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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

As a newbie

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Dofu

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Hey! I'm a newbie, and what I want to do is build a laser assembly (right word?) out of several DVD burner laser diodes (I have a few from some old PCs), where each one is adjustable so they can all focus on a single point. I saw a few videos, remembered I had the DVD burners, and thought... why not? I got plenty of spare time.

Before I even grab the old DVD burners from my parents house, I'd like to know...

A.) Is what I'm thinking of possible.

B.) What kind of goggles can I get that will protect my eyes sufficiently, and

C.) I'm thinking of building a little box (plastic or glass siding so I can see inside of course) in which I can test the lasers I might make/buy in the future, lined with a fire-resistant material. Is this necessary?

~Dofu
 





Tech_Junkie

Tech_Junkie

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A. Yes.
B. Goggles that block the 650nm range.
C. No.

I can tell you right now this project is for advanced DIYers. But if you are up for a challenge then all the info you need about combining beams is out there.
 
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Dofu

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Tech_Junkie said:
A. Yes.
B. Goggles that block the 650nm range.
C. No.

I can tell you right now this project is for advanced DIYers. But if you are up for a challenge then all the info you need about combining beams is out there.
Click to expand...
1. Awesome! Much fun shall be had :D
2. Are there any brands you personally recommend? I prefer cheap, but not if it comes at the cost of the quality. My eyes, so precious to me.
3. Also good news. Now I just need to set up a workspace.

I'm new to Soldering, but I'll probably be practicing that for a while before I go about making this (the links in your signature are very helpful, thanks!). I believe I am up to the task!

And if not, well... then I guess I'm out a couple laser diodes (and hopefully that's all) :D

~Dofu
 
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Tech_Junkie

Tech_Junkie

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Hey, sorry I didnt answer earlier. For some reason I didnt get the email notification.

I only use OEM goggles. To me they are far superior, but you pay for it. You can do a quick search of the forum for other reviews of cheaper goggles.
 
Toaster

Toaster

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I have heard Dragonlasers are good for goggles!! Beam combining with reds have been done although sadly, I cant remember the project name.
 
sampson

sampson

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Like TJ said... OEM is one of the BEST for goggles.

Like Toaster said.. Dragon has some excellent prices.

Either way.. get some goggles! And have fun! :beer:
 
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aryntha

aryntha

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Your biggest challenge will be the combining optics. You won't be able to use the lenses in the DVD drives; you MAY be able to use some beam splitter blocks if it has them. You'll have to get something custom, or optics that are meant for the purpose.

As TJ said though they do exist, and this certainly isn't exactly a 'lunatic fringe' project or anything, just very difficult to do the alignment and get the optics right.

I'd start with Step #1 - getting the diodes driven correctly. Have you built current limiting drivers before? If not, they can be purchased from several sellers here premade, but just be sure that you understand that each diode will need a driver, to start. (And the need for a dummy load when adjusting their current, if premade.) Then you can go on to collimating each diode, and then combining them.
 
sampson

sampson

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Toaster said:
I am confused by Sampson's post... :/ Lol
Click to expand...

Sorry bout that..

I just meant that the OEM goggles are freaking awesome.. but the price is quite extraordinary too.

Dragon has decent goggles that get the job done at reasonable prices; I own them and I endorse them.. for what that's worth :p

If you can afford OEM.. get em. If you can't.. get the ones from Dragon.

Is that more clear, Toaster? :thinking:
 
sampson

sampson

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Toaster said:
He just repeated what we said. Thats why. Anyway. Peace
Click to expand...

Toaster,
When several people agree on a subject it gives the OP, or anyone else that's learning something, confidence in the information. Also, don't be a dick.
Sincerely,
Sampson
 
Tech_Junkie

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