Very first build looking for parts!

I wanna build a very simple red laser 'pointer'
However, I don't know where to get diode, driver, module, or case.

I'm also looking for tips. For a 'bottom of the line' laser pointer. < 1-5mW.
This first laser is so I can get some hands on experience so I'll know what I'm doing in the future.

I'm willing to buy the parts from anyone, but since this will be such a weak laser I don't want to spend more than $20 (not including shipping).

If someone has parts, tips, or good cheap site (for cheap laser parts)... I'm all ears!

Still new, So I hope this is the correct forum to post in.

Dealextreme or o-like.com are good for parts easiest for you would be $7.29 - 5mW 532nm Green Laser Module (3V 11.9mm) - Flashlight Parts and Tools I know its green but its the first module I came across that's cheap.
You then just need a host like torch shell and batterys.
If you want to start from scratch you will need laser diode, driver circuit, host, aixiz module, battery's and maybe a heat-sink for the diode. Might be hard to do all that for $20

Do some more reading in each section here and you will pick up heaps
Also remember eye safety goggles

well you can check ebay for cheap red modules
but wont be interesting
because you cant even see the beam at 5mW
only a dot...
and idk about 20$ ...

ravenit said:

Do some more reading in each section here and you will pick up heaps
Also remember eye safety goggles

Click to expand...

Thanks and I'll check through everything.
BTW I have a:
100mW green laser
150mW red laser
100mW Violet laser

I haven't been wearing eye protection (as I'm just now seeing everyone say that). I have had the lasers since friday (3/25/11). Maybe I'm just scared now, but am I gonna be okay? I haven't shined them in my eye, But I have been playing around with them in doors and the green Impact Point illuminates the room.

Also, where can I get some good (still cheap) glasses?

PM sent

Thanks, message in your inbox!

found these. Anyone know if they are good?
Glasses 1
Glasses 2

You may want to build your first in a project box from radio shack or the like. You can buy the parts you need for a very simple LM317 based linear driver there too but you'll pay about 5x what it'd cost from somewhere like DigiKey.


Re: Safety glasses


I use my lasers frequently without glasses (how else can you admire their beams?) as long as I'm not burning things, not pointing them anywhere near something reflective, and not looking towards the business end of the laser. If you'd taken a reflection trust me you'd know it. I did from my 5mw 635 and even that stung like an SOB. For my reds I use the glasses from this eBay seller:

powerfulpurchase items - Get great deals on Electronics items on eBay.com!

You can read reviews by several LPF memebrs here:

http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/e...nm-580-760nm-powerfulpurchase-ebay-55221.html

Looks like the price went up since I bought them last fall but they're nice glasses and the seller is great. She bent over backwards making sure I got mine after the originals got lost in shipping. One thing I noticed is one time I accidentally did hit myself in the eye while wearing them and it was still blindingly bright. A quick test with my LPM showed it blocked all of the laser light from passing through. I assume it was still so bright it's because they use a reflective coating to prevent the laser from passing through instead of absorbing it like my other glasses do.


I bought my glasses for my 445nm (which also cover 473 and 532) from OEM Laser Systems, Inc. There are many reviews of their products here. I paid about $90 shipped for them but I decided it was worth spending money on quality glasses from a reputable company for use with lasers that are pushing 2 watts now.

You may want to check out the Safety forum for more info on what are decent glasses and what are crap.

Good luck with your build and (safely) enjoy your lasers!

I have the diode from this DVD burner:
Asus DRW-24B1ST 24X Internal DVD Burner - DVD±R 24X, DVD+RW 8X, DVD-RW 6X, DVD±R (DL) 12X, DVD-RAM 12X, CD-R 48X, CD-RW 32X, SATA, 2MB, Black, OEM at TigerDirect.com


I have a single diode. I heard there should be 2 in this thing, but I can't find it:can:

But the real reason I'm posting this, is that I don't know how to wire it past this. I have a laser I don't care much for (150mW red), could I use the driver from this laser. Or would I be better off getting another?

Personally I wouldn't touch my other lasers and take bits out. You could make a simple LM317 driver or buy a driver for that on a good site I know of called odicforce. Here is link: High Power Red Laser Driver Board - Hand-held Lasers - Detailed item view - OdicForce Lasers Online Shop

I used this to power my 415mA, 280mW LPC 815 driver. I recommend it, as long as you have at least 6V.

I found a few videos on Youtube, and This tutorial. But it doesn't make a lot of sense. Is there a 'Good informative video' to show how to build a LM317 from scratch?

Cancel That!

I found a good video. Most poeple were just showing off their driver when I was looking for "How to build a LM317.

Now... Does anyone know how much current that diode can handle?

Is it possible to under-power a diode?

Absolutely. Shouldn't really hurt it though. If it's not getting enough juice ot may not do anything, act like an LED, or maybe weakly lase.

cool Thanks I just wanted to make sure I wasn't gonna destroy a diode while taking it easy. Any idea what that diode can handle though?