CHEAP electronics parts for DIY lasers

[styropyro]

Check out this store on eBay, he ships worldwide:
http://stores.ebay.com/Techno-Star_W0QQsspagenameZL2222QQtZkm
Look at the prices for his capacitors! He has 16v 10uf capacitors for 3¢ a piece. He has 7805 regulators for only 25¢ a piece and 78L05A regulators for 10¢, sure beats radioshack's prices. He has a bunch of stuff that look fun to mess around with so I thought you guys might find this store useful.

 

[zerafiel]

Yes this store is great. Great prices. Those 10uf 16v caps should be all you need for BR diodes.
Note especially the 50ohm 25 turn trimpots for $0.99

 

[Greenie]

Oh thats a great selection he has. Nice Find.

 

[Gazoo]

He combines shipping and is a fast shipper too! I ordered some stuff from him but I forgot to order the 50ohm trim pots so I had to place a second order for them. BTW, I thank styro for pointing the website out to me and posting the link here. I can assure all of you this guy is a great seller

IMO the 10uf 16v caps are all you need for any laser diode. Currently for the BR diode I am using a 78L05A, a 9.7 ohm 1/4 watt resistor in series with the diode, a 1 ohm resistor used to measure current (this is optional and can be removed after taking the reading to save space) and of course the capacitor soldered across the diode. NOTE- Every diode is going to be a little different. The way I calculated the resistor was to use my 25 ohm rheostat, and once I achieved a comfortable ~35ma's, I measured the resistance across the rheostat which gave me the value of resistor I would need.

I would prefer to use the 50 ohm trim pots for a precise way to adjust the current and will as soon as I receive them. I plan to build a dual regulator set up, one for the BR and the other for the red. I know the red in this diode is weak, but I am curious and I like to experiment..

 

[Shilood]

I just picked up a few pieces and parts from him. Very nice selection... Thanks!

 

[o_DEATH_ANG3L_o]

VERY nice find! ;D

 

[rog8811]

Nice one, at last a one stop shop for important little bits

Regards rog8811

 

[amkdeath]

CHEAP STUFF
now i can really make a profit off those lasers....
ER UMM, im not selling them....
;D