My first laser

[Lokie]

The other day i was surfing through youtube when i came across a rather large amount of laser videos. Many how to vids all the way to laser technology institutes. It peaked my interest so i began planning on building my own. I've come across many different kinds of diodes and can't decide. Any suggestions on what is a good type to start with? Also im having trouble finding a 100 ohm POT that isnt Linear Taper. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[iohutom]

Red or blu-ray diode doesn't really matter. You'll need a diode, a diode driver, collimating lenses, a casing to put all that plus a battery in.

Diode: Red--->http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1223231352
Blu-ray--->http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1222397199
Driver: See the sticky at B/S/T section
Lenses: You can get one while buying the blu-ray diode from ndrew2505 or you can option for one while
checking out at the Dr.lava's driver page.
Casing: MXDL and heat sink --->http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1202452073
or Leadlight case --->http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1219991989

Good luck on your first build

Tom

 

[Lokie]

Thanks a bunch for all the great links. ;D I'm mainly going for cost efficientcy cause i dont really know the proper budget for a project like this. I did notice that blue-ray diodes tend to run a lot more expensive then the red or green. Also i've read green is more efficient than blue or red.

 

[iohutom]

The cost difference is all about the diode, other parts are just the same.
You have two choices, portable or not so portable.
If you are looking for cost efficiency, I recommend the not so portable design. You will save some money on driver and casing.
You can use DDL driver http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1185701612
it won't cost much. You can even run your laser without a casing if you want to save more.

Just some of my advices.
Tom

 

[Lokie]

Say i wanted to get my laser up around 100mW. I would need a axis module to focus it? Also, im still unable to find a site to order a variable resistor around 100 ohms.

 

[iohutom]

I got a few, maybe I can mail you one.   pm me your address.

 

[Lokie]

Ok, if and when i get my laser working is there a way for me to gauge the strength of it? O, and i got a site for the axis modules but all the sites have a dam $10 minimum and i only need a $3 part from each one :'(

 

[Montana64]

Look thru the Buy/sell/trade section as iohutom said. There are many users here that also sell many of the need parts for a DIY project. I am fairly new here, and have found the members here to be extremely helpful.