Recent content by hanzyfranzy

Well, there are always freak diodes, which is how companies sell "300mw" red lasers. They choose from the batches the abnormal diodes that can, out of shear luck, withstand extra power. I guess I was just talking about the average diode...

Sounds normal to me! A 5mw green will have a beam as visible as a 200mw red beam. You're eyes are THAT much more sensitive :) I have a laserglow technologies 5mw green and it is perfectly to spec, and just as bright as you describe.

No problem! I didn't buy it for the silicone leads ;) Guidesman is top quality, was an easy build. :thanks:

I live in an arid climate and I can hardly see my 250mw red beam at night, which is good, because the dot is spectacular. However, reds just don't make very visible beams (unless you are at sea level... maybe... or in a moister climate) 250mw is pretty much the maximum for current cheap red...

Well, a month later I finally got all the parts for a 200mw 405nm build, and I must say, my old red looks quite sad next to the beast. I probably should post this in the blu ray section, but for the sake of comparison: The quality of using a host and proper technique :D

Got my package today! :) but without silicone leads D:

I just stumbled upon this, a type of laser I have never heard about being used for a pretty awesome purpose. Does the laser they describe actually exist? Is it a laser at all? :thinking: "Since 1954, troopers have used breathalyzers to determine whether drivers have imbibed--and just how...

405 nm laser light takes care of most bacteria pretty fast ;) unless, of course, they are the freaky type that can survive in nuclear reactors. There is a small chance it is bacteria, but it is most likely dirt/oil.

I was afraid you would say that ;) . Guess I will just fork over $23 for a microboost so I can use just one 18650, as it will last a whole lot longer. Can I get a link to that build, by chance? :thanks:

So I plan on making a handheld laser with this diode and the Guidesman kit from Mohrenberg: http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/mohrenbergs-laser-emporium-58611.html However, looking around I can't find a clear answer on how exactly to power it. I am pretty sure a single 18650 won't do the job...

Be careful though, an OD of something like 4 (which most glasses come in), will actually be too much, as in you won't even be able to see the dot. This is a danger in itself. Although some people might disagree.... if you are going to point it around, seeing the dot is nice. I recommend an OD of 2.

It's more of an eyesight issue, I think. Birds have especially good vision, especially to green light, as do monkeys and apes. The cats I am not sure of... as they didn't react, but I assume it has to do with them having better night vision (a higher absorption of near IR light, perhaps?) I...

I do indeed plan to buy a nice heatsink for this, but it isn't really a priority, as I have already moved on to my next build! (I guess the fun is in building the damn things) It will be a blu-ray build complete with a host and heatsink. This build was primarily a learning experience, and I...

Aha! You are right. I drew a black mark on my hand... Pointed the laser directly at it for a few seconds. Ouch :) also managed to burn a hole through a CD case!

So a few months ago I was surfing the net a came across kipkay's laser mini mag light tutorial on youtube. I thought it was interesting, but I was skeptical. I wanted a laser, so I searched online for a place to buy one. And to think I almost bought from wicked lasers..... bahaha. So I did my...