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So, it is to check the ability of the driver to regulate current across the steeply non-linear load that a diode is?

Working, regular diodes (not LEDs). Maybe Schottky type, not sure.

By the way, I've seen recommendations to use a bunch of diodes in series as a dummy load. Why is that, why so complicated? Wouldn't a resistor work just as well for setting the current? The regulator doesn't care what exactly it's pushing the current through (within reasonable limits).

You won't be able to burn the diode as long as output current is dialed in correctly on the driver (within the limits of what the diode can handle). And, I guess, as long as you don't reverse polarity by accident.

Well that's my thought exactly, if the driver's min. operating voltage is 4.2 then it's not suitable for running off just one cell.

They indeed list is as a buck driver, and you're right, but personally, I would aim to run a 2.6 V diode off of one cell, not two, so I'm curious as to why the minimum input voltage is so high. Maybe I'm just spoiled by low-VDO linear regulators.

Of note: the diode seems to be rated up to 300 mW only as maximum continuous output power. As for that driver + LD combination, I don't see a problem, it's rated 4.2 to 8.4 volts so it should have no problem producing ~2.6 V that the diode needs. Although I'd like to see more specs for the...

The driver is of the current regulator type, it supplies constant current through the laser diode regardless of the input voltage or the characteristics of the diode itself (its internal resistance which will change with temperature, for example). The same kinds of drivers are used for LEDs (I...

Thanks for the link, they have many interesting diodes. Do the ball lens diodes still require an external lens, or will the ball lens alone produce a nice collimated beam?

Thank you for the tips, I was just starting to see the info about used LDs being in wide circulation, didn't connect the dots yet to realize the cheap Chinese pointers utilize used LDs. And I understand what you're saying with that $70 vs. $150 argument, starting to appreciate your point of...

Absolutely going to get safety glasses, and not the cheap $8 ones. Thanks for the concern!

What I meant is you suggested an $100 445 nm kit, and I couldn't see it as a justified cost given that there is Thor with the same specs for $50-70. But I fully admit that there probably is a reason for the difference, I just lack experience to see it. Going to read some reviews of the Thor to...

I have to say, those kits seem way too expensive given that LPS has 1.6 W Thor M2 for $50 and 3 W for $70 - a complete portable laser. I understand it's probably made from very cheap components and in a cheap way, but still. I'm aiming for $100 for a complete build - looking at $50 for the...

Found this thread, looks like exactly what I need. Shame I couldn't find it myself; thanks to DTR for posting the link on his website/shop :) https://laserpointerforums.com/threads/the-i-want-to-build-a-laser-thread.52972/#post740462

I have a reasonable assortment of ceramic high-power resistors, a current meter, a voltage meter, an adjustable lab power supply... The electronics doesn't scare me, the mechanics does.

Thank you very much for the info, I'm starting to understand how it's made and what goes where. The electrical engineering equipment? I have some, definitely enough to adjust the current of a driver.

Hello, I'm a newbie when it comes to lasers but I hope that can change with your help. I've browsed through the forum (and I hope I did a good enough job), there are many bits and pieces of precious info scattered around, but I couldn't find any one place where a beginner with no prior knowledge...

Thanks a lot! Is it safe to assume that all lots consisting of 3 lasers that look like these are indeed the very same models?

Really? I would expect them to be below spec, not above. Why would they underrate them? For legal reasons?

Thanks. It says 5mW, though?.. And, of course, does not ship to my country.