Need help with laser project!

Hi everyone! I'm VERY new here (1 week...) and I need a TON (not really) of help with my laser project.

My background: I am a 13yr. old 7th grader that has an EXTREME interest in "tinkering" and building things. I had seen the KipKay video "Cheapy Lighter Laser Burner" and I LOVED the idea (all around aspect, not just burning.). So I approached my mom, she gave the OK, my dad...not so much.
Long story short(er), we ended up purchasing non burning parts so I can't light stuff on fire. I'm very responsible and would NOT be stupid enough to point it around indoors anyways...

SO!

I have...
(1) Aixiz 405nm/445nm laser driver
(2) Aixiz 405nm lasers (accidentally purchased 2...let me know what I can do with the 2nd!)
(2) 12v batteries (to take buton cells out of!)
(1) Small momentary switch (button)
(∞) 4.3 ohm resistors (they came in a bundle )
(1 reel) Rosin core solder

NOW

Sadly, Kip's video shows a different driver (one that costs $45+...). His vid said go to Laserdiy.com. I didn't. His parts section on his website said other wise. I went with the parts.
So Aixiz has been GREAT with their service...but I need help.
I'm not sure how to wire this.
A tutorial online showed these kids just hooking their modules (650nm I believe) right up to the batteries (with a switch between) and they were shining them around for a bit...like a few days.
But I know that I probably need the driver and all.
I was told that the resistors might not be needed.
AGAIN!
I am a 7th GRADER. I have NO EXPERIENCE with anything like resistance and load and etc... I am willing to learn!

How does one think that this project shall be set up and wired?
ALSO
I have seen videos (like Kip's) not show any wires connecting to the negative contact on the driver...
I thought that you had to have a negative to complete the circuit? :wtf:

Thanks a million,
Ryan

Well, before you dive into this laser building hobby you need to go learn some basic electronics. Maybe check out a site like All About Electronics and read through the basics. If you don't know anything about resistance and voltage and basic electronics you're just going to burn out your parts and have to buy new ones. So it's important to learn the basics before you dive in.

We're also not going to hold your hand through all the basic steps that you should learn and research on your own -- no matter what your age. That'll hurt you in the long run, anyway.

Those sites like you mention where people hook up laser parts to a resistor as a "driver" have cost many lasers their lives. You don't want to do this; you want to do it properly. You risk destroying your parts, causing damage to objects around you, and even injuring yourself. Beware that this is an expensive hobby, and even the best of us have destroyed our projects in accidents and experiments.

RMN1229 said:

I'm very responsible and would NOT be stupid enough to point it around indoors anyways...

Click to expand...

Ryan, I think the Badger summed it up very nicely for you. Let me expand on it a little bit:

You will want to go through an Algebra I class in the least, if you want to understand anything on allaboutcircuits.com

Excelling in Algebra classes and trigonometry will greatly expand your ability to read through that website, other tutorials on the web, and even laser diode datasheets. This will happen with time - but it will happen.

And since you're very responsible, you ought to be mature enough to not take offense when I tell you to pick up some good laser safety glasses now, and to practice setting good habits. In many situations, it is more appropriate to shine a laser indoors rather than outdoors. (Outdoors are where kids and their pointers get into trouble)

Just remember

Pointing at anything you wouldn't shoot with a gun = $11,000 fine

A lot of us members are here to help if you get stuck on something, but we will still encourage you to learn on your own by pointing you in the right direction.

Stay safe around those electronics and photons!

Tyler