Urgent! Red laser problem

[11195RAWR]

I have a 5mw, 650nm, class 3 laser that I bought from amazon thats beam is really faint/weak. I had it hooked up to a power supply giving it 6 volts and it worked fine as I am using it for my laser audio transmitter project. I stepped up the voltage to 9 volts(not thinking) and now my laser casing smells burnt and the beam is really faint. I need to know if theres anyway to fix it quickly and if it will still transmit the music whether its faint or not.

Please and Thanks!!

 

[Speedy78]

I imagine you fried something on the driver. Unless its just the diode in which case you LEDd the diode.

 

[11195RAWR]

Do you think it would still transmit the sound over it? I just need it to work for my project demonstration.

 

[Speedy78]

Do you have a link of what you purchased? Depends on how faint the dot is and whats receiving it. I.E. Whats your setup?

 

[11195RAWR]

Amazon.com: YAWA Lights 5mW Red Laser Pointer with Kaleidoscope Projection Cap: Office Products
This is where I purchased the laser. As for my setup I have my laser hooked up to an audio output transformer receiving a signal from my iphone. From there the laser transmits the signal to a phototransistor hooked up with a 10k and 100k ohm variable resistor and computer speakers.

 

[Speedy78]

You will probably need another laser.

650nm 5mW Laser Module 3VDC Adj Lens 650 8 x 13 Mm | eBay

Something like this may be easier to work with in your set up.

 

[chipdouglas]

Go to ebay. You can pick up 10 of the 5mw reds for like 5 bucks. Then build your self your own driver. Google search ddl lm317 driver. It will cost you about 5 bucks to make.

In the future, don't mess with the power. Remember that the speed of light is constant. So a stronger laser won't get you faster results.

Good luck

 

[RA_pierce]

I am pretty sure the ebay modules have a driver already attached. All you need to do is hook it up to a DC power source.
Just don't blow it up with too much voltage.
Power it within the range specified... usually 3-5V depending on the module.

 

[chipdouglas]

I saw a 10 pack yday. I'm pretty sure they were diode with leads. But either way 10 for 5 bucks... Boom!!!

 

[lasersbee]

I have a 5mw, 650nm, class 3 laser that I bought from amazon thats beam is really faint/weak. I had it hooked up to a power supply giving it 6 volts and it worked fine as I am using it for my laser audio transmitter project. I stepped up the voltage to 9 volts(not thinking) and now my laser casing smells burnt and the beam is really faint. I need to know if theres anyway to fix it quickly and if it will still transmit the music whether its faint or not.

Please and Thanks!!

Amazon.com: YAWA Lights 5mW Red Laser Pointer with Kaleidoscope Projection Cap: Office Products
This is where I purchased the laser. As for my setup I have my laser hooked up to an audio output transformer receiving a signal from my iphone. From there the laser transmits the signal to a phototransistor hooked up with a 10k and 100k ohm variable resistor and computer speakers.

That Amazon Laser uses 2 AA or AAA batteries.
That means it works on 3.0VDC..
You applied >3VDC and obviously blew the driver
or Laser Diode.

You can easily make a 3-5Volt regulated supply to
prevent damage in the future.
You can also use cheaper local Dollar Store Lasers
that run off 3pc 1.5VDC button cells. Those work
great on a standard LM7805 5V Regulator.

Or as suggested above get some Laser modules on
eBay.


Jerry