Uber DIY Noob

Okay, so I'm rather new to building lasers. Rather new, as in, I've never actually built one, and have only used stock lasers. I've been browsing these forums for close to a week now, and I still feel lost on a few things. Actually, a lot of things.

Basically, I want to build a focusable 2W 445nm laser with a battery life in the range of 30-60 minutes, if that's not asking for too much. I'd definitely want to use an Ehgemus host, but aside from that, I have no idea where to begin.

Please help???

Thanks,
Seth

First off, you may want to attempt to build a few other smaller lasers first before jumping right into the big guns.

If you are building your first lasers and you want something around 2W check out jayrob's stuff, he offers a "hot" option witch mean he'll set up the driver, which is most of the work.
http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/f...exmodp3-side-button-forward-clicky-57278.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/1-9w-jayrob-2d-mag-host-58470.html

But if you do want an Ehgemus host
DTR has a great build guide

http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/2-1w-32650-ehgemus-rpl-host-60465.html

To begin, purchase all the stuff you need.

Laser Goggles
Diode
Host/Heat sink
Driver(s)
Thermal paste
Batteries/charger
Lens

Most off the stuff can be acquired from people on the forums, if not, you can find websites to buy them from on the forums.

Hope this helps.

Okay thanks, that list really helps. Do you know what the best lens currently is for power output?

Do you know what the best lens currently is for power output?

Click to expand...

For power output you should go with the G-1 lens that Jayrob sells or the G-2 that steviedezie sells.