New to the forum also.

[N3JQD]

New to the forum,but, not new to electronics and all things 'tech'. Any good sources for my first 445 or 405nm laser project? Anyone have a trusted source of diodes and driver boards to recommed? So much on Ebay, but, whom to trust?? I try to avoid Ebay. I've worked with gas lasers decades ago but I'm interested in low voltage projects these days. Also, what heat sinks do you recommend? Gotta keep the diode cool, I know. I could build my own out of Alum. As I have a lathe and mill at my disposal. Let me know what your thoughts are. I thank you for your assistance. Bob (N3JQD) Also a radio amateur busy on all the bands.

(JBTexas, I love the Tarkus icon. )

 

[piferal]

Everything, or almost everything you need you can find it here in the forum, look at the sections, "Buy, Sell, & Trade" and "Laser Pro Shop"

Welcome to the forum Bob, and enjoy :wave:

 

[lasersbee]

to the Forum....
Don't forget to read the FAQs...the Stickies
and the Forum Rules..

If your are planning to buy anything on the
Forum.... PLEASE read this first...

6 Steps To Prevent You From Getting Scammed

Enjoy your stay...


Jerry

 

[hakzaw1]

WELCOME Bob.

Whats your 10-20?

Knowing where you live helps a lot when asking questions.

Most of those in your OP can be found by using the search. Some 'kits' aree cave-man easy and from there doing more yourself is no problem.

Lots of Radio Ops here- seems like , somehow, the two are related. I am envious of your access to a lathe and mill.--enjoy the forums-'good buddy'.. hak

 

[N3JQD]

Thanks for the info. This forum is about as enthusiastic as it can get. Glad to hear it. It's a lot like the ham radio forums in that regard. I'm just looking to get my first diode working. My last one got fried when I appled power backwards. I guess the reverse voltage rating isn't Vcc. It was my fault for rushing thru without really thorougly checking the datasheet first.

I'm also new to working a lathe, but, I'm going to machine my own heatsinks.

My "QTH" is southeast PA. No '10-20' in hamspeak.:thanks:

 

[hakzaw1]

Well Bob- sorry I am so CB and not much Ham--lol

You have chosen a great time to join us. Not that far from you there will be (Aug 18-21) one of the biggest Laser Meets held anywhere-you would be well advised to attend SELEM V in Newton NC.

The 'author' of our 'laser bible' Dr. Sam Goldwasser will most likely attend and there will be dozens of full color projectors displaying many hrs of very cool laser shows in a private setting.

Sam'sLaser FAQ is the very best source of laser info. do a search.

To learn more lurk at Photonlexicon and look for SELEM threads(in 'meets n greets' board)- lots of vids can be found on youtube- search SELEM.

Sam, btw, lives just outside Philly. maybe you could help us out in the event one of his rides falls thru. ( he doesnot drive much)

len in Tx.