Using LM317T for a red laser diode

[benefit96]

Hello guys.
Please help me.
I want tot try my first DIY laser.
I wanna put a LM317T regulator with a 3 ohm resistor (1 w) to make about 380 mA to 20x burning dvd laser diode (lpc815).

Usually for lasers are used 1/4 watt resistors.
Laser diode can be overheated with this 1w 4 ohm resistor?

Thanks.

 

[midias]

You can use a 1W laser instead of a 1/4W laser no problem.

 

[sinner]

1W will work perfect, It will give you something like 415~425mA which is ideal for LPC-815 diodes

 

[Cyparagon]

Your resistor will be dissipating 0.39W of heat, so 1W is preferred.

 

[benefit96]

Thanks.

 

[sinner]

LM317T's overheat quite easily.. heatsink it aswell !
EDIT: and check out my red builds too.. i just made one using lm317 @ 457mA
It gives me duty cycles of about 3min on and 2min off