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ghost
Elite Laser
Joined: 13 Jul 2007
Posts: 192
Picture(s): 4
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 Posted: 1/31/08, 5:25 PM Post subject: |
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I think what you are doing is smart and safe. The only danger would be if there is a surge. Then you would kill the diode. Maybe the resistor could help protect this?
As soon as I get home I'm going to try using the driver and two AAs.
Oh and it is very hard to see the beam of a red laser... it depends on your eyes.
Try the match test first with the driver. If that works, you are set. You're probably at max power.
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MB4004
Elite Laser
Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 163
Picture(s): 1
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| Posted: 1/31/08, 5:55 PM Post subject: |
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| You should add a capacitor to protect against spikes. Use a roll of electrical tape to find best burning point the first time, its easiest to see on that. |
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Thor
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Posts: 26
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| Posted: 1/31/08, 6:12 PM Post subject: |
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Thanks guys -- trying now... I'll let you know what happens.
t |
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Thor
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Posts: 26
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| Posted: 1/31/08, 7:11 PM Post subject: |
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So, my power supply is "variable." To test if the driver limited the voltage, I set the supply to 4.5v and tested the driver, and it measured ~4.4, so it's not limited voltage.
Knowing that, I figured I'd go ahead an go direct as planed. So I did.
And, like an idiot, I forgot to swtich the supply back to 3v. Heated up in 1 second flat, and poof. Now Pluto in June is brighter than the damn thing. Just what I get. 
Hopefully I can get another one over-nighted in. I guess I could head downtown and get a DVD burner, but I'll just order on (if I can still get them to ship it out.)
I'll keep you posted. |
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Thor
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Posts: 26
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| Posted: 1/31/08, 9:48 PM Post subject: |
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Woot! Success. I couldn't order a new diode, so I did it the "original" way and ripped it out of my DVD writer (yes, the one in my computer. I'm stubborn like that). It was tough gettin out - and there were 2: one to read, one to write. I went with the really bright one.
Powered 'er up and Foom. Up went the match. Then I broke it (hard to solder). but, it worked and I'm happy.
Thanks to everyone for the help.
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Thor
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Posts: 26
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| Posted: 2/01/08, 4:46 PM Post subject: |
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To follow up - everything is working fine. The negative post came of the diode, which made things difficult, but nothing I couldn't fix with my Dremel and some epoxy.
One thing still bugs me: I did everything exactly the same with the DVD diode that I did with the one I got from Wicked - *exactly*. Same chassis, lens, etc. The DVD diode lit the match on fire immediately, even without focusing the thing. The Wicked one just produced light.
I can only suspect that it wasn't really a 200mW diode. (It was in a bag with a mailing label keeping it closed). I paid $40 for the diode, and $12 for the chassis from them - plus $20 for FedEx next day. However, it came 4 days later via regular USPS "priority." I ordered on a Thursday with a guarantee it would ship- called Friday, no reply. Called Monday, no reply. Called 2 times Tuesday, no reply at all from all 4 messages. Finally got it Tuesday. Not sure if other people have had trouble with them, but that's my story.
Who is a good, reliable source for this stuff? I've got the bug now, and I'm ready to spend a little jack for some fun. References?
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ghost
Elite Laser
Joined: 13 Jul 2007
Posts: 192
Picture(s): 4
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| Posted: 2/01/08, 5:06 PM Post subject: |
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No way you got a 200mW diode for $40. On Wicked's webpage it lists the 200mW for like $285. So how???
My DVD diodes unfortunately did not light a match. I think I used relatively low-speed DVD-RW drives... but it pops a balloon FAST!
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Thor
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Posts: 26
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| Posted: 2/01/08, 5:13 PM Post subject: |
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Hey ghost:
On the MFGCN com home page, they have this:
"If you are here to purchase the 200mw red laser diode for the Kip Kay flashlight hack project, click here.. 650nm 200mw laser diode $40.00 USD ($2.50 shipping will be added) USE THE PURCHASE BUTTON BELOW THIS TEXT."
I actually spoke with dude on the phone when I ordered it, and specifically said it needed to light a match, and blah blah blah... The static bag it came in says: "650nm Laser Diode 200mW P/N:A-D65022D Stock # 121007300-150."
$285 seems like a lot when I can buy the DVD 16x for $40. (The one I yanked out of my box was a 16x, btw). But, evidently, you are right -- I mean, the proof is in the pudding, no? The one I got from Wicked did nothing after many, many adjustments. The one out of the DVD lit up the match instantly - I didn't even have time to adjust the beam!
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VodKa
4.99mW Green Laser Toy
Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: 2/01/08, 5:37 PM Post subject: |
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| can someone post a pic of what the resistor looks like when its soldered to the positive lead? |
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Thor
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Posts: 26
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| Posted: 2/01/08, 5:41 PM Post subject: |
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| VodKa wrote: |
| can someone post a pic of what the resistor looks like when its soldered to the positive lead? |
Resistors are not directional - so, you'd just put it in line like so:
Diode(+) --> resistor --> (+)load
Diode(-) -----------------> (-)load
t |
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VodKa
4.99mW Green Laser Toy
Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: 2/01/08, 5:53 PM Post subject: |
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| but the resistors are long, how does it fit in that small area? |
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Thor
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Posts: 26
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| Posted: 2/01/08, 6:05 PM Post subject: |
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Ah - you'd have to cut them back to make it fit or just put them somewhere else between the powersupply and the diode post (or at the PS itself). It doesn't matter where it is physically located in line, as in:
Diode(+):----------------------------------------------------->resisto r->(+)
t |
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MB4004
Elite Laser
Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 163
Picture(s): 1
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| Posted: 2/01/08, 8:31 PM Post subject: |
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| I would of just bought the diode already in the housing for 26 bucks instead of the dvd drive and a housing seperatly. |
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Thor
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Posts: 26
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| Posted: 2/07/08, 7:46 PM Post subject: |
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Alright guys-- it's been fun hanging out in the Red Laser forum, but I just orderd up the TechLaser Crossfire 350 EX, so you'll be seeing me over in the Green Laser arena 
See ya there! Woot! |
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