Pro Shot level hack?

[Superlukie17]

So, I'm new to the forums.
I just wanted to know if I could make a laser pointer from the diode that came out of this:

Laser Reference Pro Shot Single Slope Laser - eBay (item 330385521489 end time Jan-08-10 15:03:28 PST)


The diode is a 5mW 635 nm.

Here's a picture:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29585020@N08/4174904127/

 

[billg519]

Do you have a broken one of these or something? Not a cheap unit. If you want to make a laser, get a more suitable diode, like an LPC815. If you really want a 5mW 635nm pointer, you can easily buy the whole pointer or a diode and make your own.

 

[Superlukie17]

It broke so my dad was going to throw it away.
So I snatched it before he put in the trash.

 

[billg519]

I guess you already realize that a 5mW diode will not be a burner. If you make a pointer with it, at 635nm, it may appear slightly brighter than a 5mW 660nm keychain red. There's lots of info here on the site in the stickies, faq's, and searching the posts that can help get you started on DIY builds.

 

[aXit]

I reckon there would be some nice optics and mirrors in there too.

Might be worth a complete teardown.

 

[Superlukie17]

I reckon there would be some nice optics and mirrors in there too.

Might be worth a complete teardown.

Yeah, there was. I saved them, is there anything I can do with them? haha

 

[Grix]

In what way was the device broken? If it was the diode, there won't be much use to build something of it, y'know!

 

[Eudaimonium]

Yeah, @Bill, Modwerx has 635 nm 5mW laser diodes for like, 5$.
But since this one is already installed in a module, and he already has it, give it a try.

However I cannot tell from here if the little module has a driver...
@OP, does that laser unit have a little printed curcuit board (PCB) on it's back, were wires are coming out?
If not, you are going to have to construct it yourself.

 

[aXit]

Post a picture of all of the optics if you can, we should be able to tell.

Yeah, there was. I saved them, is there anything I can do with them? haha

 

[billg519]

As you get more involved in the laser hobby, you will find any saved optics increasingly useful! Post us some pics of what you got out of there, probably some good stuff.

 

[randomlugia]

I wouldn't bother, 5mW red diodes aren't too special. However, the optic that expands the beam sideways is known as a "liquid sky lens". They're usually about $10 after shipping.

 

[Kenom]

not
the device that creates the back and forth in these things is a simple mirror mounted onto a electromagnet which pulses back and forth or around on a motor to create your line Still, it's a pretty cool unit. Send it to me. I'm make GOOD use of the thing without the laser.