Opinions Needed - Best diode to use for a burning Classic Phaser mod?

So far I've only wanted to build low power for show Star Trek fantasy weapons mods and I love each and every one. I'm also still going to do my Classic Phaser blue mod (120mW 450nm Osram PL450B Diode) of which I'm just waiting on parts to complete.

Despite my trying to be as much a understanding partner & lover with my present lady she in the last year has in a few instances made our relationship very strained (wont go into details). Let's put it this way, last frustration I had from her was enough that I went out & spent $5k on an Ohio Ordinance A-3 BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) of which I take out stress at the range (I am a regular target shooter of both handguns & rifles). I love the rifle (it is a people magnet at the range because it is so out of the ordinary) & actually have a nice collection that consists mainly of working antiques (have a Luger from WWI amongst other collectables). I don't want (and shouldn't ever spend that again) and in fact would like to keep this build at most a few hundred $.

I would like to build a classic phaser that I can use to burn holes at the handgun target section of the range (targets are set at 7 yards [21 feet]). the faster the burner, the better.

I have thought of using one of DTR's 16X BDR-209 (with current set to 700mA) and I know from the recent thread that this can burn at 90 feet and this is sufficient. Also I'm not looking for a visible beam anyway (that's what my low power mods are for at night) but I was curious about using something even more powerful i.e. 3.5W 445nm Laser Diode NDB7A75 (is this too powerful for the playmates classic phaser toy modified?) or maybe 2W M462 Diode? Would the burning be quicker with either of these? Or any ideas of other potential diodes to use.

Also lets say I did just go with the 16X BDR-209, is 21 feet during daytime too close to be shining that at what is a black & white target? I can certainly bring laser goggles to the range for me but I don't have enough for everyone around me. If I should I"ll forgo bringing it to the range.

What do you people out there think?

OK no responses so I'll figure that probably the 16X BDR-209 with the driver set to the highest current possible is the best option for what I want.

As for bringing it to the range I'm still curious what you guys think if that is safe (unless I go when it's empty) for using it at 7 yard distance pistol targets during daytime without everyone around me having goggles on too?

Shadowsix said:

OK no responses so I'll figure that probably the 16X BDR-209 with the driver set to the highest current possible is the best option for what I want.

As for bringing it to the range I'm still curious what you guys think if that is safe (unless I go when it's empty) for using it at 7 yard distance pistol targets during daytime without everyone around me having goggles on too?

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The more powerful NDB diodes that operate at 445 or 462 nm have horrible divergence, as the diodes are multimode. Your best bet for a distance burner would be with a 16x. Although, I would recommend setting it at a moderate (not the highest) current, as diode life is very important to me. But it depends on what you need. :beer:

As for safety wise, I would still want to wear goggles around that laser. 405nm may seem dim, but it is extremely strong and well collimated. If you accidentally hit something reflective, someone without goggles can have a really bad day.

For range shooting you will need to bear in mind that the dot will flouresce making it harder to focus. I would personally go for a 3.5W 445 or wait for a high powered single mode in a semi visible wavelength.

IsaacT said:

For range shooting you will need to bear in mind that the dot will flouresce making it harder to focus. I would personally go for a 3.5W 445 or wait for a high powered single mode in a semi visible wavelength.

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Don't those new 3.5W diodes have horrible divergence? I think it is even worse than the 9mm 1.6W rated ones that we usually push to 3W. It wouldn't work well at 7 yards. I've popped a balloon with a 405nm 700mW at 120 feet. Targeting was extremely easy as well, I could see the dot no problem in daylight.

If you don't care about beam visibility a high wattage c mount ir laser might be your best bet, I'm not sure any laser below 10 watts will burn fast enough at that range. I mean are you going to be OK holding on target for multiple seconds or will you want it done in 1-2 seconds? And eye protection will be needed.

Rifter said:

If you don't care about beam visibility a high wattage c mount ir laser might be your best bet, I'm not sure any laser below 10 watts will burn fast enough at that range. I mean are you going to be OK holding on target for multiple seconds or will you want it done in 1-2 seconds? And eye protection will be needed.

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Well, if you don't mind using IR, then a 40W or greater CO2 tube would be perfect. But you wouldn't want any random people walking around that without eye protection.
And it will be way too big to fit inside a phaser. Ahh well, we just don't have a good enough visible single mode diode yet.

mwang said:

Well, if you don't mind using IR, then a 40W or greater CO2 tube would be perfect. But you wouldn't want any random people walking around that without eye protection.
And it will be way too big to fit inside a phaser. Ahh well, we just don't have a good enough visible single mode diode yet.

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Even with the higher wattage single modes we currently have(1w 405) I would say eye protection is a must. So if you are going to be wearing eye protection anyways you might as well go big

Thank you all for you responses. And then it is definitely the 16X BDR-209 and even though I'm going to put it in a copper heatsink & run it a low duty cycle (maybe no more than 20 to 30 seconds on) I'll ask DTR to set the driver to 600mA.

I'll forgo bringing it to the range, I can setup the same target safely in my apartment (probably behind my front door). Don't worry I'll always wear safety goggles around it as I do with all my lasers (except for rare instances outside firing off into a safe distance). I just don't have enough yet for everyone around me at the range who will be just wearing clear (or sunglasses) goggles

Hi mwang, I knew the 445's do have horrible divergence (mine certainly do!) but did not know the 462's did too and since I want to get really good focus the 16x will be it.

Just to make it easier to see IsaacT I'll get the white on black with red bullseye targets for this indoor target burning!

You are right Rifter, a few seconds on target will be fine. I don't need or want to go bigger (i.e. CO2), no desire to hurt anyone or burn my place down!

Thank you all also for your inter discussion as it enlightened me more on these different diodes! :beer:

Well I bought another playmates phaser off eBay and now when my heatsink & focus adapter are ready for my PL450B mod, I'll ask to get another set of the same made for this 16x build!