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- Sep 29, 2013
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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 ?