Is there a list for sizes and compatibility?

I ordered some 501B hosts and am learning what I can to try and put a laser together. As a complete newb and someone that has little to no experience other than some basic soldering I have just recently learned the very basics. I understand the parts needed to make a laser pointer and somewhat how to assemble them. What I can't find is information about what components such as drivers to use with what diodes as well as what sizes of parts will fit with this host. Im guessing you builders just know what to use with what but how can I find this information to order parts? It's probably not appreciated when people come on here and ask to be told every single part they need so is there any reference for this somewhere here or online I can use to make a game plan and parts list?

Im wishing to start slow on the first one and keep cost down so rather than get the needed equipment to set the drivers myself can I buy drivers already set for the diode i want?

How about things like power limits for a small host such as the 501B? Could I put a 200-300mW 520nm diode in there or will that be too hot for a small heatsink such as will fit in this host? Do I need an LPM to know the duty cycle for the laser I build? And last for now, what lens is best for this?

I hope this is cool to post these questions. I really have researched and watched some youtube videos but I haven't seen anything to help me with parts. Thanks in advance.
Cheers
Jeff

Bump.
It would be great if anyone had any thoughts. My hosts will be here soon and I'm not sure what parts to order to try and build my own.
Cheers

Such a list would probably be too complicated and difficult to maintain I think. But to answer your specific questions:

I am not experienced with the 501b host so I don't know what will fit it, it probably depends on what kind of heatsink you get, take a look at some of the build logs on this forum, I am sure there must be some around with that host.

Diode to driver compatibility can be found be reading the specs of each component and see if they line up, particularily the output voltage and current. 520nm diodes usually have a very high operating voltage that is more than what linear drivers can supply using two battery cells, so you'll need a buck or boost driver. There are several options in this category.

A 501b should be able to house a 200-300mW laser without much difficulty when it comes to heat. An LPM would not really help in determining the duty cycle, you have to estimate it, it's not an exact science, it depends on too many factors.

Yes, you can buy diodes with drivers already attached, see DTR's shop: https://sites.google.com/site/dtrlpf/

You'd probably want a glass lense for that build. Get a simple aixiz glass for the cleanest dot, or a G* series lens or one of the cheap clones floating around for the most power.

Thank you grix. This is all very helpful and just what I needed to get started. So each driver will have a voltage and current ratings will the diode?
When you are using the multi meter (I think that's what they are called) as I have seen on videos, what is the person setting? The Voltage or current?
I see people also pushing diodes to their limits with a power source. Is this necessary to do for each diode and build? Why are they doing this? I'm asking because if I wanted to build my own lasers will I also need a variable power unit?
Thank you for your help.
Cheers

Edited to add- is this what I will need?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/30V-5A-Prec...ower-Supply-Regulated-Lab-Grade-/131179224846
and this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Vol...352?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4adb9e30a8

You don't really need the power supply, but it can be useful. I've built most of my lasers, but do not have one(though I do want one). You can use the same batteries we use in our laser for a power source. The multimeter will be fine, I use a cheap one.

I also recommend getting or building a test load. This is one of the main uses for the mutimeter, as this allows you to set the driver output current. The test load simulates a laser diode, allowing you to test and set a driver without risk to an expensive diode. You should be able to find one in the BST section.

Laser diodes are current hungry, which is what the driver is for, to keep them from self destructing. These driver are constant current, to ensure the diode get what you want it to, no more, no less. The adjustments you see people doing to the driver is probably turning the pot which changes the current output. Current is the important factor, as long as the power supply is capable of supplying enough voltage.

There are 3 main types of driver, although only two are widely used: Linear, boost, and buck.
Linear is the "basic" driver and mainly just limits current. These are not too widely used anymore.
Boost drivers boost the voltage while also controlling current output. These allow one to use a single battery by boosting the voltage above what the battery can provide.
Buck drivers "buck" up the current. The ubiquitous X-Drive is a buck driver. These are especially useful with high current diodes.

You can use a boost drive on all but red and IR. The voltage drop is low enough that it's unnecessary and even risky for a boost. An X-drive will work on just about anything, as will a linear (like the lm317 driver). However, linears are generally not the most efficient, and depending on diode, can require 3+ batteries.

Why do we push our diodes? MOAR POWER! Lol. It's not necessary, and some don't do it at all. Alot of us do, because most diodes CAN be pushed a good amount above their rated current.

For example, the Osram PL520 diode is rated for 50mW, IIRC, at something like ~120mA. I'm not entirely sure what the rated current is, could be more or less. But many of us (myself included) push these guys to 300mA, to get up to ~90-100mW.

If you order a diode from DTR (highly recommend) he has options to get with a driver, current preset.

nwfreefly said:

I ordered some 501B hosts and am learning what I can to try and put a laser together. As a complete newb and someone that has little to no experience other than some basic soldering I have just recently learned the very basics. I understand the parts needed to make a laser pointer and somewhat how to assemble them. What I can't find is information about what components such as drivers to use with what diodes as well as what sizes of parts will fit with this host. Im guessing you builders just know what to use with what but how can I find this information to order parts? It's probably not appreciated when people come on here and ask to be told every single part they need so is there any reference for this somewhere here or online I can use to make a game plan and parts list?

Im wishing to start slow on the first one and keep cost down so rather than get the needed equipment to set the drivers myself can I buy drivers already set for the diode i want?

How about things like power limits for a small host such as the 501B? Could I put a 200-300mW 520nm diode in there or will that be too hot for a small heatsink such as will fit in this host? Do I need an LPM to know the duty cycle for the laser I build? And last for now, what lens is best for this?

I hope this is cool to post these questions. I really have researched and watched some youtube videos but I haven't seen anything to help me with parts. Thanks in advance.
Cheers
Jeff

Click to expand...

Lasers Wiki

Thanks Chaoslord,
Everyones replies have been very helpful in making me more confident I can pull this off. I have a couple custom hosts from members of the community I want to order next week.

The laser wiki is an awesome source of info!
Cheers guys.