not understanding because there are no clear tutorials

okay so I've been getting very aggravated lately, there are tons of tutuorials on how to build laser... but none are clear to someone who has never done it before! can someone please give me a link or explain very clearly what certain parts do. also im not talking about buying a driver or module, i want to build my own laser basically from scratch, but i would like some info on the basics of laser making. such as parts needed for a basic laser, how to hook them up, etc....

yeah, too bad there is absolutely no information about building laser and driver circuits on this the internet... there really should be some kind of laser pointer forum...

There are enough tutorials showing how to build a driver, and I dont think you can build a laser diode out of scratch... Everything you need is on this site...

Must we make a tutorial about how to read the stickies and the tutorials ?

You had been pointed to a tutorial before. What is wrong with this ? http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/i-want-build-laser-thread-52972.html

If we made it any simpler with video tutorials or the like, we run the risk of outright dumbasses (no offence, not saying you are) who come here, do no homework, show no dedication, builds a laser and starts blinding people.

So that's a nono.

If you're just starting out, as you say, you're not going to jump directly to building advanced lasers yet...

Get a module, learn how it works, and utilize it in whatever you want. Then you can start learning about different drivers, diodes, etc.

Start small and go from there. From the other thread you had, it looks like you simply want a 30mW laser in a custom housing as an airsoft laser sight. No need to build your own laser with custom driver, diode for that.

In all seriousness, read the "I want to build a laser" thread and all of the included links. I started that way and did exactly what you are asking to do. My first build of a laser was from as much of a scratch position as possible. The only things I did not build are the diode and the lens housing. I built the driver, the host, heat sink, battery connectors, everything else. It can be done, you just have to read that thread start to end, with all links a few times (or as long as it takes to get comfortable with it) then ask your specific questions.

My laser is strong enough to burn from 6" to 8" away. Makes short work of electrical tape and such. Also servers as a great pointer at night.

^^ It can be done indeed, the information on all components is easily available.

There hardly is any generic recipe for building a diode laser - it depends on so many variables, from the form factor, batteries, power level etc.

Learn how a laser works and what components make it up. Then learn how those are made.Take a few weeks and read, read, then read some more. After that process you should have a pretty good understanding on how to build a laser. Then the stickies on here should make more sense for you.

want us yo wipe your ass for you too? im sorry but i cant find a picture worthy of this facepalm...

bennett326 said:

want us yo wipe your ass for you too? im sorry but i cant find a picture worthy of this facepalm...

Click to expand...

Got you covered, bro.



But seriously. It's really just a matter of searching.

Since you're new and I'm going to attribute all the eagerness to...well...eagerness... I'll give you some of the sites I frequent.

The names are clickable and will take you to the sites.

CajunLasers.com - I usually get my silicon wire, aixiz modules, and leadlights from here. Cliff is a great guy. I just ordered a bunch of silicon wire. Instead of 5ft of Black wire, he only had 4ft so he sent me an extra bag of green for free along with an Aixiz module. Great customer service, just like all of the laser shops on the web I'm listing.

Modwerx.com - This place has some of the best deals on sleds for diodes on the internet. $25 for a GGW-H20L is jawdropping. Also there is a good selection of drivers. The customer service here is great. I've never had to contact Andrew for anything major. And when I did e-mail him, he responded very promptly.

Mohgasm.com - Mohrenberg is great at making heatsinks and has some really unbeatable deals. He also has great communication. And I requested a C3 heatsink recently which he promptly made and put up for sale on his site.

When all else fails, just check the B/S/T section. Support your fellow enthusiasts!

To be fair, the "I want to build a laser" thread is more of a reference than a tutorial. There is some harm in hand-holding tutorials: most just show how to assemble a driver, but don't explain what it is actually doing, or why things may not be working. People need to understand basic electronics before making lasers, or they'll end up with some Kipkay monstrosity that'll burn out.

Bionic-Badger said:

To be fair, the "I want to build a laser" thread is more of a reference than a tutorial. There is some harm in hand-holding tutorials: most just show how to assemble a driver, but don't explain what it is actually doing, or why things may not be working. People need to understand basic electronics before making lasers, or they'll end up with some Kipkay monstrosity that'll burn out.

Click to expand...

tbh if you dont have the motivation to learn things yourself you shouldnt be building a laser. i build a laser without a single post on this forum and i had no electronics experience what so ever. i did not even own a soldering iron DMM etc

NO SPOON FEEDING!



SEARCH IS GOOD YEAH!

I agree there is more than enough info on here just have to read. Than after you have an understanding,and ask a decent question on a certain aspect I am sure a member would help you out.

You'll need a few things as stated in The I Want To Build A Laser threads, i am pretty sure they are there.. you'll also have to gain some basic knowledge on a few electronics terms first if you are not already aware , but sure thing if you know the diferrence between Voltage and Current , you'll figure it out quicker than me.

it is very true that their is not a single clear step by step tutorial with picture/video here. BUT that being said, if given enough time into your research and reading threads, all the bits and pieces are there with pictures and vid

Even though when i started, while i was doing all my research, making notes, saving certain urls, pictures etc to help me build a laser, I was thinking the same thing that there isnt a clear cut tutorial. But the more research i did, better understanding I got and easier now for me to understand how it all works :beer:

I am still not clear in with the driver(s) aspect of building laser, but i am sure if i spend enough time on them I will have the working knowledge on them

So, just read around, read the stickies and use search button, because most of the time others have already asked those questions in the past.