Doing my first build...

So, I've done some reading on here and I still have a couple of questions as I attempt my first build. It seems as though most of you are looking to build stuff far more powerful than my requirements!

The application:
A 635nm laser @ 5mW with a grid diffusor that can be projected down a hall and monitored via camera for refraction and distortion in the grid. It will be used to monitor an area that may contain people at times...so safety IS of high concern.

The build so far:
-I bought a 3V 5mW diode (closed can) off of Ebay which already has the diffusor for the grid installed.
-I am thinking about building this driver that I found in one of the stickies for newbies...DIY: How To Make A Laser Diode Driver Circuit - Video...and am powering with a 9V battery, as it should last a long time being regulated to 3V.
-I have all of the parts sourced and Radio Shack project box in which I am going to enclose the works.

The questions:
1. I shouldn't need a heat sink at this power, correct? Maybe just some vent holes in the enclosure?
2. Will the driver shown be suitable for my purposes, or will it create a higher mW laser than the <5mW that I want/need?
3. Am I missing anything or do I seem to have the full picture?

Thanks for helping me out with this, as like I said earlier, safety is the highest concern!

-Eric

So, I tried building that driver last night and failed miserably! It's doubtful, but perhaps I had a bad voltage regulator? I got to the point of hooking it up to an LED to test it, and blammo!...nothing. Needless to say, my geek ego has been deflated by several cubic centimeters...lol. HELP PLEASE!

EPRSEric said:

The questions:
1. I shouldn't need a heat sink at this power, correct? Maybe just some vent holes in the enclosure?
2. Will the driver shown be suitable for my purposes, or will it create a higher mW laser than the <5mW that I want/need?
3. Am I missing anything or do I seem to have the full picture?

Click to expand...

1. you are correct. you may not even need any air holes in the enclosure for a 5mw laser
2. i believe the module already has a driver circuit. ask seller for info. if not post back and let me know.
3. your doing alot better than most on the first attempt.

dont let a blown diode get you down... i blew quite a few diodes when i first got into the hobby that were ~40$ each.. remember practice makes perfect.

p.s. make sure all your connections on your driver are hooked up the right way. one wrong connection can explain why you got nothing when testing the led.. make sure your giving enough current to the diode to make it work. you may be underpowering it causing it to not come on... leds are alot cheaper than laser diodes.

p.s.s. if you did blow your diode i have some at modwerx that are 635nm that run ~4-5$ each..