Need help to mod a laser (first time)

[Detlefkomo]

Hey LPF guys,

I have seen that DX.com has a laser with 5mw. I have a 5mw laser at home but a friend of me has a laser and i can see the beam at night. He say this laser has 100mw. Now I think when i change the laser module I can seen the beam at night, too.

And now my Question:

Can ich change the module at this laser:
SD-301 5mW 532nm Green Laser Flashlight - Black (1 x 18650) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

and switch it with this:
100mW 532nm Green Laser Module (3V 11.9mm) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

 

[Kookapeli]

Why not just buy a 100mW laser already built ??

 

[hwang21]

You can see a 20mW green laser beam at night...

 

[Eudaimonium]

Hey LPF guys,

I have seen that DX.com has a laser with 5mw. I have a 5mw laser at home but a friend of me has a laser and i can see the beam at night. He say this laser has 100mw. Now I think when i change the laser module I can seen the beam at night, too.

And now my Question:

Can ich change the module at this laser:
SD-301 5mW 532nm Green Laser Flashlight - Black (1 x 18650) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

and switch it with this:
100mW 532nm Green Laser Module (3V 11.9mm) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

Sadly, no, too many parts in premade DX lasers are pressfited together and need to be cut apart to get to the core components. Then said cut parts need to be recreated somehow. If you don't have access to a lathe, I wouldn't recommend taking the laser apart.

Here's an idea - grab that 100mW greenie module, and make a completely new laser out of it. Building a green laser is one of the easiest things you can do.

You just need a host, and a heatsink accepting 12mm modules.
You need to jump the switch on the module, so it's constantly ON (it's controlled by host's tailcap), and you need to solder a spring to the module if there's isn't one already. Skip this step if you get module with spring already soldered.

 

[Detlefkomo]

I can't buy a 100mw laser that's not legal in germany (max 5mw) but i can buy the part to build that's legal.

 

[Cel]

I can't buy a 100mw laser that's not legal in germany (max 5mw) but i can buy the part to build that's legal.

It is legal until they find out...

 

[Kookapeli]

Look on ebay, most of their listed <5mW lasers are over spec at 50mW + all for around $5/$6

 

[Detlefkomo]

Hey,

now i have a plan i want to buy a flashlight a heatsink and the laser module.

Flashlight:
C6 DIY Cree LED Flashlight Full Casing/Shell with Driver Pill (2*CR123A/1*18650) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

Heatsink:
Black Anodized Aluminum Heat Sink

Module:
50mW 532nm Green Laser Module (3V 11.9mm) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

Does anyone have a plan of improvement ?

 

[Cel]

Yes, more power!

 

[Detlefkomo]

Hey,

i have seen one last probleme. The module work with 3V but the battery has 3.7V.
Is this a problem for the module?

 

[Cel]

Usually, it isn't... sometimes, it will kill your diode/driver.