>300mW Mini 650nm labby

[Cube777]

Hi LPF,

Well, this is not anything spectacular, but I found a nice module that came with a heatsink and 3 element glass lens from eBay for (I think) $8.50. I also had a LPC-826 laying around so I thought I'd build a labby (well sort of!). I just went for a simple LM317 driver at 500mA, so a >300mW output. So for the pictures:

The complete setup (laser, driver and power supply):

The laser:

And the driver:

:thanks: for looking!

 

[Moistenator]

Nice build, I can't imagine you'll get much life time out of the diode but, In that small of a heatsink at such high current.

You should try drilling a CPU heatsink and using that! You could double sided tape the driver onto the back side of it! That'd be cool.

 

[Zeebit]

That heatsink looks a bit small to be called a labby, IMO.

Please add some beamshots. Everybody loves 'em.

 

[Cube777]

I have been running the laser a long time without any heat issues, and the heatsink ain't that small in real life, but there is a reason why I call it a "Mini labby". Will add beamshots soon!

 

[sinner]

I think its beautiful, Original work.. It will be always better than a "no soldering required" kit..

 

[Cube777]

Here is some beamshots:

Looks like it LED'd while I was shooting beamshots! I'm going to test it later to see if it wasn't the thermal shutdown of the driver. It's your fault Billiam! You said this would happen! I feel so stupid!:banghead: Thanks for all the positive replies!

 

[Cube777]

Nope, it LED'd.:cryyy: At least it was a good LD in it's 2 minute long life so it's going to laser heaven.:angel:

Me> -----:gun:< My mind

 

[weeba2kv]

500 mA is way to high lol , another 4 bux gone to heaven

 

[Zeebit]

Told you!
Good thing it was only $8.50.

 

[Cube777]

Bought it from Odicforce so bit more expensive.... 10 GBP

 

[sinner]

Always keep a spare diode , because if your favourite build Led's you can never forgive yourself !!

Removing one 10-Ohm resistor will give you 375mA which is plenty for the Diode to deliver 250mW

 

[Cube777]

I actually had 3 LPC-826's, the one I built into the red host (HERE) which one of my relatives broke (He broke [not LED'd, broke!] the diode, broke the host and cost me module because he twisted the head instead of the focusing ring! :banghead , and then there is this one and the other one I'm keeping for a build for a potential customer.

 

[sinner]

Have you already started to sell high powered lasers, I must warn you selling locally will only make you closer to a liability because people will point fingers at you in no time when a dumb-ass customer of yours blinds everybody.. make sure you suggest safety goggles and always hand-out a "laser safety manual" printed out on a couple of papers for the do's and donts..

I sold a laser to my neigbour , while i know he's very educated and will not do dumb stuff, he also had kids at home so i took the laser back untill he purchased two pair of safety goggles for the kids..

 

[Cube777]

^ Yes I took that in mind, I have created a little contract that the buyer must sign before buying completely making me free of all the responsibilities for the laser, so he can't sue me or something. Thank you for the idea about the safety manual for do's and dont's, and luckily he already has a pair of safety goggles. Thank you for your help!