Built: 635/10mW in KD CR2 casing

[Benm]

I recently ordered a 10 mW 635nm module from aixiz, available here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120276579809

The module had a line generating optic, but was cheaper than the other listings, so i bought it and removed the line generator (its a grating of sorts between the lens and the ring over the lens thread, easy to take out).

The module is supposed to run off 3.2 volts, and, interestingly, the anode of the diode is connected to the case. Though this is common for IR pump diodes, most DVD-player red diodes have their cathode connected to the case. This difference made it easy to retrofit a dead KD-30mw green CR2 with this module.

I installed the whole aixiz thing in the front portion of the housing, but needed to remove a few mm from the back of the aixiz to make it all fit. Then i soldered a piece of PCB material into the ring that holds the pieces of the CR2 casing together - see picture. Just add a spring, and its good to go!

 

[Benm]

Next up: beamshot at about 10 meters distance onto a plastered wall. The other lasers competing are a ~200 mW DVD writer laser (homebrew) and a 30 mW CR2 powered greenie from DX. The photo captures the difference in brightness to the eye resonably well, though the 635 looks a little bit brighter to my eye than in this picture.

 

[Benm]

Lets compare the 10 mW/635 to the standard ~5mW/650 nm module. The one used here is from DX, but apparently no different than the ones aixiz sells.

To the eye the 635 looks a fair bit brighter, but the photograph doesnt capture this very well. I took a few shots with the lasers focussed to a somewhat wider spot, see insets. Especially on the lowest exposure, the 635 looks very orange on the camera, but i personally dont see it like that. There is defenitely a visible difference in color, but not as dramatic as in the pictures.


... anyway, it was simple project to build, and gives me a safe to use, reasonably bright red laser. Cost was $19 shipped for the module, plus the housing from a dead 30 mW CR2 green from kaidomain (new price around $28).

 

[HACKALASERS]

very nice im working on a 300mw red.