Hello from Alabama

What happened:
I was building a power supply in my garage and I dropped an old non-working DVD burner on the floor in the garage. I decided to take it apart to see what parts I could use later. Nothing too useful except a motor or two. Then the laser made me curious. Did a Youtube search and saw all the vids on burning matches, tape, balloons, etc.

Pushed the power supply aside, grabbed a spare LM317, a few parts, and a breadboard and built a current source. Did some reading.

Ripped the burner apart more and got the diodes out. Tested the current source with a few LEDs then the diodes. One was fairly bright. My son came in, asked what I was doing, and then responded with "Cool". Just what I was thinking. Wait a minute... Lasers can blind you. Did some more reading. Looks like the burner is a 12x so no balloon popping, match lighting, or tape burning...yet.

I have no way to focus the laser anyway so I'll find a module to mount it in and get some safety glasses and play around with it. Did some more reading and found this place. Been reading a lot more lately. Looks like I may have found a new hobby (like I need another one).

Gotta find a module and a "real" diode so I can burn some tape...

Great forum

Sorry so long.

Hey Sasquach and welcome to the forum

as you may already know there is a wealth of information here so read lots and use the search bar first before asking questions, you'll most likely answer them yourself,

have fun and stay safe

cheers will :beer:

Welcome Sasquatch :beer:

Just passing through...



~ LB

to the Forum Sasquach....

Don't forget to read the FAQs...the Stickies
and the Forum Rules..
http://laserpointerforums.com/tou.htm

If you plan on buying anything on the Forum....
PLEASE read this first...

6 Steps To Prevent You From Getting Scammed

and PLEASE don't forget to read to this....

39 Reasons NOT to Buy From Wicked Lasers

If you do get a Laser or already have one be sure
to get appropriate Laser Safety Goggles/Glasses...

Get Some Safety Goggles Now!



Enjoy your stay...


Jerry

Welcome Sasquatch have fun, enjoy but stay safe googles always cheers from down under

welcome to the fourm i joined a couple of days ago too i hope you enjoy i know i do

Welcome to LPF, Sasquatch! You can spend days just digging around in the wealth of info in the forum archives. The search tool is your friend

Have fun with your new hobby! ...and be safe!

Looking forward to hearing about your future builds and lasers...

cheers,
Clayton

KapHn8d said:

Welcome to LPF, Sasquatch! You can spend days just digging around in the wealth of info in the forum archives. The search tool is your friend

Have fun with your new hobby! ...and be safe!

Looking forward to hearing about your future builds and lasers...

cheers,
Clayton

Click to expand...

yeah always protect you eye balls when using any laser over 5mW and be safe never look directly into the laser and be incontrol when ever pointing it at a reflective surface. :beer:

Howdy Sasquatch and Welcome to the Forum :wave:

Have fun and be Safe

Welcome to the forums! Best of luck starting this new hobby. It gets pretty addictive.