jumping in the deap end...

Hi, I'm a fresh noob.
I recently got interested in high-powered laser pointers when i stumbled across a youtube vid showing somone hacking a pointer and making it powerfull enough to light matches. An exciting new idea to me!
Here in Australia it's hard to even get your hands on a 5mw these days.
We had some issue with someone shining a pointer into a Police Helicopter a couple of years back and alegedly they almost crashed...

So I got onto ebay and searched for something.
this is what i ended up buying...
not sure what i've got really.
300mW+650nm Red High Power Laser Diode Module Kit Glass - eBay Industrial Lasers, Lighting Lasers, Industrial Supply MRO, Business Industrial. (end time 18-Feb-10 16:35:03 AEDST)

i dont know what X it is, like 10X or whatever...
I've not read through a LOT of the threads here, but i'm picking up a bit...

anyway, so i've got this unit all assembled now, but seems like the blue Potentiometer is not functioning, and i'm unable to adjust the resistance to what it should be.

when i attached the LD to it and put the battery on, i got no beam from the LD, it only had a dim red glow inside, which i did not look directly into in-case it came on suddenly...


they guy i bought it off said he'll send out all the components again...
i dont know if he means including the Laser diode and module!?
if so that'll be sweet.

this unit is pretty big compared to what i thought i was going to end up with.
no way it will fit into a pen sized unit at all, or even a torch. it's an awkward shape when assembled.

whats the go with that? why so much circutry? what have i got here?

anyone know?

You really need to research your country's laws better.

I suggest that you avoid stuff like that auction, read up here a bit, harvest your own diodes, and build them yourself.

Unless you are dealing with one of the known dealers here, you are taking a big chance with this kind of stuff.

Peace,
dave

Welcome to LPF. Enjoy your time with us here.



I have compiled a list of "must read" information, it will make your time with us more productive and pleasant.

Laser Resources (for n00bs and veterans alike!)

http://laserpointerforums.com/f36/looking-build-laser-read-me-47684.html

Sam's Laser FAQ (The Laser Bible)

Sam's Laser FAQ - Preface, Introduction, What is a Laser?, Safety

RP Photonics Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology

Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology - an Open Access Resource of In-Depth Information, Free Articles, Nonlinear and Fiber Optics

I have included a handy guide to assist you in finding what you need.

Hey I'm from Australia too... Sydney to be exact. If you got any questions or need any help, not be afraid to send me a PM.

First off what you saw on the video is what we call "pot mod" and basically consists of the driver boards default settings being overridden in order to produce higher output power. In this case for a green laser it would be increasing current to the pump diode. In any case this is not a fool proof way of increasing power, it comes with its own risks... eg lowering lifespan of the diode, cause over heating, mode hopping behavior or could blow your diode.

If you are interested in buying any pre-assembled lasers, please send me a pm and I'll explain this further.

Secondly what you have bought is a red (650nm) laser module and driver. It will give out ~300mw according to the auction and should be run at ~420ma. To achieve the 300mw mark they suggest to use a glass lens, so with out one, expect ~250mw.

Lastly the laser module (shiny silver bit) will fit most pen and torch builds. It is the standard Aixiz module, at 12mm dia... you will need to remove the black heat sink to use it in a torch host or pen host for that matter.

You need to do a bit more reading.... If you need any help or would like more powerful or different coloured lasers please let me know. Also at this power level laser safety goggles are a must. Please read up all you can before making a purchase again, it will save you time and money... trust me, many people have done the same before you!

Take care -Adrian

The auction is overpriced, as a rule of thumb never buy laser stuff from ebay unless you know it's a good deal. You can get the diode in your post (or a better one since we don't know what diode it is) here: LPC-815 650nm red laser diode in focusing module - $18.99 : Modwerx Shop
And an already assembled driver here: Micro-Drive V3 adjustable driver (assembled) - $13.00 : rkcstr.com, Micro-Drive and laser diode electronics

You will be able to import those parts into australia and then build the laser yourself. But don't get caugth with it!

EDIT: Ah, I now saw that you already bought the link in your post, ah well, next time use the links in this post

oh... dang i hate when i do that.
research after i buy...
thanks for the advice and links.
I will see if this guy is going to send me new stuff anyway.

from some reading i'd done before posting, i knew most of that already, but was wondering if anyone could tell if it's a 8x or 10x or what. is that detirmined by mw output or the actual diode size that you can't see unless you physically examine it?

gmeddy said:

but was wondering if anyone could tell if it's a 8x or 10x or what. is that detirmined by mw output or the actual diode size that you can't see unless you physically examine it?

Click to expand...

no actually that is just used to describe the writer drive the diode was taken from, the X describes the speed that the writer drive(DVD/bluray burner) writes data onto a DVD or bluray disc. for example you'd have a DVD burner that is rated for a write speed upto 20X, well the diode harvested from it would be considered a '20X' red diode, normally the X is used to describe and identify blu-ray diodes, 4X, 6X, 8X, 12X

EDIT: Generaly the higher the number the more power it can output