want to build my first laser, need help choosing module

[kashi786]

hello im new to this diy laser stuff, even though Ive read a lot and watched many diy laser videos, Im still confused mostly about lens and modules.
for example I want to buy this diode Sld3232vf Original Sony 50mw 405nm Violet Laser Diode
from this site, #2 in list.
https://www.aam.com.pk/?s=laser&post_type=product&taxonomy=product_cat&product_cat=0

But Im confused which module in that list is compatible with this diode if any, will the last one in that list "5mw 650nm red laser diode module" work? Also would I use the same lens it comes with, or buy different one?

Also Im mostly limited to just that local site for my location, international delivery just takes forever where I live. Thanks.

 

[Alaskan]

It’s a 5.6 mm diode, if you are just buying the diode, you can get a module from DTR, google “dtr lpf” to find his shop for an example, except you said you don’t want to buy international, where are you?

You can find lenses AR coated for 405 nm online.

Data about this diode: https://laserpointerforums.com/atta...-405nm-driver-solved-50mw-450nm-sld3232vf.pdf

E: ebay Lens https://m.ebay.com/itm/Collimating-...089045&hash=item1c38b75a12:g:dXoAAOxypNtSfRE9

Only problem with buying from China sellers is they often misrepresent their listings, it may or may not really have an AR coating, but if you won’t buy outside of your country, moot.

 

[kashi786]

what about the link I posted, so those modules and lens in them won't work??

 

[GSS]

The last 5mw 650 is just like a basic cat toy laser, all you need to do is put 3V to it. The lens on it focusable though. Other than it lasting alot longer than a $1 store thats all it really is.
50mw of 405 isn't much of the diode you mentioned and there's alot more involved than just putting it in a "module"... You really need to read more as there's alot more to what you need to learn. Just what DIY links have you watched??

 

[Encap]

What are the chances that anyone here on LPF has taken the diode you are thinking about and bought that low cost 650nm module removed the diode and replace it with the Sony diode? None, so nobody can say if it will work or not ----you need a driver to power the diode and who knows what driver is in the 650nm---it may not work with the Sony diode.

Unfortunately that web site in Pakistan has almost nothing at all to offer in the world of lasers--so if you are in Pakistan and shipping to you from the ouside of Pakistan world is your limitation, you are pretty much out of luck.

You are much better off using eBay or any outside of Pakistan web source if you want to find a reasonable selection.

This pk site sells a few different 50mW to 100mW low end, low cost laser pointers : https://www.daraz.pk/catalog/?q=laser

PS your mentioned Pakistan web site is is horrible and a severely limited on all products of any kind web site. I would not buy anything from that site.

 

[kashi786]

ok thanks for replying, so basically I just ordered this diode of ebay, 1PCS ORIGINAL Mitsubishi ML101U29-25 400mW 5.6mm 660nm Red Laser/Lazer Diode
https://m.ebay.ca/itm/252553640224?_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1

I watched these diy videos on YouTube, and I guess they basically use this diode or similar from dvds and they also use that 5mw red laser module for housing. Links below

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-m21xUwBjvU

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AwcQsbgy7AY

So basically what Im thinking is once I receive this diode, I will get that module and try to take out old diode and put mine in it. For driver, I want to make that lm317 current limiting circuit. So all this should work, I guess??

I could get that sony diode quicker local delivery, so that's why I wanted to know if that module would work, but I guess not. But hopefully it should work with that ebay diode.

 

[paul1598419]

The ML101U29-25 is a 660nm diode that has been around for a very long time. I still have five in my stock from years ago and originally got 10 of them for ~$10.00. They will not do 400 mW in CW. I don't even know where that rating comes from. At most you could get 300 mW out of one driven as hard as you could. I would do as others have suggested and learn about constant current drivers and why laser diodes need to be current driven instead of voltage driven. There is far too much information to put into one post.