My first 532nm build/assembly - 200mW O-like module in a Rayfoss host

So here is my first attempt at making a laser, can't really say I built it as all I had to do was bypass the switch on the driver and insert the module into the host, but anyway here is what I've created, and how..

First of all here are the components used and where to get them..
200mW 532nm module from O-like
Electro-plate Silver host from Rayfoss

Being my first build/assembly I wanted to create something I'd be proud of as-well as learn from, and as greens are my favourite I went for the best power I could get for the cheapest price.. I say cheap but the O-like module wasn't really all that cheap once the current exchange rate had been calculated. the host on the other hand was a bargain and I'll probably get another one in the future as they are very good quality.

The module came in the standard antistatic package, and that was wrapped in what seemed like 2meters of bubble wrap. took me a few minutes to undo it all, still shows O-like take some time and effort to ensure you get your stuff undamaged.



I'd already got hold of an antistatic wrist-strap so I put that on and grounded myself so I could open it and carefully bypass the switch. I found the points I needed to bridge by powering up the module and bridging what I suspected to be the right contacts with the end of a pair of scissors. bingo the laser comes on so I stripped a small piece of wire and soldered it on to make the bridge.



So far so good. now I had to insulate the driver. it was an extremely snug fit with this host so there wasn't any space to use foam [and I didn't have any anyway] so I just cut a strip of thin paper and fixed it around the board to avoid it shorting out.
I don't have a picture of the insulation but here's the module pre, and post insertion..





I press fitted the module without a vice by placing an old washer in the lens-cap and gently screwing it until it was tight. now the end of the module sits tight behind the head of the host.



And that's pretty much it. it feels solid and very heavy for it's size. the end clicky is good quality and overall I'm pleased with how it's turned out. all went smoothly and it was good fun putting it together, I'll definitely make another one. next time I think I'll try a complete build from bare components.. hooked? yes lol

What have I forgotten? oh yes some beam shots :san: thanks for reading :beer:

Nice build for your first one.

What is the divergence like on this module.?

+:beer:

lazeerer said:

Nice build for your first one.

What is the divergence like on this module.?

+:beer:

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Cheers and thanks for the rep :beer:. I'll have to work out the divergence properly in the morning, but for now and the way I have it focused the dot is about 2cm from about 6 feet away. I need to make myself a focusing tool to get it set properly to infinity, as you can see the lens doesn't have a normal screwdriver head to it.

Great. Thanks Ill look for the update.

Yes for the module lens you can use something as simple s 2 toothpicks or a safety pin.

lazeerer said:

Great. Thanks Ill look for the update.

Yes for the module lens you can use something as simple s 2 toothpicks or a safety pin.

Click to expand...

lol already thought of the safety pin one, snip the ends off and bend it to fit.

Ok sorry for the delay. I've got it focused properly now and calculated the divergence to be 0.6mRad using pseudonomen137's excellent calculator. it's a nice module, recommended for anyone wanting a powerful laser that's easy to build.. but I do suggest waiting till the exchange rate is more favourable.

I like your pics. The third beam shot looks like an explosion of green.

madog said:

I like your pics. The third beam shot looks like an explosion of green.

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Thanks. yeah the third one did come out well, it's refracting off our cheapy plastic chandelier.. I shine my lasers at that quite a lot looks even better when it's moving. another good effect is shining lasers as Christmas tree tinsel, as I found out last Christmas.

Hey that's pretty cool!
But the price of that green module...

Can you give an estimate of the power by telling how fast it burns through a CD case,
lights a match, you know the standard stuff when you don't have a LPM?

anselm said:

Hey that's pretty cool!
But the price of that green module...

Can you give an estimate of the power by telling how fast it burns through a CD case,
lights a match, you know the standard stuff when you don't have a LPM?

Click to expand...

Yeah it's pricey, I was in two minds whether to get it or not, glad I did though.
Sure yeah, it pops balloons instantly, lights matches in about 2 seconds. and while I've not tried burning through a CD case with it, it will cut through the handle of a black bin bag in around 25 seconds with a slow steady swipe [something I always try with my lasers ]

I would say though that this module isn't really best suited to burning as the focusing lens was fixed and it took me some considerable force to break whatever seal there was and get it to move. I was lucky I didn't break it really. so if you want it for burning I'd look elsewhere, but for a very bright pointer I recommend it.

Wow that's really cool! :bowdown:
How many volts does it run on?