new to forum from SoCal!! (need help)

[gt58]

whats up guys, im new to the forum and i was trying to learn a bit more about lasers and start a little project of my own. i bought a laser off ebay and want to play with it and see if i can get it brighter and the beam more visible. its a green laser and i already took the diode (i think thats what its called) and the circuit board attached to it out of the pen

thats what i have so far. i did a little research and learned that you can take off a resistor or something to let all the energy into the diode? is this correct? also where on the circuit board would i solder the power wire. obviously one is attached to the spring but idk where the other wire should be added.

here are a few more close up pictures if they help any!

basically i wanna know if i can modify the board and where i would add the other wire on to compete the circuit.

i already have safety goggles and i respect the power of lasers! i look forward to learning alot and hopefully competing this little project i started

:thanks:

 

[jkguest]

Firstly wecome to LPF :wave:
Secondly the diode is actually inside that metal casing you see. That casing is called a module. Thirdly your laser may already be over 5mW based on the fact it's from ebay. So be especially careful and maybe where glasses (make sure they are the for the right wave length) until you can meter it. Now that that's out of the way, to answer your question you do not want to edit the driver. Diodes are power hungry and will take any energy that is given. The driver's job is to limit the voltage so the diode doesn't take in too much power and burn out. By editing the driver you will let in too much energy and kill the diode. In the off chance it doesn't kill the diode it will extremely shorten the lifespan of the laser. Most green lasers are already maxed out to their limit anyways. If you want to brighten the beam try adding a little fog in a dark room. one of the members her made a tutorial awhile back which basically just replaces the module with a higher powered one (http://styropyro.com/tutorials/greenmod.htm). To answer your other question I am am assuming your trying to to basically rebuild the laser outside of the host. You will need to actually desolder the spring first. Then solder on a wire to the bits of metal on the sides of where the spring was attatched. Then you will need a 2 AAA battery holder. Solder the other end of the wires you just put on to the driver onto their corresponding sides of the AAA battery holder. Put in batteries and press the momentary switch attatched to the driver and it should work. I also reccomend reading the stickies and rules because many of the things I told you are included in there. For future reference try to make the title more representing of the subject. AN example could be something like "Brightening a 532nm Green Laser Help". Good luck an have fun getting into lasers.

 

[chipdouglas]

You are half correct. while the do regulate voltage, The drivers are current regulating. The lasers a current driven and will use up all current that is unregulated till the kill themselves.

Op, the post I quote is correct in that your laser is probably over spec already. Also, your laser doesn't have a potentiometer on it. This isn't a laser you really want to mod. Intact your really don't want to mod any dpss lasers. The diode inside is matched to the crystal set inside. If you over power the diode the crystals might not be able to handle it, the your laser will act funny or not work at all.

In the future, always buy the most you can afford so its right the first time.

Welcome to the forums. Please be safe with your laser.

Michael

Firstly wecome to LPF :wave:
Secondly the diode is actually inside that metal casing you see. That casing is called a module. Thirdly your laser may already be over 5mW based on the fact it's from ebay. So be especially careful and maybe where glasses (make sure they are the for the right wave length) until you can meter it. Now that that's out of the way, to answer your question you do not want to edit the driver. Diodes are power hungry and will take any energy that is given. The driver's job is to limit the voltage so the diode doesn't take in too much power and burn out. By editing the driver you will let in too much energy and kill the diode. In the off chance it doesn't kill the diode it will extremely shorten the lifespan of the laser. Most green lasers are already maxed out to their limit anyways. If you want to brighten the beam try adding a little fog in a dark room. one of the members her made a tutorial awhile back which basically just replaces the module with a higher powered one (styropyro). To answer your other question I am am assuming your trying to to basically rebuild the laser outside of the host. You will need to actually desolder the spring first. Then solder on a wire to the bits of metal on the sides of where the spring was attatched. Then you will need a 2 AAA battery holder. Solder the other end of the wires you just put on to the driver onto their corresponding sides of the AAA battery holder. Put in batteries and press the momentary switch attatched to the driver and it should work. I also reccomend reading the stickies and rules because many of the things I told you are included in there. For future reference try to make the title more representing of the subject. AN example could be something like "Brightening a 532nm Green Laser Help". Good luck an have fun getting into lasers.

 

[gt58]

what is happening when there is no green light emitted but when i look down into the diode it has some red glow to it? what causes this

edit: i figured out that the metal cover around the diode is where the wire would be soldered onto. i guess ill try to push these to the limit. do you think they can take 2volts?

 

[lasersbee]

The dim "red" light that you see is IR (Infra Red) from the
808nm pump diode. That output is near invisible but a lot
more powerful that is detected by your eyes.

It is dangerous to your eyes to look into the beam.

BTW the consensus on this forum is that Pot Modding (if your
Laser driver had a Pot) is not recommended and could easily
turn your Laser into a useless stick.
IF you want a higher powered Laser..... Buy one or build one...

That being said....

to the Forum....
Don't forget to read the FAQs...the Stickies
and the Forum Rules..
http://laserpointerforums.com/tou.htm

If you plan on buying anything on the Forum....
PLEASE read this first...

6 Steps To Prevent You From Getting Scammed

and PLEASE don't forget to read to this....

39 Reasons NOT to Buy From Wicked Lasers

If you do get a Laser or already have one be sure
to get appropriate Laser Safety Goggles/Glasses...

Get Some Safety Goggles Now!

Don't forget to put your location in your Profile if you
haven't yet done so. This way we know where you
are from.

Enjoy your stay...


Jerry

You can contact us at any time on our Website: J.BAUER Electronics

 

[loverpen]

wecome to LPF!I am also the couple, the hope can have trouble making friends.