First Build Complete-Several Pics

Complete my first Build. I killed a couple of DVD LD's and wanted to get something working so I bought a LD module.

Used crappy phone to take pics.

Components Used:
650 nm 300 mW laser module from DTR (super fast shipping:beer in heatsink



Homebuilt driver on Radio Shack board using LM350 with modified heatsink. The driver is selectable between 250 mA and 500 mA max using a jumper. 30 Ohm pot for adjustment. Final adjustment to 370 mA. Crappy picture



Breadboard of driver



Home build test load using Radio Shack board, 1N4007 diodes. Selectable with jumper. Crappy pic number 2



Eagle Pair Goggles and driver



Burning Tape (on a heatsink)





Through the CD case, under the scope, to the water heater.




More Pics:

Dark inside the HS with tape




Used to be a DVD case. Is now a dual Voltage Adjustment. I connect it to a 10-15 V, 50 A Power Supply.

So much home built going on here! I like that wicked looking heatsink you have the module in. Nice work!

Nice build

Great work! +1 for totally DIY! :beer:

Thanks.

@Speedy78
I like the heatsink too. It definitely keeps the module cool.

Since this post I have mounted the driver and module/heatsink in an old project box I had. Looks pretty bad since the box has been used before and has lots of holes in it. I told my son that the holes were for cooling purposes
I ran power wires out of the box and to a 9 V battery plug. This way I can use the battery for low duty cycles and portability or connect it directly to a power supply (@ 6V) to play around with.

I found a good size LED flashlight at home so my next project is to mount this laser in it. Probably get a LM1117 for the driver.


I would also like to do a more detailed DIY including harvesting a diode from a DVD burner and mounting it in a module. Found some new DVD burners locally for about $20.

Previous attempts:
First harvesting I tried went well until trying to determined which diode was the LD. I applied about 3 V directly to the first one and saw nothing. Must be the UV diode. Applied 3V to the other one. Wow. Look how bright that is (for about 5 seconds then nothing). Lesson learned...

Second harvesting went better. Built driver circuit.:wave: Set it to about 100mA. Discharged cap. Connected LD. Nothing. Must be the UV. Remove power. Connect other diode. Turned on power. This one's really bright. Then it LEDed. What the...!!! Forgot to discharge the cap. Duh.

That's the coolest diy I've seen in a while! Glasses too! Pop a balloon yet? Big +1

Where did you get that nice heatsink?

@cheech226
No balloon popping yet but electrical tape and CD cases shiver in their boots when I walk in the room

@ The Lightning Stalker
I don't remember. I've had it for years. People give me their electronics "junk" a lot. I've got a few more but am trying to find more. They are made by Delta and I have two versions. One version has a half inch hole and another has a screw mount.

That's a great DIY package you've got there, Sasquatch! Well done, indeed!

Congrats, sir...you're well on your way!

Nice build there! Congrats!