8X DVD writer laser diode uses

[MegaElephantears]

it´s very nice

[expressman100]

cool 

[renekenshin6573]

Ordinary laser pointers about 5mw can be modified to a higher output by adding a driver circuit

[BadSmaxx]

Alright, this was very cool. That said I have an off-topic kinda question... So let's say I want to go out and buy a 100mW-red laser "pointer" like the Warn Laser or the Viper series. WHY do they cost $199 and up ?? And the last 8X DVD burner I bought was around $26.00 I hope you understand my point, I realize the demo you did is not an identical laser to what I'm asking about, but we're still talking the same power (I think??)

[pcbman1st]

I'd say its probably as much a issue of professional vs amateur? Companies that make "quality" pointers can demand high prices and give warranties. Mine on the other hand was made from parts I found on ebay or in a junk box and some technical knowledge (engineering technician by trade). You can make one for around $30 probably with parts available on e b a y and some soldering in a flashlight case if your willing to do the work yourself. And it might be as powerful or better than store bought?

[pcbman1st]

Oh.. and they probably have an IC driving the laser diode to monitor power output so it won't burn up, another "professional feature". Mine is just driven off a couple of AAA cells in the penlight versions I've made. The one in the video was powered with my test bench variable power supply for control purposes.

That was my first one so I was learning what to do an what not to do. An IC controlled power output will prevent the laser diode from "eating itself" usually if it has a power spike.

[BadSmaxx]

Makes sense, I'm a build-it-yourself kind of guy, as much for the learning experience as the end result. Your video has inspired me. By IC you are referring to integrated circiut I am asuming? Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it!

[eddyvohra]

nvm my question

i got the answer in ur comments

[eddyvohra]

Can i use a Cd burner laser ?

i know it wont be visible but will it work ?

[stickman2012]

invisible lasers are dangerous good buddy.

[psphelper01]

my dad has a blueray laser very cool

[kwantumspin]

dont lie

[psphelper01]

im not.

[dragolix]

hi, can you say how to build a dvd-burning-laser? Or do you know a good website?

[jmpanes69]

how about watching this video, could it damage my eyes?

[pcbman1st]

nope

[heledraku]

lol

[Gunwacko]

LMAO!!!

[Magnetafoncix]

:D :D "yes, ofcourse" :D

[AZURA888]

Yeah DVD red lasers and blue ray for HD DVD has that power. The most powerful blue ray is over 200mW made by sharp.

[pcbman1st]

I believe all DVD writer laser diodes are monochromatic meaning they are one wavelength and usually red at ~650nM so they have no IR emission so no IR filter needed?

[Latteincorporation]

usually for DVD diodes, does it include IR filter?

[silntdoogood]

would a cd-r drive one work? and, what eye protection protects you from a lazer anyway? (jw)

[pcbman1st]

no cd reader or writer diodes don't work, not enough power. has to be a DVD writer and at least 8x to get enough power. Use the red diode which is usually at 650nm wavelength and get a set of goggles rated at that. They can be found for anywhere between $50-100. My rule of thumb is the goggles go on before the power goes on. Safety first. Even reflections off glass or chrome (anything reflective) can be dangerous and cause temporary effects in vision and it happens before you can blink usually.

[pcbman1st]

its actually easier to just buy the bare diode from e b a y instead of butchering a drive. 140-200mw diodes are regularly sold there and you get the pin configuration with it so you know how to hook it up. No guessing

[silntdoogood]

wouldl a plain cd-r drive work?

[jarixxx17]

i have a question.. can you use a regular dvd player diode to make a burning laser??

[pcbman1st]

nope, not enough power from a "player" diode.

Has to be a writer diode

[jarixxx17]

how bout an LD player diode???

[pcbman1st]

don't know. The higher power diodes only started coming out when DVD writers started hitting the market. I doubt it though. It just takes so much less power to read a disk than write one. Just get a diode off e b a y. Their cheep.

