Modifying my laser to make it brighter

[SagnaB]

Hey guys I am new to forums and am so glad that there is one about one of my obsessions.

I own a 5mW green laser pointer (well i think it is, as it is not very bright)
I heard about people "hacking" them to enable the beam to burn things. I'm not so much interested in that at. But what I would like to know is if there is a way to mod mine to make it brighter, even slightly.
I just would like the beam to be nice a visible in the night sky as I am very interested in astronomy. I AM NOT going to point this at ANY aircraft or satellite. I am too mature for that and I have too much to loose by getting myself arrested.

I have found guides to modding the modules around the place on the net, but mine seems to be different.

Attached are some pix if it helps you.

Thanks all in advance.

image link 1

image link 2

 

[goninanbl00d]

Yes, yours lacks the current control potentiometer. It's probably fixed at 5mW with a set resistor to discourage pot modding.

Besides, pot modding is usually a very bad idea, as it will cause the pump diode (responsible for generating the light) to burn out.

You can get yourself a 50mW or 30mW module and put it in the pointer- it's easier and the end result would be much more reliable.

 

[oic0]

Put that one back together and keep it. A real true 5mw pointer is great, you can really use the thing. If you want a more powerful laser, you can pick up a 30-50mw green pen for $10 - $15. They are dangerous though and your usage of them has to be limited. Reflections can blind you and looking at the dot is like looking at a light bulb.

 

[SagnaB]

Thanks for your help guys. I'll resemble it, at least that way I wont destroy it.

Where I live the sale/importation and possession(i think) of laser pointers >1mW is illegal.

Can I take apart a blueRay burner and do something with that?

 

[Morgan]

Thanks for your help guys. I'll resemble it, at least that way I wont destroy it.

Where I live the sale/importation and possession(i think) of laser pointers >1mW is illegal.

Can I take apart a blueRay burner and do something with that?

You can do that and much more! Have a look at the link in my sig to get a basic understanding of what you're looking at. There are likely to be add-ons in the future as others contribute but the guide will give you clues as to what to be looking for.

In my opinion, building lasers is always more satisfying than buying. It takes a while to get to some of the high quality lasers you'll see posted here but, depending on your drive and skill, it doesn't mean it'll take long.

Bluray, blue, red, green... They're all possible, (532nm Green is a bit more complicated but a bit of reading and research will show you why. Look up, "DPSS", for that.)

Where are you in the world? This link may help for clarity on laws - http://laserpointerforums.com/f53/actual-laser-laws-country-53770.html - If you live somewhere different, and the laws are different, then let us know so we can include the particulars.

Good luck and welcome to LPF! :wave: Don't forget to read the stickies and rules, and introduce yourself in the, 'Welcome', section.

M

 

[SagnaB]

Wow thanks guys! you guys are awesomely helpful and welcoming.
Had a look at the laser laws,..
I live in Australia, South Australia to be more exact. But I think I heard recently from a mate that SA has outlawed class 3a and above. But without reading/hearing from an authorised source, I cannot be too sure. I am reluctant to ask my local member of parliament on such matters lol

 

[goninanbl00d]

Yeah, they would have been banned.

Anything over 1mW is confiscated anyway, so it's near damn impossible to try and get them in anyway.

The laws might not be as draconian as the NSW ones, where you aren't even allowed to have any laser pointer in public.

 

[SagnaB]

f@<k. I hope now that I have posted in public view that I wont be getting my door knocked on. Otherwise it's bye bye's for me...

 

[goninanbl00d]

No, customs and the police are too busy behind the curtains watching lewd adult motion pictures to scout out people posting about lasers.

You'll be safe.

If you want, buy a higher powered laser module, and insert it into your 5mW pen.

50mW is heaps of visibility and 50mW modules are about $23-25 each on eBay.

 

[SagnaB]

I'm on a 2yr good behaviour bond atm (1yr remaining). So perhaps after that.
I'm sceptical about buying lasers from ebay, my step-brother tried but it never turned up.
I bought mine off ebay long before they were an issue.

 

[goninanbl00d]

The good behaviour bond shouldn't matter. Modules are perfectly legal and get through without a problem. Also- don't buy whole lasers- buy the modules ONLY.

As long as you don't do something stupid with the laser and get arrested, you'll be fine.