As the subject says, can I apply input voltage to a driver and test for voltage out with no emitter connected? Does the circuit need a "load"? Will I burn up the driver without a load?
Thanks
-Garry
It it is a buck or boost switching type driver, then you can fry it without a load on it. Anyway, with no load even a linear driver will go to full battery voltage. Switching type drivers can put out enough voltage to kill the driver.
How would you test a driver without a load?
This is a 3-15v (I think 15v) single mode driver from KD. So I should connect a load? Only spare "junk" LEDs I have are XR-E's. Heatsinking is not an issue as I can mount it to a CPU heatsink.
-Garry
My buck driver survive many times I power it up without LED. So I guess it depends on design. I have no idea is it correct way to handle driver though.
Well I was going to check for voltage on the output. Just wanted to make sure the driver was working prior to me soldering it into the pill and also didn't want to burn up a good emitter.
-Garry
I wouldn’t…
The driver doesn't output a fixed voltage anyway, so that would tell you nothing.
Some drivers are fine with being powered with no load, others will pop, and you won't know which is which until you try it and it's too late. The only safe way to handle it is follow the rule 'never power up the driver without a load attached to the outputs.'
Thanks guys! I'll find something to connect up.
-Garry
buck driver?
linear driver?
boost driver?
help! my heads just burst into flame!
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.[Quote=Dimbo Snuck In His Own Question And]Does it matter what driver I’m talking about?
[/quote]
Yes.
Go to the local junkyard & pull an old car’s Ballast Resistor. You can find them in MOPEDs too. It’s low R but High W, so you can expect it not to blow up nor overly burden your circuit. Or use a household incan…
Ohhhhhhhhh….