A little help please?

I have been through the forums a few times. And I do not know where to properly post this, so here goes. If you would like this in another section, just tell me where it should be. Yes, I finally signed up, after being a lurker for some time.
I have tried to build a few burning lasers, but all I have succeeded in doing is making smoke and my money burn,,lol.
I have bought several diodes off ebay, and tore apart several DVD burners myself, with the same result, blisters on my fingers, red light not a beam, and nothing burnt but money.
My question is, can someone with some experience please lead me to a person selling a easy to make complete kit that I will not have to use my son as collateral for the purchase? What I mean is, the best I can get for, oh say, $100?
I live in ohio, yes hillbillys want lasers too, I have some knowledge of electronics. I have attempted several times with no results, and I believe its time to just rely on someone elses work.

I'm selling this. It comes with the safety goggles and will do whatever you're interested in including lighting matches and popping balloons. She was my first laser and a really good introduction.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/fs-100mw-532nm-ebayser-w-lasershades-wicked-lasers-95-a-44889.html

Get a module from Mohrenberg

http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-complete-modules-44555.html

and one of these hosts (with the "hot option") from Jayrob

http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-mxdl-host-heatsink-combo-4171-3405-a-22512.html

And some batteries.

Follow Jayrob's simple instructions.

You will have a burning laser on your hands that you assembled yourself.

Peace,
dave

Thank you for your responces, as far as the laser for sale goes, I think I already bought 3 of those, not from you, and as of yet have not been able to get any results. The three being from ebay, all 3 from different sellers, 2 red and one green. All 3 stated the were "modded" to output more than the original power. The green stated 100mw= 89$ wasted, one red stated 200mw= 105$ wasted, the other stated 150mw= 60$ wasted. I guess I should of taken heed to the warning I saw on here.

So no more Ebay lasers for me, I just want to find the best laser for the money, since I have already spent so much for so little

ok so if i bought:

<250mW Red from the LPC-815 sled. This diode is set at 400mA
from:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-complete-modules-44555.html
(does this module not already have the driver on it?)
30$ + 5$ shipping

and a 4171 hot kit from:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-mxdl-host-heatsink-combo-4171-3405-a-22512.html
38$ for the host, 48$ for the flex drive + 15$

Im looking at 108$ plus the 20$ shipping, plus finding the batteries, sounds reasonable.
Is this all i am going to need?

My next question is: Is there a builder I can fall back to when I run into trouble?

Thank you for putting up with me.

Yes if your buying the complete module from Mohrenberg you will not need to buy jayrobs hot option. Just order the version 1 heat-sink. Tell jayrob it is for a rkcstr driver. or just tell him you are going to use it for one of mohrenberg complete modules .

You may want to talk to Mohrenberg if you need help to complete it. Actually everyone here is very helpful, just ask around.

rpaloalto said:

Yes if your buying the complete module from Mohrenberg you will not need to buy jayrobs hot option. Just order the version 1 heat-sink. Tell jayrob it is for a rkcstr driver. or just tell him you are going to use it for one of mohrenberg complete modules .

You may want to talk to Mohrenberg if you need help to complete it. Actually everyone here is very helpful, just ask around.

Click to expand...

LOL! OK Brain fart!

You will NOT need a "full module" AND the hot option. Sorry

If you go with a "hot option" from Jayrob, all you will need is the diode pressed into a module from someone like modwerx.com

If you get the "full module" from Mo, then all you will need is the host kit form Jay

Peace,
dave

I can sell you a 260mW red laser than runs on 2 CR2 batteries if you don't want to build. I'm trying to get $90 + shipping, so its a similar amount to if you built it. Just let me know

It is satisfying to build them yourselves though.

daguin said:

Get a module from Mohrenberg

http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-complete-modules-44555.html

and one of these hosts (with the "hot option") from Jayrob

http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-mxdl-host-heatsink-combo-4171-3405-a-22512.html

And some batteries.

Follow Jayrob's simple instructions.

You will have a burning laser on your hands that you assembled yourself.

Peace,
dave

Click to expand...

oOo goodie! I get to correct Dave for once! Mwhahaha! The modules from Mohrenberg already have drivers inside of them, so no need for jayrob's "hot option". Man that was a first (and most likely a last lol). :evil:

mfo said:

oOo goodie! I get to correct Dave for once! Mwhahaha! The modules from Mohrenberg already have drivers inside of them, so no need for jayrob's "hot option". Man that was a first (and most likely a last lol). :evil:

Click to expand...

You are correct MFO, but you're going to have to be faster than that

Peace,
dave

daguin said:

You are correct MFO, but you're going to have to be faster than that

Peace,
dave

Click to expand...

I still quoted you in time, so that counts as a win in my book :na:

Yea, I was scared to type my answer. daguin is like the god father around here.
I even had to go double check jayrobs sale thread, just to make sure.

rpaloalto said:

Yea, I was scared to type my answer. daguin is like the god father around here.
I even had to go double check jayrobs sale thread, just to make sure.

Click to expand...

Lol :eg:

I would love to try to build it myself, I do not think I want to buy a fully assembled unit.
If I can be steered to the complete correct parts, as daguin is helping me with, I believe this hillbilly can do it. :thanks:
As I said, I am just trying to get the best I can, also everything I need.
I know for around 100$ I will not end up with a laser that will burn a hole through a wall, but I would like to have something to be proud of, and if it is something you guys recomend, I have a feeling it will provide good results.
Thank you again!! So far it seems daguin has provided me with what I need to get started. I will give it a few days for more suggestions, then start attempting to contact the people with the parts.

So am I correct in thinking this will be a Class 3R, or would it be a Class 3B? Would it be wise to get a host with a key lock?

CLASS 3R LASER PRODUCT
A Class 3R laser is considered safe if handled carefully, with restricted beam viewing. With a class 3R laser, the MPE can be exceeded, but with a low risk of injury. Visible continuous lasers in Class 3R are limited to 5 mW. For other wavelengths and for pulsed lasers, other limits apply.

Class 3B LASER PRODUCT
A Class 3B laser is hazardous if the eye is exposed directly, but diffuse reflections such as from paper or other matte surfaces are not harmful. Continuous lasers in the wavelength range from 315 nm to far infrared are limited to 0.5 W. For pulsed lasers between 400 and 700 nm, the limit is 30 mJ. Other limits apply to other wavelengths and to ultrashort pulsed lasers. Protective eyewear is typically required where direct viewing of a class 3B laser beam may occur. Class-3B lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock.


I have read everything I could find on safty, and certainly plan to follow accordingly. I thank you guys and I am looking foreward to my first of several successful "partial" builds, using parts ordered herein. Who knows, I might even get good enough to make my own eventually.

Just use your common sense and treat it with respect such as a gun. Something you should consider are goggles with protection on the particular wavelength your using.

the extra rigging of the switch and iris cover you can do if your skills are up to the challenge just start off with what you know and work your way up. It's a hobby that rewards you with time. Enjoy

So yeah, either go with the module from Moherenberg or get yourself a flexdrive, a diode, and an aixiz module. The plus side to the flexdrive, especially for someone who might not plan on having a ton of lasers, is that it can run off AAA batteries rather than special 10440 batteries with a charger, which can be found on DealExtreme (just search 10440)