New to the Forum

[Tymtravler]

Greetings all, I am new to the forum and have been reading it now for about 2weeks. This is the most informative site on lasers I have ever found. I find that the members all seem to be incredible friendly and supportive to new novice laser builders so I am going to ask a few questions to see if I am on the right track. For starters I want to build a BR laser that will burn matches and pop balloons. I have viewed several videos showing this being done; my first was KipKay’s however it seems that this setup will burn out fast from what I read. So here is what I have come up with on the items I need to purchase, and again if I am wrong, please do not hesitate to correct me, for I want to do this right the first time.
Items to purchase are.

1 Flex drive or is the Micro drive V3 better since it is adjustable to drive the BRD

1 14650 battery for large capacity

1 405-G-1 glass lens mod to increase the beam power(this is a must have)

1 PHR-803T sled with the diode(or if a more powerful BRD is out, let me know
I have heard about 8x and a possible 12x diode)

I already have the host for the laser. I still need to learn some more of what type of heat sink would be best and will I need a focusing device or will the glass lens mod be ok. Any suggestions still would be great, thanks. Also where can I get a list of all the acronyms I see on the forum (PM, PHR, GB, etc.):thinking:
Tymtravler

 

[laserpyro]

i believe you also need a module and if you look around there are modules with built in heat sinks.

 

[dr-ebert]

You've even invented your own acronym: BRD = BluRay Diode?

There are two more or less common BR diodes more powerful than the PHR-803T: the GGW-H20L (6x) and the BDR-203 (8x).

PHR: ~100mW / 120mA, <10$
GGW: ~190mW / 200mA, ~60$
BDR: ~350mW / 350mA, ~200$

The GGW is difficult to get nowadays and the BDR is still very expensive. Figures for power and current are from memory and a bit approximate except for the PHR!

Which driver to use depends on which and how many batteries you plan to use. The DrLava FlexDrive is good for small builds; input voltage 3-5.5 V, output <6V. The rkcstr/DDL/LM317 driver needs at least ~3V more input than what the diode requires: for BR, 9V is a good value.

You'll also need an Aixiz module. It serves as a small heatsink, diode holder and lens/focusing assembly holder.

For a PHR, the glass lens is not really a must have, it makes more sense with the more expensive diodes. You can buy either the lens alone (in that case you'll have to replace the lens in the Aixiz module yourself) or a lens already integrated into a lens holder - check offers from LarryDFW and Jayrob in the B/S/T section.

Anyway, I'd strongly recommend to start with a PHR laser - it's a good learning experience. Once your laser is working, you could then easily replace the diode with one of the other ones, you'd just have to reset your driver to the higher current.

Also be sure to check the Help & Tutorials section - there are some other newcomers intent on building their first lasers.

 

[Tymtravler]

I was right when I said this was a great forum. No more then an hour I got some great info. :thanks:for the help.
Tymtravler:

 

[Flaminpyro]

Welcome to the forum ! :wave: looks like the Dr. has given you every thing you need to know, so have fun and protect them eyes. :tinfoil:

Peace All Pyro... :eg:

 

[Tymtravler]

Thanks

 

[Tymtravler]

Well thanks to you all, I just purchased 3 RKCSTR drivers and 3 PHR-803T diodes installed in the Axi mod for my TRI-Beam laser. Hey why have one diode in a laser when 3 beams are more fun. Once I get the stuff I will post pics of the TRI-Beam's assembly.
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:lasergun: Victory with Superior fire power.