first 650nm laser

ok so ive been reading every little tide bit of information that i could came across and i've learned alot. so i think i'm ready to try and build my first burning laser. now for a diode i have a 650nm diode that i extracted from an 20X lg dvd burner. i would like it to be powered to 200nW. for i driver im thinking about running a Groove V2 (http://hacylon.case.edu/ebay/laser_diode/Groove_2.php). for a module i'm going to be using a AixiZ 12X30mm (780nm 5mW Laser Module 12x30mm, AixiZ). for a len i'm going to run a AixiZ red laser glass lens (AixiZ Red Laser Glass Lens 635-670nm, AixiZ). and for a power suppey i'm debating on running either 1 or 2 UltraFire 18650 3000mAh 3.7V Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery (Amazon.com: UltraFire 18650 3000mAh 3.7V Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery (Pair) + Charger Combo: Camera & Photo). so now if im not mistaken i should hook everthing up and run a test load to get the groove V2 right where i want it. now can i just hook it up to a led and then read the mA, and when i get it to where i want it swap it out for the module with my diode? or should a build an actual test load for a red laser? what are your guys thoughts about this build? an help would be apprecaited.

If you're using the Groove2, you'll need 2 18650s. They need more than 4.2V to drive a red diode.
Build a test load. They're indispensable and quite handy. Of course, you will need a multimeter.
But that's a handy tool not exclusive to lasers.

Pictures are worth 1,000 words. And we're all photo-junkies here.

You can find the AixiZ module for cheaper if you look around. I'd recommend CajunLasers.com as a supplier. It's run by Clif on here. Totally reputable and have only heard good things to say about him. Dr.Lava is kinda MIA to us LPFers here. Talk to FlaminPyro about getting one of his drivers. He seems to be the only one of us that Dr. Lava will talk to...

And what ever you do...

Do NOT forget safety goggles...

so forsure go with the two 18650's. so you would recommend trying to go with a different driver? i'm sure i could build one my self but kinda like the idea of a pre built little driver that i can put about anywhere. test load it is, will this give me a more accuarte reading? i've already got a multimeter so i'm set there, and yeah sorry i forgot to mention the goggle's any suggetion on those? i do appreciate your input it will help me out alot on my first laser build. an i'm a photo junkey as well so i'll feel right at home here.

Your test load will duplicate the draw of a red laser diode from the driver. This allows you to set the driver without risking the diode.
Read up on how to use a test load. It will explain it well.

Personally, I think it's better to build a driver if space isn't an issue.

What kind of host will you be putting the laser into? A flashlight? Project box?

As far as goggles go, I'd recommend some EaglePair Goggles. Here are some from survivallasers.com

Eagle Pair® 190-400nm & 580-760nm Laser Safety Goggles

Don't skimp out and get the cheapest you can find. There are different levels of protection.

Don't buy that driver from that site, you will wait a very long time if you get it... Get that exact driver elseware, eBay, flaminpyro or someone else please

& like Fretwrecker said you need safety goggles & a test load

Thank you again for your input its very much appreciated. I'm thinking of just using a project box for my first build, that way I've got room to work with and also im thinking of building a driver my self that way ill be able to get really hands on with my project. Good suggestions on the laser glasses, seam like they will work well for my current project as well as ones I'm sure ill do down the road.

Yeah project boxes are nice I'm making a yellow laser in one now, red diode + green DPSS + IR filter & it all turns out nice

Good luck with your build

Sounds like a very interesting build you have going there.

AnthoT said:

Yeah project boxes are nice I'm making a yellow laser in one now, red diode + green DPSS + IR filter & it all turns out nice

Good luck with your build

Click to expand...

I tried something liked that once. I had such a sweet case design and I just couldn't find a big enough dichroic mirror to align them. I should really dig that back up....

But back on topic.

Project boxes rock. They're so unique and customizable. You can add all the switches and LEDs you want!

