rebuiling small lasers

[PhantomRage]

I have two lasers that are out of a garage sale find. One was 405 and the other was red, not sure the nm on that one.

Is it worth it? I would like to try, but don't want to blow up a 40+ dollar diode. What to do?

[allthatwhichis]

You found lasers at a garage sale? I can't even find local laser enthusiasts... If it makes you feel any better; you cna get a sled with a 405nm and 660nm laser for less than $20.

All you need to do is find two drivers, one for each laser. Although it may cost $20 to 40 a piece depending on the driver.

[PhantomRage]

Keep a eye on ad's with band or DJ gear. I see lots of people selling the DJ stuff off.

Call on the ads, and ask if they have any lasers. So far i have found a shnip DL-55 for 35 bucks, and a older (dc motors as galvos) for 5 bucks, but that one had a 10mw hene.

When you say "sled" what does that stand for? I am not up to all the terminology?

[allthatwhichis]

DVD, blu-ray burners have a sled with the lasers they use to burn the info to the disc. Cd sleds have an IR laser diode, DVD has an IR and red diodes, blu-ray have IR, red, and blu-ray diodes. All you have to do is harvest the diodes from a sled...

[PhantomRage]

DVD, blu-ray burners have a sled with the lasers they use to burn the info to the disc. Cd sleds have an IR laser diode, DVD has an IR and red diodes, blu-ray have IR, red, and blu-ray diodes. All you have to do is harvest the diodes from a sled...

Ah, now I have more stuff to look for a garage sales.

What is the typical drive and output from the diodes? I have a few driver boards around.

(sorry to ask questions like this, but I am really new to dyi stuff laser stuff)

[allthatwhichis]

I can't answer that one as I have not been down that DIY path. Anyone else?

[megaton]

Hi

DVD burners from 16X or Up.
Came with one red 220mW at least (660nm or 655nm I believe),and IR.
Blu Ray 4X or Up, has the red(220mW) the IR? and one 405nm Violet (approx. 170mW at least).
Or you buy just the Sled.

And you need to extract them, mount in a Heat sink with lens, a driver and you have a new Laser

Cheers,
Ed

[PhantomRage]

Oh what has this hobby done to me...........

My friend has a stack of drives, both DVD burners and Blue ray players. (repair shop)

I have dug into my electronics books, and parts bins. Looks like a extraction and analog driver are in the project list now.... Been awhile since I fired up the old test gear.

maybe I can get a really big laser to play with. I have a lab power supply that needs a good work out. JQE 0-36 volts 0-30 amps......

[megaton]

Oh what has this hobby done to me...........

My friend has a stack of drives, both DVD burners and Blue ray players. (repair shop)

I have dug into my electronics books, and parts bins. Looks like a extraction and analog driver are in the project list now.... Been awhile since I fired up the old test gear.

maybe I can get a really big laser to play with. I have a lab power supply that needs a good work out. JQE 0-36 volts 0-30 amps......

WOW PSU 0-36 volts 0-30 amps......

But you only need from 3 to 6 Volts and from 200mA to 1 Amp.
But always good to have plenty
All you need fine adjust for test, and no need for driver.

[PhantomRage]

WOW PSU 0-36 volts 0-30 amps......

But you only need from 3 to 6 Volts and from 200mA to 1 Amp.
But always good to have plenty
All you need fine adjust for test, and no need for driver.

Yes, but a big laser at 3-6 volts 30amps would be cool!

It is a waste I know. But it is all I have for a lab supply. Sure I can get away with a few LM317T's, a few 4.5k pots, some caps, a 270ohm resistor. Sure a few more parts but that is just off the top of my head.....