Welcome to Laser Pointer Forums - discuss green laser pointers, blue laser pointers, and all types of lasers

LPF Donation via Stripe | LPF Donation - Other Methods

Links below open in new window

ArcticMyst Security by Avery

DIY: NewWish 5mW Green Laser Pen Power Upgrade up to 150mW

Joined
Jun 13, 2007
Messages
5,410
Points
113
This tutorial is intended for US citizens that are only able to import 5mW or weaker lasers without FDA safety features.

This is legal because it is only illegal to import a handheld laser over 5mW into the US, you can import laser modules over 5mW without FDA safety features 100% legally. It is also legal to assemble your own handheld laser over 5mW as long as you don't sell it.

This mod requires very basic soldering skills.

Be careful with any laser, don't point it at aircraft and use goggles when necessary!

Step-by-step video:

Parts
For parts you will need:
-Any NewWish pen green laser. Here is the $10 "True 5mW" from DX
-A green laser module from this site. Here is the 200mW rated module (should output at least 100mW-150mW)
-A vise
-A soldering Iron
-A small 2x4 or similar block of wood.
1.JPG



Step 1 - Pointer Disassembly
Start by drilling a 1/2" hole in the block of wood. Next cut it in half so that you have a clamp that will hold your laser. The wood is used here so the metal vise doesn't scratch up the laser.
2.JPG


Place the silver cap into the clamp, and then tighten the vise. Wiggle the pointer around until the module pulls out, the module is only press fit in there so there is no glue or threads to worry about.
3.JPG



Step 2 - Module Mods
Take the button and set it aside, do not lose it! Take the foam spring protector and the silver cap off of the old module, and screw the silver cap onto the new module.
4.JPG


The new module will come with lead wires soldered to it, you will have to remove these by desoldering them.
5.JPG


Desolder the spring off of the old module and solder it on to the new module.
6.JPG



Step 3 - Reassembly
Put the button back into the laser pointer, and then align the module's switch with the button.
7.JPG


Put the module and pointer top in a vise and press them together, do NOT over tighten. Put a rag in the vice so you don't smash the pointer with metal on metal contact.
8.JPG


Put your batteries back in the laser and you are ready to go!

Depending on how powerful of a laser module you purchased, you could be able to light matches and pop balloons with your new laser.
9.JPG


Enjoy and be careful!
 





Joined
May 4, 2009
Messages
2,238
Points
83
Nice!

I had a feeling something like this could be possible with DX's high powered modules, i just didn't think it was going to be that simple
 
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
878
Points
0
Good vid!


I was working recently on a upgrade for a DX purple pen.

I had removed the laser diode and replaced it with a PHR. But a bad solder connection broke and killed it (partly because I had to solder lead extensions and they where fragile). I'll try again when I'll have a new sled.

I really like your block + vice idea, thanks for sharing! I scratched the head of my laser while disassembling it, but I buffed and shined it up with my Dremel so now it's golden. :D
 
Joined
Jun 13, 2007
Messages
5,410
Points
113
Thanks for the compliments guys!

BTW the block/vise trick isn't my original idea, I think it was Hemlock_Mike that first mentioned the idea a couple years ago. I've used it ever since without failure.
 
Joined
May 2, 2010
Messages
105
Points
0
Guys, Where can I get some good quality and compatible modules for this pen? I like the pen style, but the module inside (with its optics) is so crappy.
 
Joined
Jul 8, 2011
Messages
3
Points
0
Not so important as far as function, but I am curious how this affects battery life. I ordered a 30mW to do this with since 150mW seems like it may produce too much heat in this body.
 

ped

0
Joined
Nov 25, 2008
Messages
4,889
Points
113
Just have to take that into account and reduce the duty cycle.

O-Like is good for modules or odicforce.
 
Joined
Oct 26, 2007
Messages
5,438
Points
83
jont, this thread was over a year old when you replied to it. What the hell were you doing? Fishing around 5-pages back?
 
Joined
Jul 8, 2011
Messages
3
Points
0
jont, this thread was over a year old when you replied to it. What the hell were you doing? Fishing around 5-pages back?

Funny story...I got a 5mW laser and well...it just couldn't sate my lust for a powerful green laser. Styro's tutorial came up in a Google search for "Upgrade green laser", and I just figured I would put some life back into this thread. lol. I'm new to lasers, but they have always fascinated me, so I think it's time I start my journey into the world of high powered lasers.
 
Joined
Jul 8, 2011
Messages
3
Points
0
Will do. Most forums I belong to prefer the continuity. I don't have a preference. Thanks for the info.
 




Top