"almost" free meter build

[JSP4th]

This site I found Has just about everything you ever wanted to know about lasers, including a very cheap way to build your own power meter.

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserioi.htm


LASER GAZERS

 

[691175002]

You can buy a similar circuit cheaply from laserbee, however these won't be very practical to build yourself.

Photodiodes are very limited in the power they can measure, I believe laserbee's only goes to 120mW.
As well, they are very wavelength dependent and are unable to measure shorter wavelengths such as 404.

Finally, you would need a second accurate power meter to calibrate it, which defeats the entire point.

Benm's diode thermal based power meter still wins for cheap DIY.

 

[ben74]

Benm's diode thermal based power meter still wins for cheap DIY.

Remind you of anything ;D