Focusing Laser Host 280mW 650nm DIY

Hi, this is my first build and my first review So i will try do my best. I made this at Christmas time and i haven't had time to make a review, so i have now decided to make one now. I bought this kit from odicforce: Focusing Laser Host - Red or Blu-ray Lasers - Detailed item view - OdicForce Lasers Online Shop

Pricing:
LPC-815 diode - £7.99
Kit - £7.99

Thats not bad only £15.00 for a 280mW red laser.

I also got a pair of safety goggles and the LPC-815 diode from that website.

It would of been brilliant fast shipping but there was heavy snow in my area so it delayed the shipping to 2 weeks but at least it came. The items where well packaged and the LPC-815 diode was in a anti-static bag and nothing was broken.

I am sorry i didn't show pictures as i built it but now i have built it i took it apart and showed some pictures.

Pictures:

This picture shows the LPC-815 diode pressed into the aluminium heat sink. I got a small tube and put it in the vice and pressed the diode in.




This picture shows the solder connections from the diode to the driver board.



This picture shows the driver board, heat sink and the open canned diode.



This picture shows a size comparison next to a CD



This shows the focusing head, with the spring and the acrylic lense. I will be ordering a glass lense soon.



Here is everything layed out





This shows the heatsink in the main housing.



This is a size comparision of the whole laser next to a CD.



The finished product, it uses 2x CR2 batteries.




The laser working in my kitchen.



A picture at day, going down my hallway.



This is a beam shot outside when it is a bit foggy.



Beam shots inside my kitchen with added fog.





Burning:

I can burn lots with this, it can burn matches very quick, cut electrical tape melt chocolate and more. Here is a video:



EDIT: New video added, old youtube account got deleted. Woops!



Summary:
Delivery -
Packaging -
Customer Care -
Actually Product -

I strongly recommend this seller. Odic Force.

It feels good in the hand, as the laser itself is quite small, the focusing head would of been better if it had a catch of somthing to stop it being able to being un screwed.

I powered this diode to 420mA and i estimate about 280mW, i will hopefully soon get a LPM. I really liked this as my first build as it came with instructions. It is great for beginners, it is a good cheap way of getting yourself a high power laser, It is also very useful to learn the basics. All of the housing was well made, the threads are good too. 5 star from me! Can you give me ways of improoving this review so i can try make it better.

Thanks

P.S Sorry for bad punctuation and spelling

Very Well Done.:gj:

I always wanted to see this host in More detail.

+ For you.:beer:

Nice build and review +1 for u btw whered u get the driver from? im planning on making a lpc-815 reddie i just need a good cheap driver and also how much ma does it put out? i need about 250-300mw around 420ma?

One last question: howd u set the current on the driver?

Thanks

Woops I accidently gave you wrong linkvto the kit. Here is the one I actually got. Focusing Laser Host with Matching High Power Red Laser Diode Driver - Detailed item view - OdicForce Lasers Online Shop

this one I actually got, it includes a driver. I set my LPC 815 at 216mA and i average it at about 280mW. I do not have a LPM

What glasses were you using? i need good cheap ones

btw how did you set your current?

thanks

at 216mA i doubt your getting 280mW, i have an lpc-815 at 420mA that is doing 293mW max, and 250mW average

LaZeRz said:

What glasses were you using? i need good cheap ones

btw how did you set your current?

thanks

Click to expand...

Ok i got mine from odicforce i would recommend these glasses if you are doing close up burning. I do not recommend for normall pointing as it blocks the laser out completly. It is great for burning though, you can find the perfect focusing distance. If you want to know that your eyes are safe buy these:

Laser Safety Goggles EP2 For 200-380nm & 600-760nm (Red lasers) - Detailed item view - OdicForce Lasers Online Shop

I am going to be buying these when i build my 1.5W 445nm laser: You can also get them for different wavelengths:

Laser Glasses - UV to Green Lasers Protection 190-548nm :: Laser Safety :: Dragon Lasers