My first red build

[Cube777]

Hello everyone this is my first laser build that actually came in a host and is finished (once bought a 200mw red and killed it before it even went into a host) It's a 5mW (I know it's not strong) 650nm in a flashlight host I found in the garage. It has 1 mrad divergence and runs on 2 AA batteries. Pics in attachments (sorry for crappy quality, had to resize it). The beamshots was done with a humidifier. The module cost me $0.99 and the host was free, so the whole laser cost me $0.99 to make!!

 

[Blord]

It sure looks stronger than 5mW. I would guest 5MW is more appropriate
Nice build from cheap parts.

 

[Cube777]

The humidifier makes the beam look a LOT stronger than it really is, you can get real nice beamshots with it. I took a few other pics and they all look like a lightsaber!! I can't wait to take some pics with new 250mW 650nm (still waiting for it op

 

[billg519]

Nice build. I like side clicky hosts. That humidifier sure works well for beamshots. Are you putting the new diode and driver into this host?

 

[Cube777]

^At first I wanted to but I couldn't find a driver on ebay small enough to fit inside:cryyy: (only have a few millimeter's of space) and then I looked a bit further and found also that the 18650's I wanted to use won't fit inside:cryyy::cryyy: I have another flashlight that's very similar but same problem. If you could suggest a driver that will run off 2 AA batteries and that's very small that will also give me 400mA, please tell me because I'm dying to use the hosts for a more powerful laser!!!

 

[jander6442]

Hmmm are you sure that that host doesn't use C sized cells. I only ask because that host looks familiar. Good job on the build BTW, I'll spare you the "module isn't pressed in all the way" being the power setting of that said module.

 

[Cube777]

Hmmm are you sure that that host doesn't use C sized cells.

Definitely AA batteries, not even space for air between host and batteries

I'll spare you the "module isn't pressed in all the way" being the power setting of that said module.

As I said, very little space in host, the module (even though the module is only 6.5*10.5 mm) is against the batteries. There is practically no space left!