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Blu Ray DIY - Very Bright then Instantly Dims

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lordharikoto

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Hi guys,

So, I'm a bit of a noob to the DIY laser scene, but I just finished my first build -- followed this tutorial:

I-Hacked.com Taking Advantage Of Technology - Building a High-Power Blu-Ray Laser

The laser powers up for just a split second -- it's very bright, but then instantly dims. The light stays on, but its so dim that you need to get very close up to something and shine it to even see it.

Any ideas why this could be happening? I also hear a high-pitched whine from inside the flashlight housing when I turn it on.

Sorry if this is a terribly noob question :bowdown:
 





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lordharikoto

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Thanks for the reply Dave. The battery is brand new, just bought it. Is this indicative of a busted diode? I would figure not, since it lights up bright enough to leave a glowing spot on a glow-in-the-dark star.
 
photonaholic

photonaholic

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High pitch squealing indicates one of two things, a faulty driver, or an over driven driver.

At first I was going to assume that your battery setup is not strong enough, but when I read that it makes noises, I figured it must be the driver. (or a faulty battery , thanks Dave)

Here is some links, read through the materials, and I'd also recommend searching this forum for keyword lavadrive.

Laser Resources (for n00bs and veterans alike!)

http://laserpointerforums.com/f36/looking-build-laser-read-me-47684.html

Sam's Laser FAQ (The Laser Bible)

Sam's Laser FAQ - Preface, Introduction, What is a Laser?, Safety

RP Photonics Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology

Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology - an Open Access Resource of In-Depth Information, Free Articles, Nonlinear and Fiber Optics

I have included a handy guide to assist you in finding what you need. ;)

search.gif
 
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lordharikoto

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Ah, I figured it out. Inside the dorcy flashlight housing, there's a little black plastic cap. Popping that off reveals a little driver board. After removing the driver board, the battery has a direct contact with the real driver board and the diode, and it works perfectly.
 
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steve001

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One caveat regarding the first link i-hack.com. It says you'll need a heat sink from Darkhorse Lasers. I've read here they are not a reliable company to buy from.

So where to buy from a reliable company ?
 
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Asherz

Asherz

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steve001 said:
One caveat regarding the first link i-hack.com. It says you'll need a heat sink from Darkhorse Lasers. I've read here they are not a reliable company to buy from.

So where to buy from a reliable company ?
Click to expand...

Where have you read that? Dark_horse was a great guy, and produced fantastic heatsinks. I have an anodized purple heatsink right now.

Unfortunately recently DH had issues with his company, and has had too close so as far as I know he no longer sells his heatsinks for the time being.

I know for the new style dorcys, (slightly different head) Ehgumus makes heatsinks for them. (I can't spell his name properly, just search.)
 
photonaholic

photonaholic

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lordharikoto said:
Ah, I figured it out. Inside the dorcy flashlight housing, there's a little black plastic cap. Popping that off reveals a little driver board. After removing the driver board, the battery has a direct contact with the real driver board and the diode, and it works perfectly.
Click to expand...


2 drivers in a series? that would easily explain the noise.

Glad you figured it out, I'm sure that would have left a lot of people stumped unless it had happened to them once.
 
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steve001

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Asherz said:
Where have you read that? Dark_horse was a great guy, and produced fantastic heatsinks. I have an anodized purple heatsink right now.

Unfortunately recently DH had issues with his company, and has had too close so as far as I know he no longer sells his heatsinks for the time being.

I know for the new style dorcys, (slightly different head) Ehgumus makes heatsinks for them. (I can't spell his name properly, just search.)
Click to expand...

I believe I am in error. I think it is Dark Lasers not Dark Horse. If I'm still wrong my apologies.
 
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lordharikoto

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photonaholic said:
2 drivers in a series? that would easily explain the noise.

Glad you figured it out, I'm sure that would have left a lot of people stumped unless it had happened to them once.
Click to expand...

Well, I'm not electrically retarded :na:, but to be honest I didn't even see that driver in there! It wasn't really visible until I popped the little black cap out of the dorcy housing. I suppose I should've known just by looking inside.

And on another note, the Darkhorse heatsink I'm using seems great! Too bad he had to close up shop if thats true.
 
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