I have a doner laptop with writable CD drive

[new laser guy]

Is there any way to tell what diode it has before I take it apart? Similarly, are diodes coded so that you can tell what it is when it is by itself? My doner laptop is a Compaq Presario Series PP2150. I did look through alot of threads and searched but, couldn't come up with an answer. I am TOTALLY new so, please have mercy!

 

[vitalyx]

Welcome to the forum!

I think you should at least tell us what type of drive your laptop has, and what's the speed of that drive.

 

[new laser guy]

The laptop does not say what speed of the drive is, it only says compact disc recordable rewritable DVD ROM. The screen doesnt work so, I cant find out by booting it up either.

 

[KGB_Productions]

The laptop does not say what speed of the drive is, it only says compact disc recordable rewritable DVD ROM. The screen doesnt work so, I cant find out by booting it up either.

Lol, sounds like your SOL.....the only way to tell is to get the model number for the CD BURNER drive.

 

[new laser guy]

after some more research...I think I found it! Is it any good?

Laptop Optical Drive: Drive : IDE DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive - 8X speed CD-R (1200 KB/s) 8X speed CD-RW (1200 KB/s) 24X speed CD-ROM (3600 KB/s) and 8X speed DVD (10800 KB/s)

 

[MarioMaster]

CD drives use ~780nm laser diodes, and are usually not more than 150mW. I'd say you're better off keeping your laptop as it is and just go buy a diode for $10-20

 

[new laser guy]

Great! Thanks! I really want to build a blue ray... any suggestions on a diode, driver combo that will burn and be a good 1st build? Maybe 250-300mw? I am still hazy on how and what battery power would be needed though. I have a good host but, maybe its best for my first DIY to build a kit like jayrobs?

 

[billg519]

A kit from jayrob is a good way to go. For DIY bluray, battery depends on your choice of driver. Boost driver only needs one lithium cell, linear driver can need three. You would want at least a 6x bluray diode, if not 8x for good power. A good coated lens (available on the forum) is important, too.