4 diodes better than 1. DIY Array on the cheap

For anyone who has taken on this type of project before, will understand one thing. Aligning the optics for an array of this type, is painfully slow

I recently modified a scanner, and one of the mods performed was the addition of a 4x bluray diode. The only trouble I find is that when mixing green with any other colour, that other colour better be good and bright! Otherwise you find turning the green down will be the easiest solution.

So after some long thought and different ideas, I figured it was time to take it up a notch  ;D

Although the optics are nowhere near correct alignment, I made a scale mock up of a  4 diode 803t array. Optics have not been on the top of my reading list (yet), but am finding that playing around with different lenses is bringing me closer to my gaussian goal

Heres some pics of the initial setup. Ive changed the arrangement a few times already, and am just getting the hang of this, as it will be my first real attempt at this type of build.

Feel free to laugh @ my hardware store special Stanley L-Brackets

Awesome!!!!
Pictures are sweet to.

xmtgx said:

Awesome!!!!
Pictures are sweet to.

Click to expand...

Right now its only putting out 200mW, but am going for 450-500mW when powered fully. The optics arent causing much of a loss, which is pretty surprising. But that will most definately change with a cube added, extra mirriors, and the two output lenses

*Each diode is running just above threshold 50-55mW

They arent 803T/6x diodes? or your just running them on a low current?
I was considering doing something like with with some red open cans in the future, but in a small portable device.

xmtgx said:

They arent 803T/6x diodes? or your just running them on a low current?
I was considering doing something like with with some red open cans in the future, but in a small portable device.

Click to expand...

803t's are in it now, but id like to go with 6x, just depends on how elaborate the final assembly is. If the results are good, I may even mix up the diodes, 2x 803t's, 1x 6x, and 1x 4x...maybe

If I had the money I'd do four 6x diodes and get around 800mw of blu-ray power

Sure looks bright I love the pictures of the beams but they will be difficult to combine fully.
I see you have a lifetime supply of Kester flux

Mike

Hemlock Mike said:

Sure looks bright   I love the pictures of the beams but they will be difficult to combine fully.  
I see you have a lifetime supply of Kester flux  

Mike

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How very true, I had these beams lined up side by side on the wall. As it would seem, the SLIGHTEST, and do mean slightest miss in angle, anywhere, will have the beams leaving on all sorts of paths.

What im trying to do with this project, is more or less, find a means of this type of setup, but without the large costs ive seen in similar (but far more kick-a$$) setups, done by other DIY'ers.

When these pics were taken, only a Sun. afternoon's worth of work was put into it. Theres lots more to figure out, and changes to be made.

One tip for anyone who tries this, keep the smoke machine on when aligning

Total cost thus far is $52. Canadian

My solder paste, that was a fresh can 6 months ago, its kinda getting gross looking, time for a new one. :-/

The "bench" for my RGB is 1/4" Alum plate. That's minimum for an optical bench. I drill and tap the holes and allow almost nothing for "crude" adjustment. If it adjusts, it's an optical mount.
With your mounts, a tapped hole in the mount to allign to the bench might help. This is where learning begins !!!! Keep going.

Mike

Man if you get 6X diodes putting out ~200 each your going to be close to a watt of blu-ray.


That i would love to see

Aren't 4xs and 6xs the same thing?

Hemlock Mike said:

The "bench" for my RGB is 1/4" Alum plate.  That's minimum for an optical bench.  I drill and tap the holes and allow almost nothing for "crude" adjustment.  If it adjusts, it's an optical mount.  
With your mounts, a tapped hole in the mount to allign to the bench might help.   This is where learning begins !!!!  Keep going.

Mike

Click to expand...

Proper adjustment screws will be in the final arrangement for sure. I started like this, just in case figuring the lenses out turned my hair grey :-/

I have only encountered limited write ups that are accompanied by pics. I dont grasp well from reading, but show it to me once...

Thanks for the tip BTW, I think I will do some reading on scanners, as the optics and mounting methods are probably very close. Didnt know there was a minimum for the thickness, important thing is, I do now.

laserwanabe said:

Man if you get 6X diodes putting out ~200 each your going to be close to a watt of blu-ray.


That i would love to see

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Tell me about it  ;D  Its still possible with the 803ts, just have to add a second bank of four :

randomlugia said:

Aren't 4xs and 6xs the same thing?

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Have a look at IgorT's tests and differences between them. Definately not the same, but not a huge leap in difference either.

Wannaburn ---

Experimenters have been trying various methods like this for a long time. It is said that the Greeks used arrays of mirrors to concentrate sunlight on enemy ships ;D Many people have tried this - I saw some experimenting over on PL too. I played with it and had limited success.
I also think Andy.con gave up on his attempts but it is sure fun to try.

Mike

Hemlock Mike said:

It is said that the Greeks used arrays of mirrors to concentrate sunlight on enemy ships  ;D

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Wasnt that busted on MythBusters? =P

Ref ---

You may be right in that --- I only remember their attempts at Greek Fire!

Mike

Nice freakin' pics
Set each diode to 120mA... Then you will have some real power!

How are you powering it? Batteries or PSU?