Lasers


I have been messing around with lasers lately. I got a couple diodes from bad DVD drives at work... but one died and one wasn't the right size. However, the third one works fine. I'm using an Aixiz housing from HighTechDealz and a DDL driver circuit based off the LM317T adjustable regulator. More info on the driver can be found here. Make sure to short the cap before attaching the diode. I burned my first one because I forgot to do so.
Driver Front Driver Back
The driver circuit could be condensed a little more, but that will be done once I start fitting everything into a flashlight or box. It's currently running off a 7V wall wart, but I'm trying to find some rechargeable Li-ion batteries to solve that.
Burning Tape
I haven't measured the current yet, but it does burn tape and can light a match (if colored with Sharpie)

I was going to pick up a small project box from radioshack, but found something a little cooler.
Personal Panic Alarm
It's small, has a button, and doesn't look horrible. I removed the guts, but ran out of cutting wheels for the dremel, so I haven't cleared it out yet. Fitting everything in there will be a challenge, especially the batteries, but I think it can be done.
Check back in a week or two and maybe it will be finished :)

I killed a PS3 diode too, but I've got another on the way, so hopefully I will have a nice blue laser too.
By Daniel Mirskiy