[jarixxx17]

ok. thanks

[shaman2007]

so, even if i look at it's reflection, i can damage my eyes?

[pcbman1st]

I would say it depends on the power of the laser and what its reflecting off of. In this video the reflections on the base between the chrome laser holder and the disk are caused by the melting plastic reflecting the beam but in general, yes. If its reflected off a mirror or glass or other very reflective surface (chrome) and got some power behind it it would be almost as bad as looking at the laser directly. In my opinion, reflected can be just as bad as direct.

[gonepishing]

what are the effects of looking into such a powerful red laser?

what about a 30mw green laser?

[pcbman1st]

temporary or permanent "spots" where the laser hits the back of the eyeball would be my first guess. There are comments online from folks that have done so with the above results. Some of them had their vision clear after a time but some didn't. I'd say it would depend on the power and length of time exposed but most of the higher power ones can do damage instantly. (before you can blink)

[gonepishing]

thats a really reason to own some glasses then

[pcbman1st]

yes

[MadBanana39167]

hi, will a 4x dvd burner diode b visible?

[pcbman1st]

sure, the ones in a pointer are only 5mW and that should be above 50mW.

Still enough power to cause eye damage though.

Just make sure you get the DVD laser and not the CD burner laser. The CD burner diode is IR and not visible in any writer. The DVD diode is RED and quite visible.

[djfrogfm]

so dvd burner laser are visible and cd burners arnt? also, could i use the laser from an old dvd player?

[pcbman1st]

Players lasers wont' work,, not enough power. need a "BURNER" laser for higher power output. 140-300mw 8x to 20x burner laser outputs.

Get goggles.. these things will f**k yOUr eyes up at these power levels.

[catmaster141]

EYE RAPE!

[chillmeout11]

did the batteries run out at the end??

[pcbman1st]

nope,I just turned the voltage down. I was running it off a variable power supply and watching the current with a meter so I could get it around max power for the type of diode it was.

[Leizarus]

WOW

[pedroclaro69]

That is not a laser... is a flashlaser such as a red flashlight

[pcbman1st]

what is not a laser? the one in the video?

[pedroclaro69]

yes, have you seen the ammount of light of that thing ???

[pcbman1st]

Sorry but it really is a laser.. probably 250mW at 16X.. I've made several out of 2AAA penlights. They burn quite well and there is no mistaking the type of coherent light they put out. It is definately a laser mod'ed maglight. Red light can't be seen well off to the side and a well focused, not collimated beam for burning will look quite small. A collimated beam will be the same diameter the whole length of the beam. His is focused to a very small point. The hole in my video above is only 3mil.

[cornflaker]

Did this like damage your camera?

I remember trying to use 2 magnifying glasses when i was younger trying to make it hotter and I burnt the second one lol

[pcbman1st]

i meant the first led laser I workd with, not using 2 lasers at a time.. I think thas what you meant?

[seekskateboarding]

what is a reasonable type of diode for makin a laser? lol nothin that can blind, but somethin strong enough to pop balloons and light matches pretty quick. all the innocent stuff ;]

[pcbman1st]

if it will do all the "innocent stuff" it will have enough power to cause eye damage..

a 5mW flea market laser pointer will cause temporary eye damage, ie. spots and such. but anything that can burn like 50mW and over can cause possible permanent eye damage. You can't have your cake and eat it too.. If your gonna make something that will burn, buy a set of goggles to protect your eyes! Even a reflection from a laser can cause temporary blindness or spots, etc..

[pcbman1st]

my first one was from a 8x Drive in this video.. I caught a reflection and it gave me a spot that lasted a few hrs.. scared the hell outta me. bought goggles that day, the goggles go on before the power goes on!!!!!! safety first!

These things are not TOYS like their made out to be. They are like a loaded GUN. Literally!!

