Need advice. New to this forum.

[Jped277]

Hey LPF, glad to me a member. I've been reading your forum for years and now it's time to start building my first hopefully. I'm experienced in soldering, and have owned quite a few 50mw-100mw lasers. I just ordered a 10$ 301 laser off eBay to get back into it as I haven't had one in a few months.
I would like to mod it if possible however I know i will surely burn this LD out in a short time if so.
So my question to you is, where do I need to go for a quality laser diode and lense and driver to install in this host? I would like a diode/module ready to go cause I don't want to deal with those tiny lenses just yet. Please help. Also I would like to stay around 50$ or less.
P.s. I vape so I have a nice charger and multiple 18650 batts that fit this host.
Thank you all and I look forward to hearing back
Dave

 

[Eudaimonium]

Your best source for diode, drivers, modules and lenses (in whatever order) is DTR's shop:
https://sites.google.com/site/dtrlpf/

DTR is a member here as well, you can contact him if you need anything else.

 

[Apocalypse]

Your best source for diode, drivers, modules and lenses (in whatever order) is DTR's shop:
https://sites.google.com/site/dtrlpf/

DTR is a member here as well, you can contact him if you need anything else.

I can second this. DTR will try answer all your questions and has great customer service. He has an option for every diode to be put in modules with drivers attached. I think this will work for you.

 

[CoherentRays]

And DTR also sells laser diode/driver assemblies in a 510 threaded module for an easy start for those who already have vaping equipment. Look through his listings.

Ed

 

[BowtieGuy]

Welcome Jped!
Here is a link to a "301/303 laser teardown" thread that you may be interested in when you modify your 301 laser.

 

[Jped277]

Welcome Jped!
Here is a link to a "301/303 laser teardown" thread that you may be interested in when you modify your 301 laser.

Thanks you guys, DTR does have some awesome products. And I actually read that 301/303 tear down post yesterday. My main concern with installing a new driver/diode module into the 301 host is so far everything I've seen on dtr's page has leads and no switch, sooo I'll have to solder a spring and switch in line somehow. Also I'm really wanting to assemble my module/diode myself rather than buying one ready to go...for fun and to save $$. I'm thinking about tearing into a few DVD burners I've got laying around to see what LD's I can get from them. Do u recomend that? And just buying a driver and module to put it in?
Oh yea, and with the diode in a module, does that focus a nice beam? Or is a second lense required in front of the module to aquire infinite beam focus?

All info is appreciated,
Dave B

 

[hakzaw1]

well Dave- not every DVD burner has what you want you want and in some cases lately we have gotten just the diodes and paid less-- DTR has all you need INCLUDING his extensive pic-heavy tutorials - I think you need to do a LOT of reading up -& even then don't be surprized if you kill a few before you succeed--

there is MORE to it than I think you know ATM

got a dummy load? if you plan to set the current on a driver you need one
got a ESP wrist strap?? need one of those too
got some one reminding you that if you if forget to short ALL caps ALL the time ?-diode killer-needed

if not you will kill diodes
your soldering station needs to be accurately heat controlled and also ESD protected

IF you really would like the best help maybe a member will meet with you in ?????????

OH look
no location?? tsk tsk

plz add that into your personal profile so we have some idea of where you are..
it DOES make a big diff--

ps those 'items' I mention are but a FEW of the MANY you need to be familiar with.

for Laser 101 'the basics' go and spend a few days reading at Sam's Laser FAQ

the collection below is one you do not want to start

 

[Jped277]

I would add my location and info if I could figure out how to access the user cp. Donna if it's my phone or what. I'm located in Osage beach Missouri btw. And as I said, I'm new to building. But u have to start somewhere right. Likely I'll purchase a module/diode/driver assembled from DTR and go from there. I'm not really sure how much money I'm going to invest in this at the moment. But I do love the reactions ppl give when they see even this cheap laser and realize they can do much more than keep a cat busy for a few minutes.

 

[Pman]

Seriously listen to these buys.
I would start out with an almost complete unit just so you see what you are getting into without having to worry about messing something up and getting frustrated.
It is an investment buying everything you need to actually build from scratch. Why not buy a complete module from DTR and a host from Mohrenburg (Budgetbeams) to start off. Just ask either one what you would need to complete your first build and go from there. Moh has some fantastic deals that lots of us more "seasoned" members have purchased from him. I can't get the parts for anywhere near the cost of some of his stuff.
I recommend going this route as I've seen so many people mess up and blow diodes or drivers and get really frustrated. I'm absolutely NOT trying to discourage you at all. Just looking for you to get a really good experience first