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Need some help (info etc)

Seany

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Right then, first of please no one call me a noob and refer me to stickies cause i'm after some specific info that isn't in them :)

Anyways i'm doing my first laser build and need some help. First off I work in a computer repair shop so i thought something needed doing with some of those old DVD drives we had out back. So i have selected a NEC ND-3520A drive (DVD R/RW, click for specs). And am currently in the process of extracting the diode from it (I have the SLED out etc so almost done, easy enough to figure out.)

Anyways my questions. does anyone know what type of diode is in this drive and what sort of power output i'm looking at? Oh and there was a tiny little plastic thing on the end of the diode that dropped off. When looked at i can see a slight purple sheen, is it bad this fell off?

Also after reding what i can i know a little. Am i going to need an Aixix module or something else to hold it? I can get this here but i'd rather a UK shop if anyone knows of any?

Also which driver would i need? i've heard of a rckstr driver but i have no idea where to buy one. Again hopefully a UK shop can sell me one of these. Also i'll need something to test my circuit with and i don't know much about testing :(

So much to learn. Lasergods i worship you :bowdown: Feel free to ask any questions if needed.

-Sean
 





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First off, you mustn't have done a lot of searching because I just found something that would answer a lot in a matter of minutes. http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/pro-tips-w-spyderz20x6-building-your-first-diy-laser-40157.html
That should answer a number of your questions.
Some photos would help a lot though as to what diode you have. I don't think it's going to be pretty powerful (although I don't know a lot about red diodes) based on those specs.
Yes, those Aixiz modules are what you need to hold the diode, or you can alternative use a Meredith module.
But basically all you need to know is in that thread.

Also, I don't know if there are any UK shops that would sell what you're after, never heard of any. It will probably be necessary to buy internationally.
 

Seany

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Read that thread. again doesn't say much about when you're getting your diodes from DVD drives :)

As for photos i will get some later as i'm at work and don't have my camera with me :)

Any sort of info about average power outputs from DVD drives?

Oh and is there a thread somewhere that describes all the bloody acronyms you guys use? i can't figure some of them out lol :(
 

Morgan

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Hi Seany,

Welcome to the forum! :wave:

(Would've welcomed you in the, "Welcome", section but your link brought me here and you have clearly jumped right in!)

I agree with Byrnz93 that the specs for that drive are pretty low. Only x5 speed ain't good for a red. And that is only the reading speed! I'm sure this will be confirmed when you have a read through the link suggested above. It does pretty much cover all you need to know.

I can help you out with an Aixiz module, diodes, etc., (see the link in my sig), and I'm in the UK.

Have a bit more of a read and PM me if you think I can help.

I hope you enjoy the new addiction you've just made for yourself! :D

All the best,

M
:)
 

Seany

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Yes certainly thanks morgan, awesome name btw :p . Do you know of any UK shops then? as i'm looking for a module/driver kit to get this thing going. Course could get them from you if you have some going :)

Does anyone know about this little plastic bit? cause i almsot lost it again lol. It was directly connected to the end of the diode.

Oh and where can i get one of those sensors that tell me what lasers are outputting? Can't think of what they're called atm -.-

-Sean

EDIT: erm, just had another look at the SLED. I've just pulled another diode from it.....2 laser diodes? what? Anyone know why there's two?
 
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Morgan

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... Just the name I was given but I'll pass the thanks on...

UK shops are a bit thin on the ground. That's why I'm trying to stock up. I think we need a UK based service. I can supply a diode, module, driver... I would always encourage you to build a driver for yourself to start with though, (DDL driver is a snap to build! Can't find the link right now but have a look for it too), as it really helps in the long run. I notice you work in a PC shop so maybe you have some soldering skills but when it comes to soldering your precious LD, (laser diode), for the first time... KNOWING you're doing it right may stop the shakes as you bring hot metal down on it!

