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Thread: What kind of current levels ...

  1. #1
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    Default What kind of current levels ...

    Should a ~100mw green CNI laser draw? It seems to get warm, and I just want to try find out what a good current level for this laser is. I think its drawing just over and amp on the diode.

    Any ideas?

  2. #2
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    I would think that is close to what it needs depending on the diode itself. I have several 1.2 watters here and they like around 1450maH of drive current for max power. They have fac lenses so that gets about 1.1 watts collimated. The TEC circuit does generate a fair amount of heat if the diode is getting weaker...in other words it needs more current to drive an aging diode thus creating more heat to shed from the area. If it has a monitor photodiode like my 250 does.
    You are the only one that can make your dreams come true....and the only one that can stop them...A.M. Dietrich

  3. #3
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    Just measured, and diode current seems to be aout 2.01A, is this OK?

    It doesnt seem to be able to cut electrical tape unaided, even with a beam diameter of like 1mm, yet it is quite bright ?
    Last edited by Things; 10-18-2008 at 05:06.

  4. #4
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    Thats not good !

    My "60mW" DX laser can cut tape easily and it's got a wider beam than that ...

  5. #5
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    My 50mw laser with no TEC uses about 600mA I think.

  6. #6
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    Might want to PM or e-mail Dave or Aijii at LaserShow Parts and see if they have any advice - they sell a lot of CNI's!!
    RR

    Metrologic HeNe 3.3mw Modulated laser, 2 Radio Shack motors, and a broken mirror.
    1979.
    Sweet.....

  7. #7
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    My 60mW green from DX uses 480mA .

    Does your CNI have TEC ?

  8. #8
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    Yeah it does, but the TEC current doesnt really have anything to do with the diode current. This is the module I have:


  9. #9
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    Ohh right, I though you were talking about the total current draw.

    If the diode is still drawing that much current then maybe it's the crystals ?

    -Adam

  10. #10
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    OK this is weird. the CNI appears VERY bright, and has a visiblr beam with no fog at all. But as A test, I basically put a peice of electrical tape right over the aperature. 1 minute later, nothing ....

    I am completely lost. the beam diam on the tape is like 1mm big, yet it barely gets warm!!!

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