Build or Buy?

[Gun]

Hello Everyone,

I've now decided that I'm going to build my laser, please ignore the thread title.

So I'm going to need some help with this! I need to build a laser that is not handheld as handheld lasers are illegal here. Would the parts I need for a non-handheld be much different compared to if I was building a handheld laser?

I'd like to buy the parts not online but rather from a shop that I can go to, my dad has offered to take me to any electronics store that's close (Melbourne area). Do you think I could get all the parts I need from Jaycar Electronics?


Thanks,
Gun :beer:

 

[Gun]

:bumpit:

Sorry if I'm being inpatient, it's just that 82 people have seen this thread so far and I thought at least a couple of you would have been able to give me some advice. I'd also like some answers as soon as possible since I was hoping to purchase the parts this weekend.

Also, I've edited post to ask something different entirely.
If a mod/admin could change the title of the thread to 'Need Help with Building a Laser' that would be greatly appreciated


Thanks,
Gun :beer:

 

[awillis2589]

here I'll be the first to POST. well seeing as your building your first laser there are about a million treads on how to build a laser, just search or read through thread that say Need help building a laser, or my first laser build. also you will most likely not be able to buy everything you need from the electronics store. you might be able to get some of it there like a 16X dvd burner stuff to make a simple lm317 driver, but it would be alot cheaper to buy the stuff online.

Side note double/triple posting is really looked down on in the forum! as if your really looking to get into laser Patience will be something you learn really quick.

 

[ZeroLaser]

Hi Gun,
It sounds like you are a beginner, right? I am kind of beginner myself. what is your budget? how about a lower power green (532nm) that way visibility and safety is maximized. I know my cousin, DTR, just got some green diodes in. I don't remember if he has the drivers attached in ones nice little package. if he doesn't, then we can probably point you in the right direction.

so if you don't want a handheld then how do you want to use the laser? just in your house on a table somewhere? outside on somewhere at night?

a normal "labby" setup usually involves a power supply, but it is possible to run it from batteries.

If you don't know what labby means you can just search it and there will be thousands of examples.

:bumpit:

Sorry if I'm being inpatient, it's just that 82 people have seen this thread so far and I thought at least a couple of you would have been able to give me some advice. I'd also like some answers as soon as possible since I was hoping to purchase the parts this weekend.

Also, I've edited post to ask something different entirely.
If a mod/admin could change the title of the thread to 'Need Help with Building a Laser' that would be greatly appreciated


Thanks,
Gun :beer:

 

[Gun]

Thanks for the help both of you. ZeroLaser, I just want a laser that I need plugged into the wall for it to work. So you say I'd need a power supply for this? That makes sense. Yes I know what a labby is, I guess that's sort of what I want to build. What do you think of THIS? It says it comes with a diode, lens and driver PCB. Then it says plug it into a 3VDC supply and I'm done. Is that actually all I need? (This question is directed to everyone BTW, not just ZeroLaser)

Thanks,
Gun

 

[ZeroLaser]

Ok, that particular green module is very expensive. If you searched, i bet you can find one much cheaper. I wouldn't pay more than $10 or $20 max for a green drop in module with a power output in the 5-10 mw range. But i like the power range ... stick with that.

As for the 3V power supply, you could probably just find an old wall adapter laying around the house somewhere left over from some obsolete electronics. You just need to check the sticker on the power supply to see what your are working with. If you can't find one around the house, just google something like "3v power supply" or "3v wall adapter" and you should be inundated with ads for really cheap power supplies.

 

[Gun]

Hmmm guess I can't get the parts in a physical store in Melbourne for a decent price. If any Australians here know where you can buy modules in melbourne please let me know. What about THIS or THIS? I'll need a 3V power supply for that right? How does an ordinary power supply like that work with a laser? Does it just plug into it somehow? (I'm a NOOB)

 

[ZeroLaser]

well if it is protected by a driver circuit then you just need to give it the DC voltage and current it requires. you can't throw like 200V at it or something, but you know within reason.

don't worry about your noobness. i am sort of a noob too. I am sure to the rest of the forum this looks like the blind leading the blind. lol But i think i can at least lead you in the right direction.

 

[Gun]

Oh, ok fair enough.

Don't worry, you're barely a noob. You've given me some great advice so far +1

Here's another Noob comment from me. How do I actually power a laser module with wall adapter? Do I cut it open, strip down the wires and solder them to the diode? I'm sort of confused there. How would I know which colours go to which pin on the diode.

 

[awillis2589]

If you want a good green module grab one of these https://www.fasttech.com/products/1083000 and it doesn't have to be plugged into a wall to be a labby. For example this module would work great with just a 2XAA battery holder, then all you need is a small heatsink for it to go into and you have a labby.

