DIY 1.2W Good Idea?

[guitar0alec]

I was looking into buying a higher 445 nm for a while, when I stumbled across this DIY build for a 1.2W blue:

DIY 1,150mW 445nm Laser Host Assembly

I have a few lasers, the strongest of which is a 150mW green, and would like to take a step up. I have never built a laser before, but I have a little experience soldering and doing basic electronic things (I play guitar and have modded guitars/pedals and whatnot). Is this build a do-able option for me? Does this kit include everything needed for this laser, aside from batteries/goggles? How hard is this to assemble? And I can't tell if this host is focusable or not, I would much preffer a focusable laser. Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Alec

 

[daawood123]

It is probably focusable, nearly all 1w lasers are. You will also need a diode, which I suggest you buy from DTR (google search), the M140, or you could just buy it from survival lasers, look in the diode section. Ask them first if the diode you are buying is compatible with the kit, and yes, it should be fine if you know what your doing, as far as I can tell, you will just need to solder the leads to the diode and then put it all together, simple as that.

Good luck and hope it turns out well for ya!

 

[awillis2589]

i can back up going with the survival laser stuff, they have great products for a good price and can help you with questions you might have.

 

[danefex]

The Survival Laser host kit is focusable yes but not because it's power or output. The lens that comes with the kit & how it's mounted into the module is what makes it focusable, it can be adjusted to unfocus as an extremely bright blue flashlight or as a tightly focused laser beam simply by turning the cap on the focus lens :beer:

 

[daawood123]

Also, just to add, when you unfocus the laser and it becomes a "extremely bright blue flashlight" like Danefox mentioned, it won't make the laser "safe", and hit in the eye will still give you permanent eye damage, focused or unfocused

 

[DrSid]

Well any defocusing makes the power density go down, and shortens the distance after which the beam is safe. Spreading the spot to 2m in diameter makes even 2W laser safe at that distance. Sentence 'hit in the eye will still give you permanent eye damage, focused or unfocused' is simply not true.
Still this applies only at some distance. At arm-length distance the focus usually does not matter. You for sure need goggles and use them.