Variable Power Output

I have done quite a bit of searching. I may fail at searches or maybe I don't know the correct terminology.
I want a laser pointer that I can program or dial in to change the mw output based on need.

I am not looking to take an existing 5mw and pot modding it. (I have read how bad this is)
I am looking to do more of what Wicked Lasers advertises on it's EVO series.
http://www.wickedlasers.com/evo


Mostly I want to use it at 5mw (prefer blue 405 or 450ish) for work as a trainer.

I would also like to be able to increase the power for outdoor use. I am not concearned at the max output but I would like to go to around 200mw but that is not a deal breaker.

I have some electronic and soldering skill so I could build it myself if needed.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

(btw I will wash the spoon)

Greetings,

There are many builds available here with power modes.
Take a moment and search the forum, you will find there are several that have builds available here with modes.
You may also want to post in the welcome section and introduce yourself, Welcome to the forum.


cheers,
Moe

Thanks for the recommendation to post in the welcome page. I have done so. What keywords will return search results for variable power modes?
I have tried "Mode" "Modes" "Variable" "Variable Power" "Power modes" "build mode" "build modes"
Nothing leads me to posts with any build with multiple power modes.
do you have links? do you have better keyword choices for searching. Mind you I have searched this forum since my join date and not yet found one.

tl/dr: Keywords? Links?

is PWM what I am looking for?
Is it actually lowering the mw or just pulsing at the high mw?

After reading more about PWM it would appear that PWM is not safe.
From what I can tell it just pulses the high output to appear that is is dimmer.
I want to to actually lase at ~5mw.

Lower the current on your diode. If you don't understand what that means,you should do a lot of reading on how laser diodes work. It will be all clear then.

Welcome to the club

Look at this thread: http://laserpointerforums.com/f44/who-wants-variable-power-laser-92591.html

clansley said:

Welcome to the club

Look at this thread: http://laserpointerforums.com/f44/who-wants-variable-power-laser-92591.html

Click to expand...

I found this and have already voted. I didn't see where that thread actually answered the How-to though.

Trendkilla254 said:

I found this and have already voted. I didn't see where that thread actually answered the How-to though.

Click to expand...

Try here http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/variable-laser-power-72617.html

Just incase you weren't aware, the search bar at the bottom of the page is more effective than the one up top; quite a few results on the topic which should point you in the right direction.

-- iTS THE DRIVER not the diode or 'laser' that makes some- low/high/strobe.

Its nice to have , of course, but I personally dont have much use-

Buying 'ready made' and building - has both advantages and disadvantages-
in some cases to will pay more for parts than what you would pay for a completed laser- and that is not counting labor- In some cases however you will save $$ and get greta satisfaction by building your own-- especailly when someone askes you where you bought it and who made it..


start very slow- build the cheapest laser you can-& expect to fail- and if you dont lose too much $$ it will hurt less.

follow the tuts on building and skip NO STEPS- there is a lot you need to know well and some gear that simply cannot be done w/o.

common laser killers are:
ESD
wrong polarity or pin-out
overheating either with soldering iron ( you need a ESD safe Soldering Station)
OR- too long run time w/o a rest cycle or NO heatsink (or not enough)

read all the stickies in the tutorials in that section.

You MUST keep safety in mind at all times- your kiddo wont be q baby for long and lasers have a great attraction to younger folks and need to be treated just like a gun.

so yeah - you could use some more searching skillz- try other words/search terms- search google too.

Find and join yourself at the hip with Dr Sam-- (Sam'sLaser FAQ)

Fundementals- theory- and tons of info ( but not all that much on handhelds)
Sam is retired from UPenn- and prolly knows more about lasers than 99% here do.

Sam also expects us to do our own homework- so if its not at Sam's Only then can you contact him.

He has a large amt. of lasers etc FS at his 'classifieds'- and in most cases offers lifetime repair of any buys you make.


FYI 'making and selling' lasers >5mW is not technically legal- so be sure to check with others before posting about buys from them- as they may NOT want this to happen.

_PM anytime you need-- len