So I'm just getting into lasers and I happen to find 405nm extremely fascinating. Ever since watching that kipkay video floating around on the net, I wanted to build a laser sight using the diode for a bunch of different stuff (paintball, NERF, target shooting, etc.). However, since coming here I know that better, brighter diodes exist; a current-limiting circuit is an absolute must; and that I may need filters for less dangerous output (in the event of an accident) as well as a collimating lens for an ideal dot (I understand that the KES-400A has a tendency to spread, though I don't know anything about the other diodes).
What I'd like to be able to do is make a violet laser sight that will be accurate when aiming for a target anywhere from close range to fifty feet (I know I'll have to recalibrate the sight to change the ideal range) that will be as safe as possible in high-traffic areas yet bright enough to be easily visible in most environments and short ranges. Can you guys suggest any particular parts as far as diodes, housing, or other electronics/related parts (switches, wire, CB, current-sensing resistors for the limiter circuit I'll be building; I can't link you to the schematic yet since I'm new, but it's the first Google result for "current limiter circuit)? And if there's anything else I should consider before ordering or building anything, please let me know. Thanks!
What I'd like to be able to do is make a violet laser sight that will be accurate when aiming for a target anywhere from close range to fifty feet (I know I'll have to recalibrate the sight to change the ideal range) that will be as safe as possible in high-traffic areas yet bright enough to be easily visible in most environments and short ranges. Can you guys suggest any particular parts as far as diodes, housing, or other electronics/related parts (switches, wire, CB, current-sensing resistors for the limiter circuit I'll be building; I can't link you to the schematic yet since I'm new, but it's the first Google result for "current limiter circuit)? And if there's anything else I should consider before ordering or building anything, please let me know. Thanks!