Would the info in this write up be relivent to make a driver for my build or would you do anything different? Laser driver - It can be done

That driver would work fantastically The DDL, as it is known, is pretty much the classic DIY driver. They work great and look pretty sweet, IMHO.

alright i've ordered everything i need. i've got my module to house my diode, i've got the batteries that i have listed above, i've got a 3 piece glass lens, i've got everything i need to make my lm317 driver aka "ddl"(radioshack), i've picked up a project box but unless i can fit everything for my driver in a small space on a pcb i'll have to get a little bigger box. and all i have left is to order some glasses, and pick up a couple more things to build a test load. thursday is going to be a big delivery day at my house.

with those 2 batteries and driver that would be a safe combination for my diode after adjusting my test load? also am working on building a small heat sink to go around my module when it comes in out of an old GPU heatsink.

thanks a bunch Fretwrecker94. it's people like you helping people like me that makes me want to learn as much as i can and hand that help down to others. just like in the car tuning forums i'm in and many other things like xbox modding and so on. i'm really getting excited for my first laser build.:drool:

:beer: I was once in your exact position. I never forget my roots
All my early builds were project box builds. I love project boxes! The DDL driver takes up hardly any space! You'll be fine I'd recommend setting the laser at around 250mA to have a nice balance of power. Maybe even add a potentiometer to have an adjustable laser! That'd be exciting But maybe it's best to keep it simple. Although you have final say so it's totally up to you

A heatsink is definitely a good idea!

Here's one of my project box builds I did a while back. Definitely the tightest I've ever had to build! Pretty much utilized ALL the space inside the box!
It can run off of battery or DC power. Me gusta

wow now thats a fance little build. and look at the beam on that thing! some nice leds with holders, couple of well placed switchs, and a fan. what did you have for batteries in that like a 9v for the fan and some AA's for the laser? i like the idea of battery or power cord. did you do a DDL for this?

my box i just picked up was 4x2x1 but i'm thinking i might have to go with the next size up which looked more like the one in the picture. also i'm going to have the potentiometer in my DDL had to order a 100ohm because radioshack no longer carries them. and when i build my driver i have 2 10ohm 1 watt resistors is that correct for a red laser. i've seen 1 resistor but that was for a blue laser if i'm correct.

Well I had used the smallest box radioshack carries for that. It has no internal battery. Both the laser and fan run from external sources of power. But the fan has a very low current draw and forward voltage so it isn't a concern as far as battery life goes.

With a DDL Driver you can calculate the resistor values by using the formula...

1.25/desired current in Amps = Ohms of resistance.

or

1.25/ohms = Current in Amps.

1.25 is the ref. voltage of the LM317.

Wired in parallel, two 10 ohm resistors will only give 5 ohms of resistance.

so...

1.25/5 = .25A
.25A = 250mA

You will get 250mA is set up with 2 10ohm resistors.

The 405nm set up uses a single 10 ohm resistor which yields 125mA of current which is great for the PHR diodes.

You can get different outputs based on different resistors used. I've done build with some 3 ohm resistors

1.25/3 = .4166666A
.416A = 416mA

and 416mA is great for LCC diodes or LOC diodes.

But that was just in case you wanted to know where the numbers come from.

If you need help wiring up the DDL driver, I can draw up a detailed diagram for you when I wake up later today (it's 1am right now and I'm about to get off LPF and hit the hay)

cool now i better understand how you get to your desired mA, when i parallel two 10 ohm resistors makes 5 ohms and thats how you get the max output of 250mA. so when you throw a pot on your DDL 250mA will still be your max and the pot will allow adjustment only up to 250mA. sweet.

yeah, i pick up this from radioshack Dual Mini Board with 213 Holes - RadioShack.com for making both the DDL and test load. but for the DDL i'm going to want to probably fit it on there as tight and i can well still being able to solder on it. and im sure any extra space on the DDL i can trim away.