Ahh... if only I could create a battery pack that could provide that voltage and current, while being able fit in this box along with the other stuff. Even the bigger box I bought the other day is only 6" X 3" X 2". The next few years may see some cool advances in battery tech that might allow this.
So, the other day I came up with the only power scheme I can see working, and fitting the space. The LD and driver will be powered from a single 14500 Li-ion, the TEC and home made driver will get three NiMH AA's if I can get the right unit (Melcor sells a TEC in a size I could use, with the right V and I requirements to run it at 80% Vmax), and the fan will run from two 9V batteries in parallel... still not sure if it'll be an underdriven 12V fan, or a regulated 5V.
After a little playing around, I have the entire layout of all components figured out. Believe it or not, it's all going to fit!
Now, I just wonder if a company like Melcor is willing to sell me just one or two TEC's. I get the feeling they might not, but will investigate. Also gotta' start learning about how to make a basic TEC driver.
Doctor - Looks like a LM338 will be the choice, as I'll need about 2 Amps. I know basically nothing about building regulated supplies yet, but now I know the first few components needed. Thanks for the tip!
Edit: Some clarifications on the battery choices. As for the LD, a single, AA size Li-ion can easily handle the current draw. However, it cannot come close to driving a TEC. A protected cell would instantly shut itself down under that load, and trying to abuse an unprotected one in such a way would make for an expensive, 'one use only' laser. Three of 'em in parallel could safely do it, but three NiMH in series produces roughly the same V, are cheaper, and can easily handle 2.5A to the TEC. Fast self-discharge issues are solved by using Sanyo Eneloops. Now for the fan... two 9V's in parallel straight to a 12V fan, underdriving it, should give enough runtime to enjoy myself a few times, but probably more so if it's regulated down to use a 5V fan... which I'm liking the sound of more and more, as it would allow full rpm's, and I could even stuff a little fan speed control into this thing! There's just enough space for it!
Muah haa haa haaaaa!...