DIY red laser match light

I recently purchased a crummy video camera, so I had to do this.

This is my 'homemade' red laser pointer igniting some paper matches from about 4 feet (> 1 meter) away.

Laser's in a brick package, uses the SenKat (stonetek) diode running at 180mA, so it's likely putting out 100-125 mW. Not great, but enough to power to burn.

I didn't hit the far left match as that one was already toasted

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=708xp6B3ekw[/media]

(picture of the laser)

i like the "custom engraving" on the laser case

What was the original function of that black box?

Anyway nice vid.

MarioMaster said:

i like the "custom engraving" on the laser case

Click to expand...

lol, the engraving was done by my first DIY, now defunct. Note this includes the small ventilation hole in the top of the case - also burned. I was pushing that DIY at 225-250mA, so the diode only lasted about three months. Was good during its short life, it would consistently pop balloons over 50 feet away, usually in less than 5 seconds.