Making a DVD Burner into High Powered Laser?

[Comidt]

HI
How do you turn a DVD Burner into a Laser, I know SenKat and Kenom have made one.
Could you put a detailed step by step instructions up when you have the time?
Thanks Alot.
What DVD Burner woks the best too?
Thanks ALot
Jonno

 

[Daedal]

Comidt, all DVD burners are the same, effectively. The only control factor amongst them is the speed. The faster the burning speed, the more power the diode can handle, and the more it can output. I have personally used Lite-On, Samsung, and am expecting an LG in a couple days to test as well. Both Samsung and Lite-On had the exact same identical internals, exact same optics and the identical diodes. They outputted the same power, and with outstanding effeciency. The diodes are, although, open package. That makes the diodes more succeptible to dust and debris. I would suggest you read up some more on the topic as there is a lot of sources online, including CPF and LP. This is not very difficult.

Requirements:
* You need to be able to solder/desolder effectively and effeciently.
* You need to have suffecient test equipment to determine the current/voltage.
* You need to have a good understanding of the circuitry that takes place in a laser and the operation of a laser diode.
* Make sure you are always grounded and shielded when working with diodes. A single static shock could be the death of your diode. (I made a mistake with a Blu-Ray diode and killed it on the spot! )
* Get the schematics that you need and make sure you have the parts before you get the diode. (Excitement makes people do things without thinking)
* You need the laser module from AixiZ from eBay ($4).

Other than that, good luck, be safe, and be smart. Don't do anything you're not sure of, take things slow and steady, and make sure you use a low-wattage solder iron with a very fine tip.

GL;
DDL

 

[Comidt]

Hi
Thanks
Is this the module I'm looking at:
650nm 5mw 12mm X 30mm full brass case $4.50 USD of Aixiz?
I think I've found a good Lite-On, but not sure...
Won't you check out this post for me:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=165981
Thanks Alot
Jonno

 

[Tek465]

I just got my new issue of MAKE: Vol 10 and they have a write up on page 140 for making a DVD laser.

http://www.makezine.com/

If you can't find a copy, the same information can be found here:

http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2006/11/how_to_make_a_d_3.html

http://www.felesmagus.com/pages/lasers-howto.html

 

[Corona]

BAD advice. While it may work without a resistor, it's stupid, just like the green laser mod that was circulating where you short the pot to the laser barrel to max the current. Lotsa blown up lasers resulted (yes, it "worked" for a few, but...)

Don't build one like this, use a resistor at least