How many mw should I make my 445 build?

So i recently bought a 445 diode from DTR and now I am looking for a host. I have an idea on what host im going to go with but not 100%. So here is my question how many mw should I make my 445 build so when I turn it on I dont always need to wear safety glasses. I have been reading and many people say you can barely open your eyes comfortably without having safety glasses on for a 1W 445. I believe it, but I still dont know how many mw to set it to. Now obviously when Im burning something I will need safety glasses. But what about when I just want to see the beautiful beam and/or show people.


Thanks,
Trever

You can view the beam without safety glasses but it can do damage even if you are dot viewing within something like 15 feet.
The safety glasses won't let you see the beam no matter what, there is so little light there that it is blocked by even the worst quality/non-protective glasses on the market (like the ones WL sends with their lasers) :evil:
If you can see the beam, the laser is WAY more than capable of doing damage to your eyes.
My 1.5A 445 is brilliant in most conditions, it really has the "wow" factor
@250mA, you probably won't even have a very bright beam and it is still a class 3b laser.
If you are only using it or showing it off outside, you and your "audience" will be fine if you take care.
Keep in mind, if you sneezed or something and got someone in the eye, I'm pretty sure any court in any country would hold you responsible.
You have to ask yourself "is it worth it?" every time you turn it on.
That is a LOT of power to "play" with.
Safe Lasing bro!

-Auto

Ok, I understand everything you said but that still dosent really give me a answer:thinking:

Hi.
Might I suggest you take a look at this idea that came to me?
It's about having two modes, one for safe pointing, one for burning.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/hi-lo-mode-lm317-driver-proposal-58231.html

Of course, that idea would only work with a DIY lm317-based driver,
if you were thinking of using a "proper" driver from, say, dr.lava, I wouldn't
know how to achieve that.

anselm said:

Hi.
Might I suggest you take a look at this idea that came to me?
It's about having two modes, one for safe pointing, one for burning.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/hi-lo-mode-lm317-driver-proposal-58231.html

Of course, that idea would only work with a DIY lm317-based driver,
if you were thinking of using a "proper" driver from, say, dr.lava, I wouldn't
know how to achieve that.

Click to expand...

hey, thanks for the idea but i plan on using this http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/aurora-sh-032-kit-51476.html host so it will not work. Nice thought though

Basically use 250ma if you want to be safe and not wear glasses, and 1.2A if you want a beam, but you have to use glasses.

Crank it to 1A and enjoy the beam
But thats just me

To directly answer your question then:
A 445 laser will either be below lasing threshold or an extreme hazard to your eyes.
If you want a safe laser, spend $5 and get a crappy little red pointer.
The 445 diodes are for SERIOUS laser enthusiasts and people that don't respect that power have no business using them.
I gave you information, YOU have to make the decision
"yes, I want to put my friends' vision at risk"
or
"no, I think I'll put all of this laser stuff in a drawer and go back to watching TV"

Build a 200mw Red and see what that's like without protection, then you may proceed to 300mw Green and see what that's like without protection, now you're ready for 400mw of 445nm. This is a logical progression that always leads to the use of quality eye protection. There are progressive amounts of damage at these levels, that almost always steer the cautious user to get quality eye protection. I made "one" mistake with a diffuse unfocused 445nm 1w on a piece of dark paper(burning it) and I immediately turned my head. Yes the paper caught on fire, but I worried for the rest of the evening. I was OK, but just wear eye protection please. And go for 500mw for now.