Need a reliable source for 5.6 mm burning red laser diode!

[Lascannon]

Hello! I am trying to build my first laser. I have a driver assembled, I found laser housings here 12x30mm Aixiz laser module housing blank for 5.6mm LD | eBay and I had a diode... Except i burned it out on my 4th attempt to make a driver (see my thread entitled "god i hate drivers" for more information)

If someone could give me a reputable link, I would be extremely greatfull. Expect rep points

Thanks guys,
Liam.

 

[rhd]

FYI, you can't give rep points, since you don't have any All you can do is approve/disapprove of someone's comments, but it doesn't give them any rep points. Just a heads up!

Anyway - to your question - these are a few fairly undeniably reputable (In my mind) sources:

(Unharvested)
LPC-815 20X DVD burner diode out of sled [LPC-815_1] - $12.99 : StoneTek Electronics, Your Laser Parts Store
LPC-815 20x DVD burner laser lens assembly w/ red laser diode [M0021] - $8.99 : Modwerx Shop

(Harvested)
HighTechDealZ - 650nm 20x DVD Burner LPC815 Harvested Laser Diode

* Harvested - meaning you don't have to extract the diode from the sled and/or heatsink.

Cheers

 

[Lascannon]

Thanks! This is my first build, so I just wanted to make sure i was getting the right thing. If i do need to harvest, any advice on getting the diode out of the heatsink? The array I have actualy has two diodes in it, as far as i can see, but one of them is in a heat sink that looks like this http://kng.puh.org/laser/ld1/IMG_4570.jpg

It turns out I have two of the larger one (the one with the funny nosel like protrussion) But the diode is sort of sunk into the heatsin/casing/whatever that is.

Thank,
Liam.

 

[ndrew2505]

you can use 2 pair of pliers to "twist" the heatsink back and forth. be careful not to twist it too much though. if its done right the diode will fall out and the heatsink will hardly looked messed with at all.

 

[Lascannon]

Thank you so much! That worked brilliantly!
Updated what-I-have-list:
LM317 chip with apropriate resistors
Battery case
AA 3.7v batterys
Switch
Capacitor
Laser diode
Axis laser housing (shipped this morning)

Now, is there anything else I need? Does the housing have a heat sink in it?

Thank you guys so much. I cannot express enough how excited I am that there is a place with available, experienced laser builders, that will take the time to answer my questions, and often withing minutes of my asking. You have a very beutifull thing here.

 

[rhd]

By the way, in your photo, I believe the diode on the left is a 780nm IR diode that isn't terribly useful. The diode on the right is probably the RED diode.

Cheers

 

[ndrew2505]

If your building a ddl style circuit and aren't using a pot just make sure you got the right resistors for the current value you want to end up with. Also make sure you discharge your cap by connecting the + and - on thr diode side of the driver.

 

[Lascannon]

I'm using 3.2 ohms of resistance. Will that work?

 

[LaZeRz]

Yup that will work perfectly and give the diode a longer life span