[pcbman1st]

I don't doubt that at all. I just got 2 50mW Greenies. One measured at 90+mW, the other around 50mW,gotta love quality control. They at least have IR filters. Only 6mW at 880nM on the 90+mW greenie. Best part is they were only $26 each! MUAHAhahahahahah... I havn't done much with green yet but they have more visible energy/mW to our eyes. Looking forward to seeing what these can do. Now I have to get some goggles for 532nM. Happy lasing!

[pcbman1st]

I can't focus these to a fine point though. They are collimated quite nicely at least. Going to use one as a "laser finderscope" for my telescope. Tired of crooking my neck to see where I'm aiming the damn thing. Plus friends at "viewing partys" can see where its aiming also.. Something the reds can't do. Side vision for a red @650nM is terrible compared to the greens.

[samuellorocks]

hey can u tell me how much it costs

[pcbman1st]

diode, bout $10-15. Aixiz holder, another $5-10 depending where you get it. Technical knowledge to put it together and make it work. HMMMMMmmm.. priceless?

Check ebay.

[cornflaker]

Yep priceless alright, but the opposite of what you mean :P - Kipkay made a vid that tells you how to do this exactly on metacafe (with the Aixiz holder and a maglite)

[pcbman1st]

Cool.. I have posted still photos of how to assemble the diode in the blank on w e b s hots also.. good luck.

[rockefella08]

thanks ill go get a 20x dvd writer

[pcbman1st]

easier to just buy a diode off ebay from.

I've obtained up to 250mW for less than a dvd writer. And theres no guessing as to which diode you got in the writer. I think the pioneer 20x are running 300mW open frame diodes now but not sure which model. have fun, be safe!

[rockefella08]

i have a 52x dvd drive for my computer it doesnt write or burn disks but plays them would that work.

thanks

[pcbman1st]

52x sounds more like a CD player and no, a player won't work, gotta be a writer and perferably a DVD writer. (CD writers use IR diodes and you can't see the beam). IT takes POWER to write to those disks at 16x-20x.. Max DVD writer speed I've heard of (last one I bought) was 20x and had a 300mW diode in it.. Dangerous is an understatement. It could blind you faster than you can blink!

[CBLInternational]

Could you use a laser out of a dvd Drive? I've got a few samsung dvd drives that are broken.

[pcbman1st]

if its a DVD writer. and above 8x speed

[Croaker90]

would a diode laser from a CD PLAYER work? or burn a balloon?

THANKS

[pcbman1st]

no.. needs to be a writer and preferably a dvd writer so you can see the beam.. RED.. CDRW is IR an you can't see the beam so their dangerous.. Get a diode off Ebay or scrap a DVD writer for the diode.. Easier to get one off ebay.. cheeper too..

Have fun

[yoooTwoob]

umm.. a stupid question.. but.. what difference wud there be if i use the diode of a CD-RW burner instead of DVD burner?

[pcbman1st]

CDRW use IR diodes and its hard to see them when in operation so their hazardous to the eyes since you don't know when your being exposed. They will burn good but you can't see the beam.

[yoooTwoob]

Thanks a lot!

[elgranto7]

thats why you dont try to use a floppy disk as a DVD

[Havoc481]

what parts would i need to build one of those

and somthing i found out is that mose lasers still fire ir even if you can see the beam

[pcbman1st]

The amount of IR, say 800nM put out by a 650nM laser is so small (I measured 5mW of IR when the 650nM was putting out over 100mW. Soooo point being if the IR is 'with' something visible to make you shut your eyes or blink then your better off than straight IR which you can't see at all and you won't blink or close your eyes since you don't know your getting "dosed" wiht 10s of mW and the damage is already done before you know it..

[pcbman1st]

I got to thinking about your statment and my reply and I missed the point. I shouldn't have been able to measure any IR off my 650nM laser diode since its supose to be monochromatic which means ONE WAVELENGTH of light. Now I have something to think about. Where was that IR I measured comeing from. My overhead flourescent, the meter or my laser.

