Build from scratch -- Help

Hello,

Nice to find such an awesome forum on lasers!

I have been reading over the past few days about the build of lasers, tutorials, kits, and what not. The reason I'm posting my question is because I haven't found an answer to all my questions. So I am hoping you guys could help me out!

I am wanting to build a powerful laser from scratch. My main problem is not knowing 100% on what to buy. I just need some confirmation as to what diode, diode mount, driver, and housing to get (more what goes together) and what is a good value for the money is. I have powerful green and red lasers, so I was leaning towards making a blue/violet one. I am trying to think of something unique to house it as well so if you have any ideas

I would like to keep this project around $100

Thank you much!
-Carter

Even if you're not 100% sure, why don't you list what you've "figured out" rather than have us provide a list?

LPC- 826 Laser Diode(Creative Technology - LPC-826 Laser Diode Page Creative Technology - Your source for diode lasers and laser modules at green, red and other wavelengths.) fit in this?( http://www.aixiz.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/28/products_id/124) and can I buy a single diode mount? What lens and driver am I going to want? And as far as powering the laser, what is going to be able to power the laser to its full potential, but be most compact?

sorry I didn't provide you with this above

Thanks!

I'm sorry I forgot I was looking at this 405nm diode SONY 200mW 405nm laser diode/ CW 335MW push/SLD3237VFR [OL-S405-200] - $49.99 : Zen Cart!, The Art of E-commerce

For that kind of money, you'd be better off buying an S06J from DTR. It's capable of far more output.

Use the search bar at the top of every page on the forum; Look up lenses, drivers, and battery capacities.

Since you've done some homework, I'll throw you a bone. Here's some very handy links.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f44/how-select-your-laser-parts-73851.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/how-laser-diode-drivers-work-explanatory-thread-71513.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/driver-specifications-compendium-78942.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f44/hosts-thread-77504.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/how-make-selectable-dummy-load-very-depth-64585.html

So I have done some more readying, and I am going to go with the S06j and "5.6mm Modules W/405-445nm Three Element Glass lens". Will this driver work well? "0.5 amp X-Drive V6"(0.5 amp X-Drive V6 - $19.99 : Cajunlasers Store

Now about batteries, the voltage input is 5.6V - 16V on the driver. Is there a recommended voltage input? I am planning on using an altoids tin as host, so the battery will need to be relatively small.

You'll prob go with 2x 14500 lithium batteries if you're using the old Altoids build.

I was thinking the same thing, and just riveting a battery holder to the tin.

Does everything else look good??