Help on dyi

[RYANZKWL]

i guys this is my first post.

Well i am debating on what laser to get a PHR-803T or a LPC-815 diode which one is better for burning?

Oh and one more thing where do i find heat sinks? and do i need them?

 

[photonaholic]

Welcome to LPF. Enjoy your time with us here.

I have compiled a list of "must read" information, it will make your time with us more productive and pleasant.

Laser Resources (for n00bs and veterans alike!)

http://laserpointerforums.com/f36/looking-build-laser-read-me-47684.html

Sam's Laser FAQ (The Laser Bible)

Sam's Laser FAQ - Preface, Introduction, What is a Laser?, Safety

RP Photonics Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology

Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology - an Open Access Resource of In-Depth Information, Free Articles, Nonlinear and Fiber Optics

I have included a handy guide to assist you in finding what you need.

 

[RYANZKWL]

Thx for the info i will refer 2 it when i need to and by the looks of it it is quality info and thx for the welcome!

I do need 2 kno what diode is better for burning things. I do kno that 200mw (LPC-815) is a stronger laser and that 100mw (PHR-803) but which one is better and if you could find me a blu-ray diode (more than 100mw) already pressed into a axiz module that would be AWESOME!!!!

P.S i need it cheap because i have to buy the driver and project box and maybe a heatsink i dont kno.

 

[jaycey]

PHR 803t for burning, buy from Modwerx.

Driver in a project box HAS to be a DDL driver its soooo cheap!

Good luck


It helps alot when you let ppl know where in the world you are.

 

[RYANZKWL]

im in canada!

 

[RYANZKWL]

and what about a 405nm SF-AW210 Blu Ray

 

[RYANZKWL]

PHR 803t for burning, buy from Modwerx.

Driver in a project box HAS to be a DDL driver its soooo cheap!

Good luck


It helps alot when you let ppl know where in the world you are.

Can i use a rckstr driver instead?

 

[StridAst]

those 6x diodes can push 200mw if you buy a high power lens. However the cost of the high power lens is a fair amount. However once you are getting up in the 200mw range of blu-ray you can't depend on a cheap acrylic lens anymore. They will degrade at those power levels.

Modwerx is an excellent place to purchase components from. As for a heatsink, if you want to be burning things, you definitely need a heatsink.

the LPC-815 diodes will burn better then a PHR. but only dark colored things. You can make anything you wish to burn dark with a black sharpie. However you can't burn through white paper with a LPC-815 very well. The blu-rays perform much better for the lighter colors. However the cheap reds are a lot of bang for your buck

Downside: Red goggles tend to cost more then the cheap blu-ray protection you can find on the forum. You need to get yourself a pair of goggles even before you get a laser. You can't really burn anything without goggles. Except of course in the case of burning your retinas. Those are quite easy to burn with any high powered laser. Simply staring at the focused dot while you burn with one can easily do permanent damage to your eyes. It's very difficult to burn anything without being able to see what you are doing. So get the goggles first. The laser second.

the links that Wayne posted for you are important. Read them before you make your choice on a laser, and before you purchase anything. They are really the very first step. Eliminating steps, such as reading those links or purchasing goggles, leaves you highly likely to simply lose a piece of your own vision or else destroy someone elses. Be safe in your burning and you will have a lot of fun. Rush into things without safely and you will regret it for the rest of your life. Accidents happen in this hobby at the speed of light... It really doesn't leave room for error.

EDIT: Yes you can use a rkcstr driver. They work fine. Just be careful with soldering the diode to the driver. They die REALLY fast to heat. you absolutely must solder quickly. If you overheat the diode, all you get is a dim light and a lot of frustration

 

[buster7467]

and what about a 405nm SF-AW210 Blu Ray

From all the info that i could find, the GGW is a better choice when it comes to 6x bluray diodes. I just started out a few weeks ago with lasers and i did the PHR with a rkcstr driver for my first laser. I bought the 100mw bluray module from hightechdealz.com
The diode burnt out within like 15 minutes of use so i bought 3 more PHR diodes and kept replacing them but they just dont seem to last very long. I then bought the GGW sled off of hightechdealz and am more than happy with it. If i was you, i would buy the GGW sled because you get the 6x bluray diode and a LCC red diode that burns great also. You will want a heatsink on the 6x bluray and one on the LCC if you plan on running it with a high current.

