CDplayer to laserpointer?

Ok im a total noob but my question is basicly can a pc cdrom laser be turned into a laser pointer. i've tried searching the net and these forums, but could somebody please point me to a schematic diagram if this is at all posible.

Some info:
The cdrom is intact and working at last try
It is a cheap model with no brand name
It is a reader only

Thanks in advance

I'm not going to ask you why you want to do this because that's not the question.
Just think for a moment [pause] how different the inner workings are configured. Ok, now that you thought about it you'll see that it could be done with a lot of effort and time but is it practical.

just buy one from here.

most CPF member have bought stuff from here with no problems.

only $5.89 delivered.

http://www.qualitychinagoods.com/laser-1xaaa-p-288.html

regards.

Most laser diodes in CD-ROMs emit at a wavelength of 780nm; this would appear as a *VERY DIM*, deep, dull cherry red color to the human eye; as it is right on the upper range of human visual perception. It would make a rather unimpressive laser pointer. Not to say it cannot be done, but the end results would not be very visually spectacular.

Craig is right. If it's a CD-ROM unit, then it's got a 780nm laser which is considered an infrared unit. If it's a DVD-ROM, then it probably has a 650nm visible red laser, but only running at a milliwatt or so. And the lens that it comes with is focused to a point that's only a millimeter or two away, meaning that you'd have to buy a replacement collimating lens for it anyway. You['re much better off buying a cheapo $5.00 pointer at a discount store.

In the meantime, don't lose your curiosity about that 780nm laser. If the CD-ROM ever dies, you could extract it, fit a different lens on it, and use it for something like an invisible IR fence.

TinderBox (UK) said:

just buy one from here.

most CPF member have bought stuff from here with no problems.

only $5.89 delivered.

http://www.qualitychinagoods.com/laser-1xaaa-p-288.html

regards.

Click to expand...

Or for cheaper alternative (but not as solidly made):
http://vistawholesale.zoovy.com/c=r.../results.cgis?catalog=&keywords=laser+pointer

Thanks guys really i was only wanting to know if it could be done but as said it would be unimpressive. Thanks for the links anyways.

For various projects, I've used IR lasers. The assembly in most CD players is not really good for making a pointer. In addition, the electronics to drive the laser is tightly integrated with the rest of the electronics, so it would be difficult to isolate it - probably it would be better to just get another driver.

For my project, I spent $15.00 on a driver board, $60.00 for the collimating optics. I think the diode was 5 bucks or so. The spot from the 5mw, 785 nm laser was just visible to the eye, but was highly visible to IR sensitive systems.