Recent content by ashenfang

The point of this build was to use what I had on hand mostly and build my own driver. Sure I can spend some money and build a nice compact one but that wasn't the point of this project. As for the visible beam, I thought it was pretty visible for being taken with a cell phone. To each their own.

Im curious what the power threshold is before one can start to see the beam from behind and to the side of the source. I see pics all the time of laser night shots where the beam is clearly visible from all angles. Are these shots taken with longer exposure times?

I built my first laser in a project box last week. It worked but it was big, heavy and ugly. I wanted to be able to have the laser in a compact flashlight style case. I quickly realized that the task would be difficult not just because it was all home built, but because I am using a LM317...

Setting up a test load for a burner diode (red). I am reading anywhere from 3 to 6 diodes. How many is it?

What do you mean a "bit out of spec"? I believe the cut off voltage for this circuit and diode is around 5.7 volts 4.5v for LD and 1.2v for the circuit. I know 4.5v is not enough as this only starts to light the LD. Is there a point where its too much voltage? Some of the more compact...

I am looking at using a kobalt flashlight as a new host and also use its stock power supply to drive a red 200mw diode. The flashlight accepts 2 x 3v cr123a lithium batteries. I am using a lm317 driver. Will these batteries drive the laser without any issues?

From the link you posted looks like a short can but not 100% positive.

I have an OPEN can red diode from a DVD R burner 16x i believe. How far can you push these (mA wise) ? I guess the better question is how far can you push them AND have the diode last?

Your comments arent necessary. If you would read earlier in the thread, somone wanted detailed pics of how things were setup. I wasnt asking if it looked ok.

Ok, morning update. Here are some setup pictures as requested. I doubled checked my circuit and did a test load. I have it built on a breadboard for now until I find the right resistor I want. Currently running a 6 ohm resistor to obtain 230mA.

Yes i am using those exact ones. I am pressing them in using the back end of the housing as suggested by high tech. Now this 650nm diode should be case neg. With top pos. Correct (with case pin to the right) will take pics shortly.

Thanks for the replies. I stopped by a computer repair shop and he generously gave me two dvdR drives so hopefully i have two more diodes to get this right with. I am going use 6 AA batteries as suggested from here on out. Before i go any furthur i will take pictures of how everything is setup...

I direct drove the diode with 3 volts and it lights but its a very dim red. So im confused, are you suggesting that the lm317 is wired wrong? Do i need to drop the voltage and will using 5 AA batteries help with current draw? Im pretty sure this diode is toast. I have a couple others but they...

Well i am not sure what is going on then. The polarity of the capacitor is correct and you said the circuit looked fine. Im stumped. I love building things and i am usually pretty good at it but this is just been a head ache. On a side note. When increasing current output is it normal for the...

I am measuring how it was suggested to me by another member on the forums. Energize the test circuit ans then place the test leads across the 1 ohm resistor. Put the meter in mV and read what the meter displays. Depending on the resistor value the numbers will change the reading. He explained to...