And take everyones advice on getting a pair of goggles made for what ever diode you plan on using.

 

[kingdave2357]

i would recommend a SF-AW210 for your first build, i have one set to 177mA with a G-1 405nm (jayrob)lens mod, and its outputting 230mW, there rather cheap(modwerx had em for $28 but their sold out)
check out jayrob's pocket mini build kit: http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-pocket-mini-build-kit-easy-assembly-22537-23.html
its a great host, but you have to use a flexdrive(rkcstr wont fit)

 

[RYANZKWL]

im thinking about this module Laser module w/ heatsink and AR coated glass lens (635-670nm) [LFM2] - $12.99 : Modwerx Shop with a built in heat sink but does the AR coated lens make the blu-ray laser less strong? And also im thinking of using this diode: 405nm 300mW blu-ray laser diode /6x blu-ray diode sled [OLBVD300] - $28.99 : O-Like, Quality Products, Great Prices. So can u tell me if this is a good idea to use these.

 

[kingdave2357]

AR coated glass lenses let more light(of a certain wavelenght) through, making the laser more powerfull, however your link says 635-670nm, that AR coating is for a RED laser(650nm) a blu-ray will not work properly with a AR coated lens for red.
That diode is an SF-AW210, and at a good price, however o-like is in china, so you might have to wait longer for your diode, modwerx should restock them soon, and either hightechdealz.com or stonetek.org should carry an SF and it will get to you quicker.
i would advise you to browse jayrob's kits, they have a custom machined heatsink that fits the host like a glove
i would advise you to get some aixiz modules, SF-AW210 diode, Jayrob build kit(you can even get a kit with a flexdrive installed and lead wires soldered on for you, just connect your module and you have a laser

 

[RYANZKWL]

3 THINGS:

1. Can i just put a axiz lens in place of the AR coated lens

2. i want my laser to be completely built by me be with different parts not just a kit i want it 2 be original because it's my first laser.

3. Heat sinks are expensive but if you can find one under 20$ That would be great. Jayrob has some but they are expensive compared to the module that i was looking at.

 

[buster7467]

I used the 3405 mxdl flashlight host from hightechdealz.com it is cheap and then i bought a heatsink from jayrob that he makes for the 3405 host. This is my first laser and it is working great. I looked at the aixiz modules that you have the link to but i dont think they can compete with jayrob heatsinks. I think you should go with a build kit or just do what i did for your first complete laser. Save the originality for later when you understand how to build one from start to finish. Trust me, once you get the first one out of the way you will be building more of them.

 

[mfo]

PHR 803t for burning, buy from Modwerx.

Driver in a project box HAS to be a DDL driver its soooo cheap!

Good luck


It helps alot when you let ppl know where in the world you are.

Nah, don't buy from Modwerx.

Instead, buy from hightechdealz.com.

405nm PHR-803T Blu Ray Diode in Aixiz Laser Module Housing [PHR-803T in Aixiz module] - $19.83 : High Tech DealZ, Simplifying the LASER Hobby!

Kendall (Owned of high tech dealz) offers free shipping. So while the product on hightechdealz.com might be .84 cents more expensive, you'll get free shipping so you'd actually be saving $ because modwerx tends to overcharge on shipping rates.

I just factored in the shipping.

18.99 + $3.56 = 22.55 grand total from modwerx.com
19.83 grand total from hightechdealz.com

That's a savings of $2.72 that you can use towards your driver or host.

 

[RYANZKWL]

i want 2 make a laser under 60$ cuz i have a budget (which is low i know) so im thinking of buying a 28$ 6x 300mw diode + 18$ rckstr driver, need a cheap heat sink under 20$ so i was thinking of replacing the lens of the module with built in heat sink to a axiz lens (12.99$).

Total so far = 58.99$