Another "First Build-Need Help" thread

[TM Ru22311]

Hello everyone. Let me start by saying I do have a "Basic" understanding of electronics, but always eager to learn. This will be my first laser build and I have been reading through all the wonderfully useful info this forum provides over the past few days (Thanks to all who contributed). I am looking for some help with this build, let me give you a list of my components:

LD - Pulled from a Lite-On 16x DVD-RW
Driver - Adjustable current laser diode driver 80-500mA w/TTL
Module - 650nm 5mW laser module.3.2V 12x30mm
Source - Energizer Lithium rechargeable batteries
Housing - Undecided (Mag-Lite, possibly)

After doing some research here, I see that the driver I chose is probably not the best choice. I don't plan on using the TTL, but I will later decide on my housing based on space availability. I was able to get all the components to build my own driver (except the pot)...Radio Shack :yabbmad: So I ordered the pre-built. I am unsure on the batteries. Should I go with AA or AAA and how many (3)? Also, I am not too sure on how to wire this driver. I have been reading about "Test Load" and that is also a concern I have with this "Adjustable" driver. Any help, input and recommendations will be VERY appreciated! Thanks everyone.

I probably won't receive all my parts for a few more days. I'm just planning ahead. :yh: and I apologize if this is a common question. I did look before posting :yabbem:

 

[IsaacT]

You should pick a host first. You will need to be able to procure a heatsink, so having either a very common flashlight host or a generic project box will be your best options. Take a look in the B/S/T section for host kits.

Once you find your host and heatsink, you can start looking at drivers. Many flashlight hosts will need a small driver. Go to the "companies" section of the forum and look in the stickies for a "Support LPF" thread. In there I have listed all the current driver vendors. You can contact them for more information on their offerings.

Most hosts are fit for special Lithium Ion batteries. Once you find out how many batteries your driver needs(since it is a red build you may be able to get away with one or two, such that it will work with either quantity) you can order some LiIons off of Fasttech.com

1. If you need one battery, you will need to get 18650 Lithium ions. I recommend Panasonic 3400mAh NCR18650 batteries.

2. If you need two batteries, you will need 2 16340 LiIon batteries. Any generic brand will do.


lastly, you will need an Aixiz module. Contact aixiz directly and you can get those for cheap. Search on the forums for how to press your diode using only the back of the module.

Hope that helps, I am on my phone so I cant provide links but you should have no problem finding the info I spoke of.

Cheers and good luck!
-Isaac

 

[Kookapeli]

Hey TM, I know a host that Will fit that driver and that's a guidsmaan, Eudomonium
sells the heatsinks for these, i'm sure he'll tell you where to get the host, the host is only a couple of dollars but it's sturdy.

click on the orange links in my sig for more help

 

[TM Ru22311]

Thank you all for the quick responses and help. I never thought the host would be the first thing you would need to decide on, but it does make sense to get parts to fit in whatever you decide on. I have picked up an Aixiz module to fit my LD already. I also never really thought about the type of batteries needed as your source, but to get maximum power along side longevity, that makes sense as well.
Thanks for putting me in the right direction gentlemen, I am sure I will have more questions later in the build. Nice to know I have a place to get the right answers.
BTW. wannaburnstuff, that laser pictured as your avatar looks pretty darn awesome! Man, I can't wait to get deep into all this!!!

 

[TM Ru22311]

I had a quick question about Test Loads. Would this be required/recommended for my build? I was looking at buying one of Jufran88's DIY 3A selectable test load kits from the B/S/T section. Also, I am a little confused about heatsinks. Are they for the LD or the driver? Couldn't find any info on that (Sorry, this forum is massive)! I had no idea there was so much to this hobby, but it is wonderfully overwhelming.

 

[IsaacT]

In response to testloads: highly recommended. If you have an adjustable driver then necessary, but I went my first 3 years with no testload by only using fixed drivers. I would recommend it though. It is a skill which is better learned and made into a habit early on.

 

[Kookapeli]

The heatsink I mentioned was for the aixiz module, heatsinks for the driver are for higher power builds