Does it lase? Yes. Yes it does.

Ok so it's nothing spectacular since it's temporarily set up on my breadboard until i get it mounted in a project box but there's something about seeing the diode light up for the first time. The 635 color is a nice red too. I did run into a problem though. When I pressed the diode into the module it must have shifted right before I pressed it because it's in crooked so I can't focus it to a nice dot. :yabbmad: Is there anything I can do to get it straight? About the only thing I can think of is to find something I can put on the flush side of the diode to keep the back side of the module flat and try to press it flush. I don't want to damage the diode even thought it's just a cheap $3 5mw 635 red from modwerx if at all possible. I do have another if I manage to kill it but I'd rather save it for another project. Anyhow here's some pics of my work in progress. Click for bigger ones on flickr. There are a couple others on my flickr page too.


DSC_0427 by ltkernelpanic, on Flickr


DSC_0428 by ltkernelpanic, on Flickr


DSC_0431 by ltkernelpanic, on Flickr


DSC_0433 by ltkernelpanic, on Flickr

The best I can do with the crooked diode.


DSC_0434 by ltkernelpanic, on Flickr

I can get a nice dot up close.


DSC_0436 by ltkernelpanic, on Flickr

the %#$^ crooked diode.

its not pressed in all the way. make sure whatever you are using to press it in is completely flat and even with the aixiz module. keep pressing, your almost there!

I tried again but it didn't seem to budge. I'll try it again. I don't have a vice so I used a big C clamp like a couple other posters have mentioned they used. if I can't get it pressed I may run over to my brothers and see if I can finish it off in his vice.

Use a motherboard standoff and a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers.

DSC_0440 by ltkernelpanic, on Flickr



*sigh* I wish the post/advanced buttons weren't reversed from the other forums I visit. Lost another post to them. Anyhow....

I got it to go flush and now it focuses to a pretty nice point. I'm not sure what that second dot is above the main one though. Maybe it's a bit crooked still and reflecting off the side of the module or maybe it's the crappy plastic lens it came with causing it? The main dot is actually round but trying to hold both the laser and DSLR steady in a dark room with a slow shutter speed is tricky.

I think I may order a set of flaminpryo's tools eventually since I want some of that wire he sells too. comradmax's suggestion looks like it'd work if my last two cases didn't come with those crappy clip style standoffs. I'll have to dig through my parts and see if I have any left from way back when.

Best $15 you'll ever spend.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/diode-press-sale-15-00-a-42590.html