aware of?

If this isn't viable could someone suggest a budget-friendly alternative driver that would be able to run the NUBM44-V2?

I would find a way to get a SXD as you don't want to blow the more expensive NUB44 diode.

I will chip in $5 to member and seller Z80 for shipping cost.
I have a feeling its for school but even if it isn't no biggie..

 

[akarion]

I can ship to most countries for around $20 USD.

This does sound cheaper than other shipping options, but is there any reason the drivers can't be mailed in an envelope to cut the costs down to under $5?

I will chip in $5 to member and seller Z80 for shipping cost.

Thank you for your kind offer, but the SXD itself might still be pushing the budget a bit so I will have to think about it. I did more research, and would a driver like the P4000 be able to power the NUBM44 reliably? I found a really cheap one on kaidomain.com . Is it still highly recommended to buy an SXD over other drivers?

 

[Z80 Lasers]

This does sound cheaper than other shipping options, but is there any reason the drivers can't be mailed in an envelope to cut the costs down to under $5?

It's unlikely it would ever reach you plus there would be no tracking to prove whether or not you received it. There used to be a loophole for very inexpensive shipping w/ tracking but they started closing that up a few years ago.

 

[nmbusa]

I'm quite new to working with lasers although I have experience with electronics in general. I wanted to set up a physics experiment involving a pretty powerful laser (NUBM44-V2) but I can't really buy a commercial laser driver like the Super X-Drive as many have suggested because I live in a country where the shipping fee is much more than the driver itself and I don't have the budget for that. With proper heat dissipation, would a current limiting circuit like the LM338 be able to power the laser at roughly 4.5A without damaging the laser? Would there be any issues like current spikes I have to be aware of?

If this isn't viable could someone suggest a budget-friendly alternative driver that would be able to run the NUBM44-V2?

hi ya mate

take a look at some builds i did a while ago
did a couple of builds with 3 different cheap drivers set at 4-5A changing sense resistors and a lm388

https://laserpointerforums.com/threads/question-about-this-driver.108453/#post-1603194

https://laserpointerforums.com/thre...re-nf-009-mohrenberg-heatsink-tutorial.59251/

https://laserpointerforums.com/threads/1st-nubm44-build-of-7.108156/#post-1599134

 

[Deleted member 46822]

This does sound cheaper than other shipping options, but is there any reason the drivers can't be mailed in an envelope to cut the costs down to under $5?


Thank you for your kind offer, but the SXD itself might still be pushing the budget a bit so I will have to think about it. I did more research, and would a driver like the P4000 be able to power the NUBM44 reliably? I found a really cheap one on kaidomain.com . Is it still highly recommended to buy an SXD over other drivers?

How about if I chip in $10 towards the SXD. Believe me i'm not a weirdo. I have been here for years.
I have seen to many diodes die and again would hate to see it happen to the NUB44.

 

[akarion]

How about if I chip in $10 towards the SXD. Believe me i'm not a weirdo. I have been here for years.
I have seen to many diodes die and again would hate to see it happen to the NUB44.

I might actually take you up on that offer, I'll just have to discuss with my partner first

 

[Z80 Lasers]

Please note that I don't carry the SXD drivers. I do have the Astral SuperDrive V drivers which are similar. I have other drivers as well.

 

[Deleted member 46822]

I might actually take you up on that offer, I'll just have to discuss with my partner first

Ok,
Usually I don't logoff here so I don't always see whats going on.
I'm mostly on from 3:00 AM to 11:00 AM Eastern time US. I hope it works out for you..