The little plastic bit... Hmmm. Can't help on that one without photos. What shape is the diode itself? Only round ones, (5.6mm), will fit in an Aixiz anyway. With the square types there are often small beam splitters attached to the front. These are for measurement of output, (you may have noticed some internal photodiodes in the sled for this purpose), and shaping. In my experience IR, (infra-red), diodes often have small beam shaping lenses too. It is not usual to want anything in between your LD and your lens as this will only reduce useful output. The only exception to this is a small glass window that creates a sealed environment for the laser chip. DO NOT REMOVE IT!

One of, 'Those sensors', is not called an ATM although that did make me chuckle. It's called an LPM, (Laser Power Meter), and can be sourced from a member here called Lasersbee or Kenom. Here's the link for a lasersbee, http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/usb-laserbee-i-data-logging-216-99-shipped-43922.html . Don't know about the Kenometer.

Two diodes in a sled is not uncommon. Usually one is an infrared diode and one red/BR, (bluray). One to write, one to read but I'm not sure in your case. I truly suspect your diodes will not be of much use if you're looking for serious power but they are your first ones! AND they can supply you with practise handling them and, ultimately, will show you what happens when LDs die!

Get some photos posted and this will help us see if they are any use at all.

Regards,

M
:)
 
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Man, I love that "Let me Google that for you" thing!

Seany, I really suggest you get an LOC instead of working on that diode you harvested, as has been said. You will get a LOT more power with an LOC.

To tell the difference between the red and IR diode though, check the pin configuration; the red diode will have 3 pins whilst the IR diode will have a different number.
 
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The "little plastic bit" is probably the PCB board soldered on the diode pins. If it is, than you dont need that.
 

Seany

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Ok that little plastic bit, wasn't the PCB it was glued in front of the diodes glass window. trust me it's bugging me that i don't have my camera on me.

I'm thinking the little glass bit may be an IR filter? as the other diode doesn't have one and the heatsink around it is larger. I'll keep all the bits safe and get some pics on monday. Also they have the same sort of pins on them only the 2nd one has a bigger heatsink.

As for parts, you reckon you could throw a few modules and drivers my way Morgan? :p
 

Morgan

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Yeah, I can sort you out with the bits you need. I'll PM you...

Just to demonstrate a bit of logic...

An IR filter in front of an IR diode would be defeating the purpose a little don't you think! ;)

M
:)
 

Seany

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Hah yeah i suppose M, lol.

Thanks Photon that makes sense. Photo's coming in a few minutes. just got in and my camera decides the battery is flat. -.-

-Sean

EDIT: pics.

The diodes, and little plastic "thing", you can see where it was glued. The second one is still in the heatsink so i can tell which is which.
DSC00096.JPG


another shot. Quick question, may be stupid. What's the chances of mounting the laser in this micro-maglite? I'm not sure how big those modules are. Also glance upon my customised PSP ^_^ (accidentaly ripped the tracks off the motherboard to the screen, had to solder them to the motherboard to power the backlight :D )
DSC00097.JPG
 
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Seany

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This Morgan, cool guy :p

Anyway BUMP. any idea which is which as i'll be getting a few modules etc soon. Also scratch the maglite idea. just gonna botch in some crappy laser pointer i've had for years into it (most likely it's less than 1mw :D )

I have a feeling the one in the heatsink is the red LD but i'm not sure. As far as pins go they both look exactly the same. no 4th pin to be seen.

-Sean
 

Seany

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Helpful bunch eh :lol:

Anyways gonna order som Axix modules soon, got my soldering iron now

Temperature-Controlled Soldering Station : Temperature Controlled Irons & Solder Stations : Maplin

So yeah, should be able to start work soon :) Gonna build a simple DDR driver and test loads for red and blu for now while i'm experimenting on the cheapo LDs i've been harvesting left right and center then probably buy some decent ones after. Good news too. Our repair shop is going into PS3 repairs too so might get hold of some free PS3 SLEDs when the lasers need changing :D

-Sean
 




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