How could I have not had a laser sooner?!

[Anatomy]

Anyways, hello! I've been a tech geek in general all my life, mostly related to building computers and being interested in technology in general. I've always loved gadgets and things like RC models and robots, but I just recently rediscovered lasers. It was oddly when one night I had a random dream about having a 445nm blue laser pointer, and when I woke up I realized, "Why the hell don't I own any lasers?". I went looking for one to buy and came across this site in the process. I'm a laser and optics novice but I really look forward to building my own lasers, and learning a lot. It would make a sweet hobby (Remember how I said I built computers? I have a ton of left over components that would make fine lasers!) So hello to you all and I hope I have a good time here and look forward to learning!

 

[ARG]

Welcome! If you don't mind me asking, you from East or West Canada?

 

[Anatomy]

West. And from seeing your location, I'll gladly reveal I live near Vancouver :wave:

 

[blue bumblebee]

WOW nice!
that makes 4 of us including rhd

 

[Anatomy]

Hah! Nice to see the Canadians repping here, and so many from the west coast!

 

[ARG]

Shorty In Canada is also in the lower mainland, I never knew you were in Canada bumblebee

 

[blue bumblebee]

you too!
btw do you have a lpm?
ive been trying to crash RHD's place this summer, but he doesnt have any time
maybe you would like a visit?

 

[ARG]

I need to buy one, i'll get one when probably end of august, when I get laser for my projector so I can do color balance, by the way, i'm actually in Richmond, I just say Vancouver as everyone know were that is after riots/Olympics

 

[ShortyInCanada]

Like, good-day, eh, to you too.

So "tons of computer left over parts" huh ?
You thinking of making a laser into some of those "laser" named hardware devices ?
It would be pretty cool to have a working wireless keyboard that, when a certain combination of keys is pressed, suddenly emits a powerful beam. (or even a spirograph display. With keypad keys affecting the functions...even cooler.)
Make it secure by requiring the keys to be pressed in a predesignated order for mega-bonus points !

Wow. I think I just accidentally came up with a great project...

 

[Anatomy]

Damn! I never thought of that no, but I'm sure it would be possible with the right software knowledge. I couldn't do it lol. Yeah I'm probably going to make a few of the diode-in-the-heat-sink deals just to learn the basics of working with drivers and stuffing diodes into Aixiz modules.

 

[Denson]

welcome, make sure you have safety glass's,

 

[Anatomy]

Thanks Denson. And yep I picked up a nice pair of certified ones from Lazerglow. I didn't mind the price, and I found an old code here that saved me 17$ (And yes they offer the correct protection for the wavelength of my laz0rs ) I would never dream of risking my eyes.