Hello from Detroit Michigan USA

Hello everyone. I've been readind threads and studying this new hobby of mine. I remember writing a report on Lasers in 9th or 10th grade about Lasers circa 1968 . Yup its been a long time and finally I can enjy putting together a torch size (155 mm) laser pointer. I'm experienced in building electronic kits and have an old WW 2 metal lathe with experience machining custom parts . My plans are to build several laser torches . I've harveted a laser diode out of a 24x dvd writer and now I'm looking for a schematic that will drive it . There was one that caught my attention , it uses a transistor with the number "17" as part of its name. I'd like to put a variable resistor (pot} in the circuit so I can adjust the voltage. A side clicky button and a key/lock switch where the rr clicky usually goes will finish up my new toy. How do you measure the current without burning up the diode . What would be a good improvised load ? and where in hte circuit do I measue amps ?

Howdy and WELCOME but hold your horses cowboy!


:tsk: dont even think about using a diode to set current......... build yourself a 'dummy load'-to do this- AND there are a dozen other ways to fail- so By your question i don't think you are really done reading (just yet-lol)
A less than full understanding about ESD and un-shorted CAPS are two of the most common mistakes.

Also it takes some practice to press a diode correctly- so get the more or less worthless IR from that sled and try pressing it.... search for instructions- things like sockets, bike brake adjusters, or tire valve stem caps(metal kind w/ the end used for removing valve stems) or you can buy a custom tool here from many vets..unless the diode is still useful un-pressing a can it less important-but they offer a tool for that as well.

Until you find the Pin-out for your diode you would be only guessing which pin is pos or neg. --

If your search does not get you the help you need =just change your search terms and keep trying- brb with one free link- just to get you started- take your time- for the basics bookmark Sam's Laser FAQ-to most here it is the laser bible and Sam is our guru.


lots of great members up your way and they have been wanting to hold an event near the Great Lakes area fore some time now----GLLEM- (LEM = Laser Enthuesists Meet) search SELEM and see the YTube vids and follow the links-

Drivers can be very cheap- while building your own is admirable you may want to just buy the correct one -- lots here find parts form AixiZ(.com) Lasers (houston) --(but they cannot 'walk ' you thru your project.)

Best place to buy anything here is from a trusted vet- then from a USA based seller
If that does not work for you then try elsewhere (like China) but do your homework and find those we trust--BEFORE you order.

friend req coming-

v/r hak

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice . My father taught me how to assemble parts with drivers . I think pressing a diode into a heatsink resembles interference fitting, the diode diameter would be the exactly the same as the hole in the heatsink or perhaps a few tenths of a thounsand inch larger . Hence the name interference fit . We also did frezze fitting which I think doesnt apply to diodes and heatsinks . Is there a typical interference fit between laser diode and heatsink or are the diameters exactly the same ? As fo a dummy loadI read somewhere that a regular LED was used to adjust the circuit before hooking up the LD ( laser diode). What do you think ?
Another hobby of mine , gunsmithing and building firearms has members getting together for build partys . A build party would be interesting for Laser pointers and such. The parties would involve group buys at discount.
I would only build a driver to save money I might just do one simple one wit a LM317 transitor .
The amount of reading material here is huge and i"ve been reading up on Laser builds . This website is great , I don't think I'll ever know it all but I am inspired none the less.
When I assemble enough parts I'll start a thread in the appropiate area.:yh:

Added message and welcome to threads..

I've started 2 threads . One in the Drivers and battery forum the other in the media forum discussing books and ebooks on Lasers

just replied to your friend req--thanks--

you lathe and past experience will be a big asset to you and the forum-

BUt TBH the future is in projectors and not so much in handhelds- their uses are very
limited in comparison and when you build or buy another lasers some around you may ask WHY?? dont you have one already?? I got that a lot- show somebody a PJ or LUMIA box etc. and your more likely to get : WOW !... thats cool!' there is good reason why so many move on to PJs instead of the opposite. Dealing with them(handhelds) soon becoming illegal and AND the very limited uses causes many to head towards the light (of PJs)-- and your build/lathe skills will be very useful too-
v/r
hak