Wiring diodes

[Musashin]

Hi guys,

This is my first post so I can probably do a quick introduction, I am 25, have been interested in lasers for a while, but am only now trying to build my first one.

I bought a green diode and some glasses from eBay that arrived a few days ago, but I am not sure how to wire it up. I have googled the part number but have not been able to turn up any kind of manual. I am not sure if I should be connecting the wire to the shell or part of the PCB.

I'll add some pictures of it, hopefully someone will be able to point me in the right direction here. Otherwise I might have to contact the seller, but it came from China so I am not sure how well that will go with the language barrier.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/pixelwork/IMG_0268-1.jpg
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/pixelwork/IMG_0269-1.jpg

Sorry if I have missed something huge here, my level of experience is null and I've been trying to figure this out without frying the thing for about two hours.

Thanks,
Paul.

 

[JLSE]

The spring is neg- and the brass portion of the body is pos+. You can solder
the + on the PCB where the single pin from the diode is attached labeled + is.
Thats the case pin.

 

[Musashin]

Thanks man.

I am still not getting any luck getting power out of it, but that could be because of my quick and dirty testing method, I'm also using a protected battery so that might have something to do with it..

Also could be a dud, will have to go put a multimeter on it to troubleshoot. I should be able to figure it out from here, thanks very much for the help.

 

[JLSE]

No problem.. Just be weary if it doesnt light up green, it could still be
emitting NIR 808nm, dont look near the aperture even if it appears to
be a dud.

To double check, power it up, and view it with a cam, if you see a pinkish
glow, thats the IR.

:beer:

 

[Hiemal]

And of course, IR is dangerous because it's deceptive in terms of power output.

Be careful!

 

[Musashin]

Thanks guys, really good advice with the IR. I try not to look into the aperture even if it is not working, there really is no reason to that I can think of.

Just updating here to say that I have got it working now, turns out the wire I was using was faulty - I replaced that and it worked perfectly. It is still daylight here, but I can't wait to test it once the sun goes down!
Now I just have to rock over to a friend's place to use his lathe, should be able to whip up a nice case for it. Thanks again for the help.