I have decided that i will be building my own laser. I have already got the parts i need but i have a little prob. I am using two AAA batts but i need to get the voltage down to 2.8. With two 1.5 volt batts you have 3 volts. Thats over the limit for the laser.

Little info for ya.

I built the box with simple pieces that you can get at any hobby store. Using two switches. One for power and a momentary push button switch. Also using a AAA battery case.

Looks like this. First one is the assembled box and the second is the laser head and laser in the tin foil.
I know the pic suck for now. I only have my cell phone with me.

whats teh laser for?

Killin' sum peepulz.

haha, not with a 2.8v battery operated one, lol

No but it will burn stuff. They sell them for 250 on the net.

great, jsut what we need, another arsonist

LOL no only a few materials. It does look like something that you would use to remote activate a bomb.

What about using rechargable NiCad batteries, I'm pretty sure they're only 1.2volts each, putting you at 2.4.

Yeah i just stumbled on that fact. Now im going to wait till tomm and grab some somewhere....

Wait are you sure its going to actually burn stuff? I mean typical lasers that can actually do surface damage belongs in the Class-4 category and are much larger than what can fit in that tinfoil. I can't really make out exactly whats in the tinfoil but anything that small is typically a diode-based laser (like an LED) -- which I think all belong under Class-1.

You don't plan to attach this laser to ill-tempered seabass do you? ;)

Maybe snipe some couples makin out in your drive in! Fun!

You don't plan to attach this laser to ill-tempered seabass do you? ;)

My guess is they will be attatched to a sharks head like in Austin Powers:p:

My guess is they will be attatched to a sharks head like in Austin Powers:p:


But what if "they" are all out of sharks and just have ill-tempered seabass? :D

Wait are you sure its going to actually burn stuff? I mean typical lasers that can actually do surface damage belongs in the Class-4 category and are much larger than what can fit in that tinfoil. I can't really make out exactly whats in the tinfoil but anything that small is typically a diode-based laser (like an LED) -- which I think all belong under Class-1.

Yes we already build one and used rechargeable NiCad. It didnt hit me till he brought it up that that is why he used the rechargeable batts.

It will start matches and burn black plastic. Have not messed with it much. You can see the beam of light very well and see it over half a mile.


I wanted to go with alkaline but when you put to together you get 3.16 volts way over the limit.

You don't plan to attach this laser to ill-tempered seabass do you? ;)

And how did you figure me out???? :D

How about a 2.8V voltage regulator? Would be pretty easy to wire one in.

Yeah but where can i get one or how can i make one

Before you can decide on a voltage regulator (Vreg), you need to know how many Amps that laser eats. If its in the tenths of 1 Amp range, then thats no problem.

http://media.maxim-ic.com/images/qv/1175.gif
http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/1175

Update. I got it to work. I was worried that i messed it up but i didnt.

You have to use nickel cadmium battery's and it works right with out having to fool with the voltage.

It will light a match.

I need a new box tho. I messed up and drilled the hole for the laser body to big...oh well that will only be 2 bucks.

Updates to come

Wait are you sure its going to actually burn stuff? I mean typical lasers that can actually do surface damage belongs in the Class-4 category and are much larger than what can fit in that tinfoil. I can't really make out exactly whats in the tinfoil but anything that small is typically a diode-based laser (like an LED) -- which I think all belong under Class-1.


Oh and IZ this laser is in class 3b. IM pretty sure. That is what i was told when getting it

oh man-be very careful with that--
That laser will burn your retina before you can react for sure--

heck, class 2 lasers will do that. It could reflect off a tool or window and catch your eye before you knew it happened

I would totally burn the homework papers in the professors hand before he passes them out with that...haha

"Class, here is the homework that is due tomorrow"
FOOM
"WTF??"

Its bright. It set on two switches and you are only susposed to run it for a max of 90 seconds or it will overheat.

It is only good for burning things around ten feet. After that it will not bun stuff.

I want to build a bigger one but not for the money it would cost

A vid of setting things on fire is a must.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/756433/laser_flashlight_hack/

I was going to do that, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

It will happen in a few i got to set my digital cam up first.

Light a match is prob what you will get.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/756433/laser_flashlight_hack/

I was going to do that, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

This is really close to what i have

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/906366/blu_ray_laser_phaser/

Dude im hitting ebay to find a broken ps3

Hey glad it worked for you Burns!! Now you gotta mass produce these things in tiny packages labeled "EF" :D

Thanks IZ

Haha......I only spent 30 bucks so far. So its not to bad

And broken ps3's are way to expensive. 60 bucks for something that does not work. Not gonna happen.

Here you go. Took me a second to get it going because its not finished. Holding two switches and a camera and focusing the laser was not to easy.

DRbKv5yjKuU

Try to light a cigarette from a distance away with it. I think the perfect use for this is to light a meter maid's ticket book after they issue a ticket so they think that they gave you the ticket, but they won't have their copy to submit.:D

I dont smoke but ill buy a cheap pack to try that after i get my new enclosure and finish it up

A fire cracker or a bottle rocket would be neat if it would ignite from a safe distance away. Maybe this could be modified as part of a spud gun to ignite the gas? You could even use it for plastic welding or for burning designs in wood.

Im not sure it will light the gas. I have another match that is white that i have yet to get to light.


Ill yank a fuse out of a bottle rocket before i try it lol

You mentioned that it can't run for an extended period of time because it will overheat, and possibly burn out. A heat sink could be connected to the diode. A modulated PWM power supply could vary the duty cycle to help it stay cool too.

Well thats just a fear. Im not sure that it will happen just read something about it. Forgot where.