Beginners help!!

Hi!
Im thinking of building my first build and I was just needing some help from this forum. I really dont know much, but can learn quick =p...Some info I would need are...
what do these do? and when would i need them:
flexdrive
driver

and whats some things i will need to buy except for these (aixiz module+lens, diode, host, batteries, heatsink, focuser?)

Do I really need a testload and a meter? THANKS!

Mikey, read some of the stickies at the top of this section. They should answer all the questions you've posted. If you decide to actually build a laser you'll end up with many, many more questions. Use the search feature on the forums because there is a good chance someone else has asked and been answered before.

Flexdrive is a type of laser diode driver. It regulates current from your power source to the laser diode. It is essential in most if not all laser builds. Not using a driver is called direct drive and will likely kill your diode.

A test load and meter are essential tools needed to set a driver to a desired current. Without them it's difficult to accurately tell what the output of your driver is. Not testing output may also cause you to kill a diode by sending it to much current. One option would be to buy a driver that has been preset to a specific mA.

Do a lot of reading and use the search. You'll have the knowledge you need in no time.

Sound and surprisingly complete advice Plan B
+1 for you

Hey! Thx for the rep Auto! Much appreciated. I probably should have added that Mikey needs to add laser safety goggles to his list of needed items. I'll make sure to get ya back when I can give positive and not just neutral. I've seen you lend a helpful hand to many members here.

True enough,
Laser glasses are not only good for protection, the allow you to see the dot clearly without all the "splash" so you can focus your laser perfectly instead of just guessing between two unfocused spots in the lens' rotation.

o so testloads are for the drivers... i see and are those "meters" that show the laser diodes max mw needed? Also, how do i know what kind of drivers i will be using?

mikey123555 said:

o so testloads are for the drivers... i see and are those "meters" that show the laser diodes max mw needed? Also, how do i know what kind of drivers i will be using?

Click to expand...

There are LPM (Laser Power Meters) which will show you how many mW your laser is putting out.
There are DMM (Digital Multimeters) which will show you how many mA your driver will be putting into your diode when you hook it all up.

The latter is essential for making a laser otherwise you wouldn't be able to get a reading of the current of the driver from the test load.

A LPM is nice to have but is definately not required.