newbie need help to power up

[15mgtar]

Hi all,
I've got a 100mW industrial red line laser
4.5V ~ 5.0V
180mW ~ 200mW
can I run it straight from 3 AA batteries?
how about 3 AA super alkaline batteries would it be safe or do I still need a driver?

 

[Eudaimonium]

You say: 100mW industral laser...
...
180mW~200mW

Can you be more specific?
You should take a look inside it. If it has a Printed Circuit Board right on the diode (little golden component behind a lens), you don't need anything extra.
However, if you can see the diode pins without anything on them, you MUST have a driver. Otherwise it is going to be 0.001mW industral useless laser.
Diode looks like this from the back:
http://www.psxboy.com/syssite/home/shop/1/pictures/productsimg/big/872.jpg
The left one

If there is any circuitry soldered to it, you will need to provide power to the driver.
Can you post some pictures?

 

[15mgtar]

I am really sorry.
the operating current is 180mA ~ 200mA.
operating Voltage : 4.5V ~ 5.0V
output power : 100mW
(Item number: 180417537849 at ebay)

I don't dare to open what's inside it seems to be glued.

 

[15mgtar]

Here are some pictures of it. it is o-like product

 

[Eudaimonium]

That is one bloody expensive laser...
Well anyway, since you already have it...
It says: typical 180mA,
200mA max. that is definetly short closed can diode, no talk there.

However, is it regulated or not, I cannot say, That appears to be the laser from O-like, we should check the specifications there...

 

[Eudaimonium]

The closest one that I could find is this one
http://www.o-like.com/b2b_cpinfo.asp?id=1017
Matches in everything except is says it is CROSS line generator...
And yes, it apperas to be regulated, since it requires 5 V DC...
Diodes need 3.0 - 3.3 V dc.
It seems that it is good to go on the 3x batteries, however, I'm not sure about the runtime on them. 4.5V is minimal, and as soon as you start using the laser, voltage of the batts is going to drop, also pulling the milliwatts with them.
If you plan on making a laer pointer / burner, I suggest clipping the end connector and soldering the wires on something solid.
Makes it easier to turn into portable unit.

Do you already own that laser unit, or plan on buying it?

 

[15mgtar]

please see the link below:
100mW industrial red laser line generator /red laser - eBay (item 180417537849 end time Nov-07-09 23:43:38 PST)

I have bought it and already in my hand now I tried with 3 AA bateries it works very bright but I am not confident enough to do for long periods due to lack of knowledge about the driver issue here.
I also bought the $4 red line laser 5mW from deal extreme I tried with 2 AA bateries it works but not as bright as the o-like one.
so I am still hunting how to power this 2 laser properly.

 

[15mgtar]

expensive? I thought it was cheap for 100mW laser line.
Unless I know how to make it own self and have the knowledge about these kind of stuff.

 

[15mgtar]

I ask the seller she said it comes with driver already but I can not use my computer power supply 5V to turn it on because the current of my PSU is too big, I do not understand this, if it has a build in driver why still worry about the current being too big??

 

[Flaminpyro]

The current is not to big it's that there is enough there, it's like a well just because there is a 1000 gallons in the well, your bucket will only hold 1 gallon so that is all you will walk away with. you laser only draws 180 ma so even though your power supply can delever 5 amps it will only give what is asked of it, in your case 180 ma. another way of looking at it would be your power supply could power 27 of your lasers at it's maximum power limit if it put out 5 amps @ 5 volts.
go ahead and hook it up just rember polarity get them right or it's smoke time ! rember you must keep the smoke in, once you let it out the unit is toast !
Have fun, Don't put an eye out !!!!

I ask the seller she said it comes with driver already but I can not use my computer power supply 5V to turn it on because the current of my PSU is too big, I do not understand this, if it has a build in driver why still worry about the current being too big??

 

[Eudaimonium]

^what he said.
Correct, if the voltage is correct, the current is automatically regulated by the driver.
You only need to supply the voltage.

 

[lasersbee]

Hey 15mgtar..

you paid $37.00 for your Laser shipped and O-Like sells it
for $40.00 shipped...

You got a good deal... contrary to what was posted above..

That is one bloody expensive laser...

BTW... do you have Laser Safety Googles for that 100mW red Laser...:thinking:

Jerry

 

[Eudaimonium]

Hey 15mgtar..

you paid $37.00 for your Laser shipped and O-Like sells it
for $40.00 shipped...

You got a good deal... contrary to what was posted above..



BTW... do you have Laser Safety Googles for that 100mW red Laser...:thinking:

Jerry

That is a good deal... however pulling out a LOC from busted 20X burner, and installing it in aixiz housing with line generator lens, you get double the power for 2x less money...
However that requires ordering parts, assemblying and so. Buying a already assembled one is also an option... for someone with spare money.
Me, I'd always go with DIY, however, someone may not have the knowledge/experience required.

I said it is expensive... for me.

 

[15mgtar]

So guys, if the seller said it has a build in driver why she said not to connected to computer PSU 5V because the current too big? any clue?
I bought it at ebay o-like $32.99 + $4 shipping = $ 36.44
Do I need a safety gogle? I am not planning on looking straight at the beam though.
pls advice me.
Thank you for all your responds guys!!

 

[Eudaimonium]

So guys, if the seller said it has a build in driver why she said not to connected to computer PSU 5V because the current too big? any clue?
I bought it at ebay o-like $32.99 + $4 shipping = $ 36.44
Do I need a safety gogle? I am not planning on looking straight at the beam though.
pls advice me.
Thank you for all your responds guys!!

You do not plan on looking into the beam. Things can go unplanned. If you are not able to get some safety goggles, then at least take every precaution not to get your eyes into harms way:
Do not point the laser at direct or diffuse reflective surfaces, never.
Do not point it where people can be. avoid pointing it at the horizon level.
Do not attempt to make affects (with glass or similar optics) without goggles. Never.

Ensure that you are first safe, then have fun with your laser.

BTW, if the module requires 5V, and you provide 5V, there is apsolutely no chance that the driver will fail to protect the diode. I'd say it is perfectly safe... however not practical to carry a computer with you to power your laser. Simple 5V acdc adapter can make it at least possible to carry somewhere else.

 

[lasersbee]

So guys, if the seller said it has a build in driver why she said not to connected to computer PSU 5V because the current too big? any clue?

pls advice me.
Thank you for all your responds guys!!

Hey 15mgtar...

you will need to read what Flaminpyro posted above...
Your Voltage/Current question can't be explained any simpler...

As all the members that posted here have said.... you CAN use any
stable 5Volt DC supply to power your 100mW Laser... just make sure
of the +/- polarity..

Jerry