 

[Gun]

If you want a good green module grab one of these https://www.fasttech.com/products/1083000 and it doesn't have to be plugged into a wall to be a labby. For example this module would work great with just a 2XAA battery holder, then all you need is a small heatsink for it to go into and you have a labby.

Oh thanks very much for the link. I thought a labby was a laser that isn't handheld and has to be plugged into a wall? Would you be able to link me a battery holder and heatsink that would work well together? Also, what would I use to house this laser? Would some sort of plastic box be fine?

 

[Laik]

On the Australian customs website it says that "Hand-held devices commonly known as laser pointers with an accessible emission level of greater than 1mW." Personally i can't stand labby's and all of my lasers were/are/are going to be handheld, as long as your responsible and let your neighbours know (i have hardly any neighbours, i live more in the country part of things) you should be fine. ut it is your decision and yours only to make. It looks like you want a green laser that is about 15mW for your first build, here is everything you will need The wall adapter BRAND NEW 3V 1A AC / DC Power adapter Power supply Wall | eBay this is for U.S so you will need this UK/US/EU Universal to AU AC Power Plug Adapter Travel 3 pin Converter Australia | eBay then here is a green laser module Sales 532nm 15mW Green Laser/Lazer Diode Module wdriver | eBay you might want to get this heat sink if your going to get a bigger module that puts out more heat as well Heatsink Heat Sink/Holder/Mount for 12mm Laser Diode Modules Cooling Fixture | eBay Always remember to wear safety glasses when using your laser up close (inside) 3X Laser Eyewear Protection Goggles Safety Glasses 532nm Green 405nm Violet/Blue | eBay Have a good one mate :beer:

 

[Gun]

On the Australian customs website it says that "Hand-held devices commonly known as laser pointers with an accessible emission level of greater than 1mW." Personally i can't stand labby's and all of my lasers were/are/are going to be handheld, as long as your responsible and let your neighbours know (i have hardly any neighbours, i live more in the country part of things) you should be fine. ut it is your decision and yours only to make. It looks like you want a green laser that is about 15mW for your first build, here is everything you will need The wall adapter BRAND NEW 3V 1A AC / DC Power adapter Power supply Wall | eBay this is for U.S so you will need this UK/US/EU Universal to AU AC Power Plug Adapter Travel 3 pin Converter Australia | eBay then here is a green laser module Sales 532nm 15mW Green Laser/Lazer Diode Module wdriver | eBay you might want to get this heat sink if your going to get a bigger module that puts out more heat as well Heatsink Heat Sink/Holder/Mount for 12mm Laser Diode Modules Cooling Fixture | eBay Always remember to wear safety glasses when using your laser up close (inside) 3X Laser Eyewear Protection Goggles Safety Glasses 532nm Green 405nm Violet/Blue | eBay Have a good one mate :beer:

Just one noob question; how does that 3V adapter actually attach to the laser at all? Is there a spot where I plug it in to the laser somehow? or do you have to cut it open and solder the wires to something on the driver? I could probably find this information with a bit of research but since you're here I thought it's better off just to ask you . Also, if I did want a bit more power than 15mW would THIS module still work will everything you've linked?

Thanks for all the information mate! You even linked everything that I need; perfect! I'll probably have some more questions so keep checking back and I'm sure you'll be able to answer them.

+1 for you mate :beer:

 

[DTR]

Cut the end of the wall adapter off, strip the leads and use a meter to confirm polarity. Then solder the leads to the corresponding leads from your module after properly heatsinking it.

 

[Gun]

Cut the end of the wall adapter off, strip the leads and use a meter to confirm polarity. Then solder the leads to the corresponding leads from your module after properly heatsinking it.

How do I even use a meter to test polarity? Is that meter a necessary part or can I do this without it?

Also, do you approve of the parts Laik linked above? I was just wanting a second opinion.

 

[Wolfwood]

personally i would put a switch between the power leads and the module. this offers more control, and though a laser in that range isn't going to get hot fast, i started observing strict duty cycles and safety protocol on my first green laser, before i moved up to the higher power ones.

also, with a switch you get to solder more!

kind of a warmup before soldering your module. I always get nervous when connecting wires to actual components, after frying some rather expensive ICs on a completely unrelated project

a good idea is to find something the power adapter fits into (regardless of donor appliances voltage/current requirements) smash it up into bits with a hammer, then harvest the port that the adapter plugs into - wire that to the switch, then you can leave the adapter intact, and just plug it in, and turn it on with the switch.

just make sure as someone else said you test polarity!


i suck at ascii art schematics or i'd draw it for you here.

i hope that made sense, i'm on hour 29 of a 32 hour work day.