Another Doctor Who thing

Hiya, I'm new around these parts, but I thought that if anybody could help, you all could. I want to build a sonic screwdriver. I've already built my own with a cheap blue LED that I hacked out of some toy, and then I assembled the Sonic. It desn't look like any of the ones you see on tv, because it's my own original wwork. The same goes for the next one I want to build. Now, I've never built a laser before, but what I think I'm going for is something in a blu-ray laser. I also need to consider housing and all that. I also think it would be really col if I could work in a rechargable li-ion battery so I could recharge and reuse the sonic. I have no idea what I'm doing here, somebody please show me where to start.

I saw that. Wasn't entirely helpful. THAT was about moding a toy, mine's different.

Sorry for doublepost mods, but I thought it had been enough time.

Look, I've thought about EXACTLY what I want, so now I can be a little more clear. I want a Sonic Screwdriver that is capable of burning things and emits a blue(ish) light from the tip. That's really it. I'd prefer if I could find some pen-light to be the host and mod that to look like a custom SOnic, but if I HAVE to deal with the toy, then I will. What I need to know, is how to do this for the least amount of money possible and in the quickest way possible. What sort of laser do I need. What's a driver do? What IS a heatsink (if it isn't obvious enough)? DO I need one of those module things? HOw much is this all going to cost me? and most importantly, WHERE can i find these things?

well, I can start you off with reading this:
this is your guide to all things laser:
sam's laser faq
don't worry. I'll wait.
second off, use the search button. it will help you find what you need.
start yourself off with a simple project, as in just successfully completing a PHR build or something like that. nothing elaborate.
read the forums a bit. all the information is there waiting for you to come upon it.
I'll help you. you need a blu-ray diode. a driver maintains a current to the diode. a heatsink draws heat away from something by placing it on top of the object, and it is basically a piece of sliced metal. you need a module. 50$, max for laser, work is paid in end results. I recommend Modwerx:
Modwerx Shop

Thank you so much. I'll begin my research now. How different is this from LED projects? Are you saying that all the laser parts I need shouldn't cost me more than $50 dollars?

LEDs use semi conducting material to create light in a way that causes it to act like a diode. lasers do the same thing except they create coherent light that can be collimated (spelling may be wrong and I am too tired to fix it. lol.)and focused into a tight dense beam.

I don't use priority shipping. I wait on snail mail. this is, of course you live in the U.S.
no, thank you and welcome to the forums.

GenerationII said:

Sorry for doublepost mods, but I thought it had been enough time.

Look, I've thought about EXACTLY what I want, so now I can be a little more clear. I want a Sonic Screwdriver that is capable of burning things and emits a blue(ish) light from the tip. That's really it. I'd prefer if I could find some pen-light to be the host and mod that to look like a custom SOnic, but if I HAVE to deal with the toy, then I will. What I need to know, is how to do this for the least amount of money possible and in the quickest way possible. What sort of laser do I need. What's a driver do? What IS a heatsink (if it isn't obvious enough)? DO I need one of those module things? HOw much is this all going to cost me? and most importantly, WHERE can i find these things?

Click to expand...

Check the two links in my sig, they should help get you started. Even though Sam's FAQ is basically considered the "bible" for lasers it would take you forever to read it, but you should read it when you have time...

OKay, I looked up a heatsink, diode, module, and driver on Modwerx. PLUS the toy sonic screwdriver that I will probably end up using for my host. The total cost for everything (including shipping) came out to a little less than $83.00 USD. Does this sound about right? Am I in over my head? Should I be able to do this by myself?

a heatsink is not necessary if using a phr.....
you're good for takeoff if you know how to solder.....

I can solder reasonably well. Probably need to bust out the ol' dremel tool too. What EXACTLY is the definition of PHR?

That's an excellent intro to building Kevlar! Where on earth did you find that?!!! Glad to see it's coming in handy. I'm still adding stuff when it's relevant.


$83 including shipping and the Sonic doesn't sound too bad. Don't forget to include batteries and charger into the equation. You might have difficulty fitting a 18650 size. Look at the CR2s of this world, (for a PHR, probably best to go with a 3.7V).

As blu-ray laser says, a heatsink may not be necessary with a PHR and to be honest is probably the best way to go with such a build, (you don't want a lot of heat being produced inside a plastic toy host! Plus, there'll be precious little room for a decent one anyway).

The colour of a PHR will do the job you're wanting but a 445nm will be a better match although this brings back the heat problem and expense. Start with the PHR and work up! We like pictures so post a few whilst you're working out the kinks and when you're done.

Which sonic are you going for? Got a link?

M

ThinkGeek :: Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver of the 10th Doctor

That one, but from a site (I have that written down somewhere) that still has them in stock. So, what does phr mean? and will I or won't I need a heat sink?

A PHR is a Bluray, (BR), diode from the PHR-803T sled that was found in the add-on BR writer drive for the Xbox360, (It was the Xbox360 or similar console). I strongly suggest you check out the thread in Kevlar's sig, (or mine for that matter). You will be able to follow the clues and find out which, "Laser Diode", this is and what it's capable of regards output; and what it needs regards input.

If you use a PHR then you will most likely not need a heatsink, (95% sure of this. I can't be more certain as I haven't built one into an enclosed sonic like this).

You could always just make this member an offer for his! - http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/d...r-laser-mod-version-1-2-a-52818-new-post.html

M

Okay, I've decided that I'm going to do this on my own. I've decided to use this>>>>ThinkGeek :: Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver LED Flashlights one instead for availability and cost effectiveness. The problem is that this one is a little smaller. Can you guys tell me the measurements of the things I need eg. module, driver, heatsink, battery. Also, batteries. Are they inexpensive? Say I want a Li-ion rechargeable. Where, how much, etc?

PS. Measurements for the toy are on that page.

All good to go the, 'build your own', route. The information you need is on the forum so go and have a look. The guide Kevlar, and I, have pointed to gives you the clues to go and find this information. There are a lot of things to consider and to spoon feed these to you will take a lot of time. You are capable of finding it.

One piece of advice though: If this is the first laser you've ever built, I would concentrate on getting a working laser first. You will then be familiar with the parts and then you can think about how you are going to fit it into a particular host.

Just so you don't think anyone's being cruel, a common module used is called the Aixiz, and another is the Meredith. I'm sure you'll be able to find it, and it's dimensions, after a short search here or on Google. You're probably best to look at a driver such as the Flexdrive or Microboost as these will allow the use of only one battery.

It only gives the length on the site and not the diameter so it's hard to say if CR2 batteries will fit but there are other options. You will have to way these up when you get the Sonic.

M