Another noob "should I buy..." thread

[Klesk]

New here, sorry but I don't know much about lasers. I've been interested in the 405nm lasers but I've only seen pictures; there is no place locally where I can go or anyone I can ask to see an actual violet laser in action.

So... should I just buy a cheapie off of Ebay, to play with, see what it's like? I see 5mW versions going for $30 or so. Seems cheap enough to just look at, will it actually be a waste of $30? Should I spend a little more and get something better and, if so, what would that be? Thanks for the input and advice.

 

[Tech_Junkie]

If you dont care about burning go for ebay. Then if you like it, take the plunge. You can find them for under $10 on ebay, just shop around.

 

[Don't Laze Me Bro]

If you dont care about burning go for ebay. Then if you like it, take the plunge. You can find them for under $10 on ebay, just shop around.

He beat me to it

Have a look at the 405nm lasers on rayfoss.com and o-like.com. Great deals there

 

[AznRice]

or just build one yourself. It isnt as hard as people make it sound. If you want a burning one I recommend a PHR if you want a basic one.

 

[Gryphon]

I believe there is another thread around here about ~3$ blu rays on Ebay that are a bit
over spec, i'll see if i can find it you ya

 

[Klesk]

I believe there is another thread around here about ~3$ blu rays on Ebay that are a bit
over spec, i'll see if i can find it you ya

Cool, thanks, I'd appreciate it.

I'm not comfortable building my own, maybe one day if I continue with this hobby. I've read a lot on this site, but I still don't understand most of it. Then again, I need another hobby to spend money on like I need.... well, like I need another place to spend money :yh:

 

[Kevlar]

Cool, thanks, I'd appreciate it.

I'm not comfortable building my own, maybe one day if I continue with this hobby. I've read a lot on this site, but I still don't understand most of it. Then again, I need another hobby to spend money on like I need.... well, like I need another place to spend money :yh:

I don't believe that ebay seller is doing that deal anymore. I read thread, lots of drama, basically the seller messed up with that offer. But you can still find them for cheaper than $30 like TJ said. I just picked one up for $9.50 shipped!

 

[AznRice]

ok

1. buy your.... diode,host,driver,heatsink. thats all you need. oh and a pair of goggles if your doing something like 100mw's

*you can have your driver set to what ever current you want. for a PHR pick a number from 110-125mA and tell the person who is selling you the driver to set it to that current.

2 stick in your housed laser into the heat sink

3. Wire the housed laser diode to the driver and then to host's power source

Power it up and have fun.

 

[jenner6989]

ive built two phr's. if u want some pics, video, and a little info let me know.