Purchasing a <5mW Green Module

I've browsed NOVALasers, Optotronics, LaserGlow, DealExtreme, eBay, and countless google sites trying to find a 5mW green laser module.

I need a laser that can be left on all day, I don't know anything about how to apply a heatsink to a laser module, and if I need to blow a fan over it that's fine. I am only able to find 5mW laser pointers (the "modules" look just to be a laser pointer without the casing) which from what I understand will burn out with continued use. This laser will be part of a projector that shines light across the ceiling in a house and needs to be safe (IR filter).

Does anyone know of a laser module under $50 that is either at or below 5mW and can be left on indefinitely?

you could buy a 5mW pen and pull the module from it - with proper heatsinking it should be able to run continuously

for a better quality option, you could get the 35mW module from DX (if you don't live in the US) and turn the pot down so the output is <5mW, but this is a bit out of your price range (although the module is very well heatsinked)

atlasnova.com sells green modules, they are a bit pricey but they offer good service and a nice warranty.
You would have to get a heat sink made to cool it if you want it to be left on forever

I'm considering buying the AtlasNova module for $65, however the company doesn't seem to sell heat sinks separately. Will having a fan or two blowing over the laser be enough to let it run indefinitely?

at that price you could buy the DX 35mW unit - which is already designed for continuous use

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10004

MarioMaster said:

at that price you could buy the DX 35mW unit - which is already designed for continuous use

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10004

Click to expand...

And if you put the voltage up to 6V you'll get atl east >50-60mW out of it.

While I'm in here, does anyone know any reds that have quite a thin beam, rather than like 6mm maybe 3-4mm ?

-Adam

I live in the the United States (California) and do not want a powerful laser. With the use of a diffraction grating and a speaker with a mirror glued onto it I intend to light up my ceiling with a laser pattern.

Being in the living room where my guests and I spend most of our time, it needs to be safe to have on 24/7. Someone will undoubtedly look into the beams (myself included) and I don't want anyone to have damaged vision from a 35mW laser.

I'm bewildered at what laser to purchase, some sites offer two modules for $25, others (Like AtlasNova) sell one for $65. These modules overheat if left on 24/7, as this laser display will be.


Do you know of a relatively inexpensive laser module (below $60) that is <=5mW and can be left on indefinitely (Attached to a 3volt power supply)?


The Videos on the DealExtreme page are the exact effect (and guide) that I am hoping to create on my ceiling, only I don't want 35mW that can be dangerous.

the idea is that the 35mW unit has a knob on the circuit board that can be used to adjust the output power - all the way down to the point where it doesn't light up at all

Oh, that sounds perfect then. I've been reading about Deal Extreme's policy not to accept orders to the United States for lasers above 5mW, however this policy is often ignored. Is this true? I'd love to purchase the 35mW Deal Extreme laser if I could.

I would also be willing to pay another person a premium to purchase this laser and mail it to me.

quark can't get the Dx module because hes inside the USA, so you can either get someone to buy it for you and send it or buy http://www.bestofferbuy.com/5mw-pow...n-p-950.html?zenid=s4qr8cjdg2hc1lqp7qvbb0nhg5 and rip it apart for the module. Also at 5mW you dont have to worry about IR light.

yeah, you could also contact sawt al hurriyah (sp?) since he's running a DX group buy for people in the US

Thank you so much for your quick responses and thorough information. Laserwanabe, I will purchase three of these laser pens as they are the perfect solution for my projects.

Hopefully soldering on some fins and using some fans for cooling will allow them to run indefinitely.

Good luck with your project, just remember when your done post up some pic;s in the media section ;D

If you still want to try the 5mw module route look at this thread....
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1219896800/0

It may be worth pm'ing the member to see what they can do.
I purchased 2 modules with no problems, but I see later in the thread that some had troubles with buying/quality. At the end of the day it is up to you.

Regards rog8811