My first laser build

[MrDusanMandic]

This is my first attempt at building my own laser. The host is from a Focal Price 50mW green laser that didn't work out of the box. I gutted the host and drilled out the opening to fix an Aixiz module.

Inside the Aixiz Module is a Open Can red Diode from a 20x HP DVD burner.

Battery is a 18650 2600mAh at 4v. I have no way to really test the mW output but it burns anything black instantly on contact.

I know there was another person who made a unit using the Dorcy Jr. Hosts and he didn't use a driver and continues to get nailed for it. I'm not using a driver either, I completely understand how important it is to use a driver, so please, don't be too harsh on me.

Comments and suggestions welcomed, even if they are negative.

 

[adam]

great i think im gonna start building them how much did all this cost u in total?

 

[MrDusanMandic]

The host was $15 from FocalPrice. But you may get lucky and get one that actually works. It's supposedly a 50mW green unit for that price.

The Aixiz module was only like $3, I got the diode free. So not too much.

 

[kingdave2357]

are you using the stock driver from the flashlight? or is that thing directly connected to the batt?

 

[MrDusanMandic]

are you using the stock driver from the flashlight? or is that thing directly connected to the batt?

It's not a flashlight, the housing / host was from a cheap green laser I purchased through FocalPrice that never worked.

But yes, I'm running it directly off the battery.

 

[AndyR]

Good luck, I hope it doesn't die too quickly.

 

[Flaminpyro]

Very nice report on you laser

 

[MrDusanMandic]

Good luck, I hope it doesn't die too quickly.

I'm sure it will, and if it does I'm out nothing. I paid $0 for it and I have access to a few more.

 

[Greenmechanic]

Please don't take offense, I am just trying to help you out. It is a very nice build, except;
You really need a driver, but you already know that. You will be lucky if it lasts 10 minutes.
Also, the part of the Aixis that needs heat-sinking the most, is not heat-sinked.
The front part of the module, right where the diode sits, is where the most heat is generated.
In this build, it is exposed. Try to get the front part of the module down into the heat-sink. You may have to "trim" off the back part of the Aixis in order to do this.
Other then that, a very good job.:yh:

 

[MrDusanMandic]

No offense taken at all. I appreciate the feedback and the manner in which you took to point something out to me. Moving the Aixiz module further into the casing was a plan upon building this unit. I'm waiting to get a bigger drill bit to make the hole slightly larger so it can go further down. For the time being I'm having to use short duty cycles to make sure it doesn't over heat.

 

[MrDusanMandic]

Laser is still going strong! I've put about 5-10 minutes total per day on this so far, wondering when this baby will die.

I should start a poll on when the diode will have it's last shine.

 

[kingdave2357]

Some LOC's are strong, and can survive a while at high currents. Im curious as to how much current is going into it. Some are alot stronger than others, you may have a 'hot' diode, which would be a shame b/c if you get a driver it would last a long time, and give you a sweet output. You should buy a driver, and see what it will do, buy a RKCSTR for 12 bux.....

 

[MrDusanMandic]

Yeah, I should buy a driver. Anybody intersted in trading for one? I have a lot of stuff for trade!