No clue where to start

[noobie05]

Hello,
I'm currently in the U.S. and interested in building a 1 W+ green laser pointer. I barely understand anything in regards to how laser functions or electricity in general.
I don't know about all the specs or parts and can't wrap my head around what I need to start.

I checked out Survival Laser USA and see a few Host Assemblies which is where I think I need to be, but I'm lost when it comes to the options such as Heat sink or Driver pill. I was looking at the S4X assembly by the way.
survivallaserusa.com/S4X__Host_Assembly/p1667092_14521597.aspx

I know that I would need to purchase a diode from somewhere else. I checked out the NDG7475 1W+ 520nm Green Laser Diode on DTR's Laser Shop.
sites.google.com/site/dtrslasershop/home/diodes/ndg-1w-520nm

I also get lost here because would I just need to purchase the diode alone or would I need to get one of the "Copper Module w/Leads" or "Copper Module w/Driver"
What is the difference between these two anyway because both look almost identical and What diameter would I need if I get the S4X host assembly from the Survival Laser shop.

Would appreciate a Lasers for Dummies style of explanation or if there is already a thread in regards to this then please point me that way.

 

[paul1598419]

Your best option is to get the diode mounted in a module with the driver set to the current you want to drive it. DTR's website is the best for someone like yourself as you can select a host and then only need to solder two wires, insulate them and drop the module into your host and tighten the set screw. That is about as easy as a build can get.

 

[Encap]

A 1W 520nm green is a very dangerous laser, especially for someone with no background, experience, or knowledge .
Would be a good idea to get some experience with how lasers behave in the real world by getting a Laser 301 532nm green and output between 50 and 100mW, is pot luck as toas to exactly what output, on eBay for $5-$10 first but it's up to you. If under 18 get permission from your parents and make sure they know the risks as well

Eye safety and safe use are the most important aspects--not wavelength and output power.
If you go with a 1W green, you absolutely need good laser goggles from Survival Laser for yourself and anyone else who will be looking at it, if you value eyesight. see: https://www.survivallaserusa.com/Ea...er_Laser_Safety_Goggles/p1667092_7862524.aspx

Read up on laser safety and related + laws --best web site: https://www.laserpointersafety.com/

Here is a good Laser Hazard Chart which show eye hazard distances and other effects at distance for various output powers. : https://www.lasersafetyfacts.com/resources/FAA---visible-laser-hazard-calcs-for-LSF-v02.png

You can see what permanent ocular damage happened to one experienced member with a 1W laser in a less than 1 second accidental direct eye exposure here: https://laserpointerforums.com/threads/hit-in-eye-with-1000mw-445nm-blue-laser.69469/

 

[gazer101]

If you lack the expertise to build a laser yourself you could always buy one premade.

Don't cheap out on safety goggles!

 

[405nanoMatt]

Everything you need to know has already been answered on this site.I would suggest that if you haven’t taken the the time to read and understand 1st that you are not ready for a 1w laser of any wavelength. Good luck .