I Need Help!(with making my first laser pointer)

Iam new to this laser-pointer thing and well I just need help. First of all are Maglite flashlights good for swapping diodes? Also do i need any kind of extra parts if i plan on using a Maglite (If Maglites are not the best please suggest what i should use) and finally i have 3 first generations xbox diodes I was wondering if these would these work well and by that i mean would they have enough strength to do things like pop balloons and light matches? If you have any suggestions on what i should do first that would be greatly appreciated thanks.

For starters, welcome to the forums Slash :yh:

Also, not to be a perty pooper, but make sure you understand all of the stickies and rules before doing anything. There is lots of info on here and the search button is your best friend.

As for using a maglite, many people here have used them in builds but for your first build, I'd suggest using just a simple project box that way you have nothing limiting you on the amount of space to use. And yes you will need parts other than those in the maglite. Go to Rog8811s site here for all the info you will need to build your own driver.

Other than that, good luck on your build, and hope ya find all the info you need on here :yh:

You won't be able to do much with those XBOX laser diodes, they are pretty weak.

Check out this handy FAQ: http://laserpointerforums.com/f36/basic-faqs-read-before-posting-38275.html

I gather that if you're asking about maglites, you've probably watched Kipkay's "how to make a burning laser" video... It's probably a good idea to forget everything you've heard in that video. Yes, you do need some more parts, you need a current regulated driver, and no, maglites are a poor choice of a host. There's really no room to fit a driver in there, and unless you have a lot of experience it's a pretty tough build.

1st generation xboxes have a dvd reader and a cd reader.. Drives that read are like 1/10th the power of a burning drive, or less. You'll be able to make a pointer, but not be able to burn anything.

Read that link I posted, it covers pretty much everything you need to know. Welcome to the forums!

1. scrap the mag-lite. it's possible but requires way too much modification for a first time diy laser project.

2. First gen xbox's will not do anything but create a weak pointer (go buy one for $3 at wal-mart)

3. You can build a laser pointer VERY cheaply.
first, go to modwerx.com and buy a diode thats already pressed into a module (phr for blu-ray, or LPC for red)

4. go to rkcstr.nfshost.com and buy a driver AND a test load.

the driver is what will power your diode.
the test load will let you set the driver the the right current.
once you've got the driver and test load figured out....you've got a laser.

then you just need to find a host to put it in.

As Mohrenburg said,

Your 1gen xbox won't do anything, depending on your colour, both red and blu-ray can be bought from Modwerx Laser Components and Accessories

If it's your first laser build, PHR or LPC diodes are preferred.
Then, get the RKCSTR driver, but make sure you get a host(flashlight) that can accommodate the driver.

Once you get all these things, read through the tutorials.

It's a beautiful hobby, welcome!

Tom