Welcome to Laser Pointer Forums - discuss green laser pointers, blue laser pointers, and all types of lasers

LPF Donation via Stripe | LPF Donation - Other Methods

Links below open in new window

ArcticMyst Security by Avery

I powered my AAA battery laser with AA ones!

ixfd64

0
Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
1,174
Points
48
I powered my pen-style laser with AA batteries!

It was rather tricky, but I managed to power my pen-style Wicked Lasers "Advanced" laser with AA batteries. Here's what I did:

1. I took a 2.5 cm x 14 cm piece of aluminum foil and wrapped it around a pen, which I used to guide the conducting foil to the battery contact spring.
2. Using some electrical tape, I taped two AA batteries together, like this: [-][====}[+][-][====}[+]
3. I took some wiring (which I found in an electronics hobby kit) and connected the positive end of the batteries to the threaded area on the laser, where the end cap normally goes.
4. I connected the negative end of the batteries to the foil (no wiring required).

I was then able to power my laser. However, the connection was not very good as the laser kept flickering. I also had to hold the foil against the spring for the laser to work. In any case, I'm going to see if I can make some sort of apparatus to hold the "contraption" in place, or else I have no free hands!

Has anyone else ever done something like this?
 
Last edited:





Joined
Jan 11, 2008
Messages
671
Points
0
Ok, maybe I'm missing the point, but why would you want to do that? Longer battery life?
 
Joined
Dec 28, 2007
Messages
185
Points
18
AAA is exactly the same as AA. The only difference is size and capacity :/
 

rkcstr

0
Joined
Dec 1, 2007
Messages
1,368
Points
0
Generally slightly cheaper too... but still not getting it :-?
 

Benm

0
Joined
Aug 16, 2007
Messages
7,896
Points
113
If its not about portability i guess it'll work just fine.

Sometimes i rig temporary battery connections with alligor clips and little neodynium disc magnets to make contact with and beween batteries. For a tabletop setup this works much better than mucking with tape, tinfoil and tubes.
 
Joined
Dec 26, 2007
Messages
6,129
Points
0
watch out for that flickering, not too good for the diode and you might burn it for a bad connection.
could you take some pics?
 
Joined
Apr 5, 2008
Messages
161
Points
16
I normaly use rechargables but when I want to impress my freinds I use those nice Lithium Batts and at my local store for two AAA Lithiums its 12$ but 4 AA Lithiums are only 13$ so your getting more for your money.

Takes some pics I want to see how its done. :cool:
 
Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
712
Points
0
nikokapo said:
watch out for that flickering, not too good for the diode and you might burn it for a bad connection.
could you take some pics?

Aren't laser diodes meant to flicker 100s of times per second? Would that matter if it is protected by a Capacitor and driver?
 
Joined
Feb 28, 2008
Messages
464
Points
0
I did this to my NewWish 150mw green when I was refocusing it.. longer battery life, yes.. more output.. not really.. faster overheating.. DEFINITELY. The driver got HOT quick. I am glad(and lucky) I didnt kill it. The driver has to compensate for the higher current capability.

I wouldn't recommend doing this, as you'll probably kill your laser QUICK.

Just grab a set of 1100 or 1200 mah AAA's- if you can find good ones- and be happy. The lithium batteries really make a difference though. I know this even without an LPM because the beam is even more visible with lithiums(can't tell on the spot itself because it is already bright enogh to blind me of I am dumb enough to aim it at light objects at close proximity). Burning is definitely easier on lithiums also. It still kills them fast which can add up the $$ quick.

Too bad they don't make rechargeable 1.5v AAA's. They'd be the ideal battery.
 




Top