Welcome to Laser Pointer Forums - discuss green laser pointers, blue laser pointers, and all types of lasers

LPF Donation via Stripe | LPF Donation - Other Methods

Links below open in new window

ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Low cost host for utility laser - DIY project

Warske

0
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
145
Points
0
Disclaimer: This project isn't for everyone. The skill level and build time required is practically zero. You won't build up your anticipation waiting for parts to arrive from China, and it costs less than most of you can afford. :)

There is no wow factor here. I'm posting this because a few folks may find it useful.

This is a simple, low cost ($2) way to create a project box which includes
- wiring and holder for 3 AA batteries
- on/off switch
- room for an AixiZ module and some electronics

It doesn't have the heatsinking properties of a metal flashlight, but for lower powers or shorter duty cycles, it works just fine. Of course, you can add a heatsink, either inside or outside the box, and use if for a burning laser if you want.

This technique is useful for creating a light source for optical testing, since it stands at a convenient height without the need for a tripod and clamp.

I prefer to use AA batteries because I have a lot of the NIMH rechargeable variety. They have high capacity, are inexpensive, and have a relatively stable output voltage which results in a stable optical power output.

The battery holder is available from a number of suppliers and in 2 and 3 cell configurations, as well as AAA. I bought these at my local Radio Shack for $1.99 ea. Catalog #: 270-409
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062253
It is designed to hold 4 cells, but is easily modified to hold fewer (3 in this case), leaving room for other parts.

Picture descriptions:
- Some modifications are required. Remove one set of connectors and move the one attached to the red wire to make a 3 battery connection.

- DX 5 mW red AixiZ clone with driver #59145. Focus ring is made accessible outside the box. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5914

- 5 mW green salvaged from a $10 ebay pointer. This works better on 3.6 v and now puts out much more than 5 mw.

- 5 mW green mounted internally. Beam shot through steam.
 

Attachments

  • bigvert80.jpg
    bigvert80.jpg
    1.4 MB · Views: 297





Warske

0
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
145
Points
0
mattmagic100 said:
DUDE YOUR A GENIUS!! and are you polish?
:) Thanks for the thumbs up!

Spyderz20x6 said:
Very interesting!
I never thought that was possible...
I've thought that myself about some of the things I've seen here. Thanks!
 
Joined
Feb 23, 2008
Messages
2,832
Points
48
lol i have the 2x AA & AAA version of that on my website. makes me want to try a lava drive and 1x 14500 batt... :)
 

Warske

0
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
145
Points
0
drew said:
lol i have the 2x AA & AAA version of that on my website. makes me want to try a lava drive and 1x 14500 batt... :)
That would be very interesting! Please post pics or a link if you do...
 

Warske

0
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
145
Points
0
PhotonSky said:
whered you get that green module?
Day or O-like or other?
It was an ebay "5 mW" pen from pointingmouse in Hong Kong, more than a year ago when those went for $20. It was much less than 5 mW when I got it, so I tore it apart to extract the module.

Day said:
I havent done a Module wave yet, first wave was all lasers.
Couldn't parse that, sorry...

HumanSymphony said:
I already did this :p With a 2xAA holder and a 14500 and green module. However mine isn't closed as I lost the other half of the battery holder lol :p Link in my sig or here:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1236137040/#0
Nice work on that! I'm sorry I missed it earlier. Yours is much smaller with the single battery cell. I like using the cheaper NIMH cells, but if I used 3 of those lithium batteries in mine, I could power a 5v violet diode using a cheap LM317 configured as a current regulator. Something to think about... Thanks for pointing out your thread!
 




Top