Reallly need help here.

Hi everyone! I'm VERY new here (1 week...) and I need a TON (not really) of help with my laser project.

My background: I am a 13yr. old 7th grader that has an EXTREME interest in "tinkering" and building things. I had seen the KipKay video "Cheapy Lighter Laser Burner" and I LOVED the idea (all around aspect, not just burning.). So I approached my mom, she gave the OK, my dad...not so much.
Long story short(er), we ended up purchasing non burning parts so I can't light stuff on fire. I'm very responsible and would NOT be stupid enough to point it around indoors anyways...

SO!

I have...
(1) Aixiz 405nm/445nm laser driver
(2) Aixiz 405nm lasers (accidentally purchased 2...let me know what I can do with the 2nd!)
(2) 12v batteries (to take buton cells out of!)
(1) Small momentary switch (button)
(∞) 4.3 ohm resistors (they came in a bundle )
(1 reel) Rosin core solder

NOW

Sadly, Kip's video shows a different driver (one that costs $45+...). His vid said go to Laserdiy.com. I didn't. His parts section on his website said other wise. I went with the parts.
So Aixiz has been GREAT with their service...but I need help.
I'm not sure how to wire this.
A tutorial online showed these kids just hooking their modules (650nm I believe) right up to the batteries (with a switch between) and they were shining them around for a bit...like a few days.
But I know that I probably need the driver and all.
I was told that the resistors might not be needed.
AGAIN!
I am a 7th GRADER. I have NO EXPERIENCE with anything like resistance and load and etc... I am willing to learn!

How does one think that this project shall be set up and wired?
ALSO
I have seen videos (like Kip's) not show any wires connecting to the negative contact on the driver...
I thought that you had to have a negative to complete the circuit?



Notes:
1-not using the resistor as a driver
2-I'm looking If someone would be so kind as to make a wiring diagram and tell me if I need the resistor in addition to the driver it not...
3- please tell me about the negative lead thing, it's all Greek to me!




Thanks a million,
Ryan

*bump*

So yeah...I kinda ditched the driver and it works fine!

You didn't use the driver? Remember that LD's will keep drawing more and more current until they die... you need a driver to make sure the current is regulated...

Click on the orange links in my sig and they will help allot

How did you wire it? Without a driver you may see your diode burn out very quickly. It is possible I suppose that the button cells you have cannot supply enough current to fry it, but that is a big risk to take. If you tell us your complete setup, we can probably help.

Some things:
1. Take a look at the thread "Laser Driver it can be done", this shows very clearly how to wire a homemade driver up and should be of use to you in figuring out your own setup.
2. Pictures please! Be sure to post a picture or two of the setup and the finished product.

this seems like something i'd get mad over, but with the recent problems with setting up my driver, I don't blame you, but listen to what they say, it'll last a lot longer with a driver, making a diode die is a sad and abusive thing to do

I'll try to upload some pics later today, I also "ditched" using 2 button cells (they somehow couldn't even power the dang thing) and am now using a little 12v battery (sticks out the bottom, but whatever).

The button cells have a high internal resistance, so they can't power the diode correctly.

You need a driver. At least buy it if you can't build one.

I tried soldering the pads (I feel proud of myself for figuring it out ) but I ended up covering up 2 pads with solder (it's pretty damn difficult to get it perfectly on those tiny pads!). I can't get it off, and am not in the position to drop $15....

You should build a driver and use proper heatsinks. These lasers, especially those 405nm types, are extremely sensitive to shock and too much current. They will also burn up quickly without a heatsink. I remember getting my first red laser diode working. It was so pretty, but then burned out after about 10 seconds of use. $20 down the drain.

You'll learn really quick that it costs a lot more replacing destroyed or broken parts because you were cheap or lazy, than it would to buy the correct parts and hook things up right. Plus the parts for a simple LM317 "DDL" driver are about $5 total. It'll save you from having to buy more diodes to replaced burned out ones.

I would love all that, except you must remember this is inside of a Bic Lighter. I have run out of room...even my battery is sticking out of the bottom!

(pics in a few minutes)

Then buy a mini driver already built. It may be difficult to find a vendor, but it will be small enough to fit.

Try a flex drive from illuminationsupply.com

Whaddaya think?

I have LD positive and battery positive to a switch, and a wire from ld negative to battery negative.

PS: Sorry if pics are low res....If they aren't working for you (like they aren't working for me) just go here: Laser Lighter Photos by myminecraftemail29 | Photobucket