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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Miss the old DIY red lasers...so I built one

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DIY red lasers were already taking a hit with the cheap and powerful blu-rays, but with the 445nm they have nearly been left in the dust. :( I remember when red lasers were the only type of laser that a normal hobbyist like us could build, and we would be happy with 100mW. There was a thread recently that inspired me to build another red laser for old times sake. :D >>http://laserpointerforums.com/f44/am-i-only-one-who-prefers-red-405nm-51824.html

For this build I made a labby nearly entirely of stuff pulled from old computers and stuff I had just sitting around. I really didn't need another red laser, I just did it because I could.

Here is the laser with my 445nm build in the background:
IMG_1701.JPG


I used an old computer power supply for the power source, scrapped an LM317 from an old driver that got swapped out for a flexdrive on a PHR build, got the heatsink from a computer and just drilled a hole through it, found the knife switch from searching through my old electronics parts that I bought when I was 11, and had the diode just sitting around. The diode might have been pulled from a DVD burner, I don't remember though because I have had it for a while. It is a LCC, my favorite type of red diode. It has a 650nm Aixiz glass lens that was just sitting around, I think I got it from a cousin that didn't need it...lol.
IMG_1695.JPG


You can see I stuck a heatsink on my LM317 in this picture (also found in a computer), I used the 12V leads of my PSU so the LM317 dissipates a LOT of heat. I should have used the 7V leads, but this will do.
IMG_1697.JPG


And to fit in with the 445nm craze, here is over a watt of unfocused 445nm on the laser. I'm still waiting on Aixiz to ship those dang 405nm glass lenses, without it I can't use my laser.
IMG_1698.JPG


I know the build isn't pretty, but that isn't what I was going for. I encourage everyone to go ahead and build a red laser for old times sake, they are still pretty cool.


Video!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kc4RyOMDjo
 
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Ah yes, the good old days, when 100mW was a lot of power.
Hell, 2 months ago 600mW 12X's were the talk of the town.
Things change very fast in the world of electronics.
BTW: Red is my favorite color also (as you can tell by my sig):D
 
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Boy, you sure like your modded computer PSUs don't you? I like the knife switch though...

I'll ALWAYS make sure to have a good old solid 650 sitting in my collection at all times.

NICE beamshots.
 
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I can see you are a fan of red. :D It's fun going back and seeing some of the older stuff every once in a while. I do have to admit though, I like 445nm the most.
 
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In the process of making a heatsink to fit my Cree TR-801 so I can mount an LCC in it.



BTW just got a email from chuck at aixiz about my 405 lenses.

They will be shipped by Thursday AM, the good news is that we have 1500 done and the new coating for expanded range to 450nm is working out great.
 
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That's good to hear about the lens, I bought some extras from a member here yesterday just because I can't wait much longer, I have some more YouTube videos to be made! :D

Boy, you sure like your modded computer PSUs don't you? I like the knife switch though...

I'll ALWAYS make sure to have a good old solid 650 sitting in my collection at all times.

NICE beamshots.
I do like those PSUs, they are free and work great for a labby. I have more to make an entire collection of labbies, one for a 6x blu-ray, one for 200mW of green, and one for a couple watts of 808nm.

The knife switch is all I had but now I kinda like it.
 
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daguin

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:crackup: I just tore a red apart to build a blue :crackup:

Peace,
dave
 
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Nothing wrong with red. I'd like to find a way to get ~400mW out of a single diode in a portable, but doesn't look too possible yet. Already have an Orion HV but that sucker's multimode like you wouldn't believe. (still a nice laser though.)

I'm guessing all the 18-24x DVD burner diodes are the new rectangular packaging.
 

daguin

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Was that the old MXDL I think I saw you selling a week or so ago?

No. I had a couple of those 3405 hosts sitting here. This one is a 3405 as well, but it was set-up with an LOC in a Merideth module. I'll probably list it tonight or tomorrow night.

Those two sold so fast, I figure this is a good use of the old red that does not get used anymore. I still have my 350mW Kryton red :eg:

Peace,
dave
 
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You like RED ??? Hang on to your jewels....... I expect a surge in new reds similar to the 445's. This hobby is going nutz. RED is a necessary color for us.

HMike
 
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Great photos seoul and NICE beam! Am I missing something, I can't see where you've written how many mA it's drawing or what mW output you reckon you're getting... ?

COngrats on your laser skills and your camera skills. :tinfoil:

ps. Mike I hope you're right about a new generation of reds.
 
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Yeah, Id love to have some new stronger red diodes, man if I could build a 1W red with a projector diode that'd be awesome. I made a 500mA LCC chrome pocket mini build not too long ago and would love to upgrade it to a 1W build, hell even if the new reds are multimode, as long as I can get the beam as good as the 445nm diodes I would be happy.

EDIT: 1000th post!! Woot!
 
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Nothing wrong with red. I'd like to find a way to get ~400mW out of a single diode in a portable, but doesn't look too possible yet. Already have an Orion HV but that sucker's multimode like you wouldn't believe. (still a nice laser though.)

I'm guessing all the 18-24x DVD burner diodes are the new rectangular packaging.
It is possible but at the cost of a short diode life. My 386mW 650 labbie is still kicking at 40-50 hours. All I'd need to make it portable is a good battery pack. It may not look sleek, but it would be portable.
BTW: I know what you are talking about, something that does not look like Frankenstein made it.:crackup:
 
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Great photos seoul and NICE beam! Am I missing something, I can't see where you've written how many mA it's drawing or what mW output you reckon you're getting... ?

COngrats on your laser skills and your camera skills. :tinfoil:

ps. Mike I hope you're right about a new generation of reds.
Thanks! The diode is at 420mA and I'm using an Aixiz glass lens, so probably 250mW or so. I don't have a meter yet.
 




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