[Juthumheim]

Beat you , mine owns the floppy disk in 3 Seconds!!

[pcbman1st]

Good on you!! what power are you using?

This was defocused slow burn to show the plastic reflections as it "melts" its way through the disk. I havn't tried my 1/4 watt (measured with Coherent Lasercheck) 20X diode tight focused to see how fast it would "own" one. I'll let you know when I can make a video of it.

[Juthumheim]

-- Sure , should make one and post it here to enjoy it's ownage.. :)

[spoon527]

ok a 20x fuking bs if u home make it plz make a pretty explanitroy vodio on what u need and how to make one

[pcbman1st]

I pulled the laser diode out of a Sata Drive that I had problems with . brand new but only $30 so disposible for the Laser diode. I got a deal if ya ask me. Its been measured at 271mW at 400ma. I have to set it up again with a good peltier heatsink to see what it can do..

[spoon527]

i dont got any of that XD

[WereNecro]

What the hell does all 120x 50m 84mW mean

[aradioactivedonut]

well (var)x means the speed of the drive that the laser was taken from, (var)nm means the wavlength of the laser light, (var)mW means the power (joules/second)that the laser outputs.

[8DFR]

Does a DVD-R laser is useful???

because i only have CD-RW and DVD-R

[pcbman1st]

DVD 8x or above lasers - or + should be the same or close but both are red 650nM laser diodes. CD/W lasers are IR and should not be used as they are basically invisible and dangerous to the eyes.

[Fredasp]

Take a look in my videos.... I used CD diodes. Those are IR.

[pcbman1st]

Just making a point that IR lasers are dangerous for the novice. Your video doesn't look like your a novice.. lol. I have several IR lasers also but rarely use them for anything since I have more powerful red ones. I use them more for FSO experiments than burning things but that is fun also. IR can just hurt your eyes without your knowing it is why I discourage their use. Their great when your careful about using them.

[toomyg155]

Nice laser...

Check out my laser on my channle only got 1 vid at the moment

[superpeter1962]

i want to make a laser for my air rifle can u make a vid to show me i like tinkering cheers

[pcbman1st]

check out my stills of laser blank assembly on webshots under pcbman1

[kambingbetula]

to dark.. can't see anything being cut

[pcbman1st]

its just burning/cutting a very small hole(a few mil.) in the floppy. Can barely see the hole once its done.

[cicadafan]

hey, i have the diode of a 52x32x52(those numbers are on the front) disk burner. but do you know it will burn?

[pcbman1st]

sounds like a CD burner. don't use it, the diode is infra red and not worth the time tearin it apart.

[pcbman1st]

its a cd burner. the diode is infrared. don't use it.

[ianthegeek]

Great video, fist one i've seen that fully demonstrates plastic burning.

[pcbman1st]

Thanks!

[Juthumheim]

, trying to focus it, and then it burned! all it does now is emit a weak red light, like a cheap red led! What happened to my laser? IT was hooked to 2 AA NMh Rechargeable batteries, IT's life was wonderfull, but really short :( (like 5 minutes) !! what I did wrong man? .. Im gonna try it once more, but I don't want to screw another nice laser diode!!

[pcbman1st]

could have been heat or over voltage/current. I use a variable power supply and an milliamp meter so I can monitor its current draw on unknown diodes. The micromirrors burn out if its run over its max current even for a millisecond. Try 100ohm in series next time to reduce the current It doesn't have to be full power to get something to burn. The 8x in this video was only 85mW. (rated at 140)

[Dishfarm]

I've heard somewhere that you're not suppose to adjust certain laser optics once they have been used for a while. The beam does something to the mirror's finish and doesn't like changes.

[Juthumheim]

Hey, I used a laser diode from a 16x DVD burner wich had an IC burned long time ago, I took it out turned it on a couple of times, and I was able to burn black paper and a little of my keyboard (wich is black plastic -burned amazingly quick!!)I then hooked it to the lens from a cheap laser, tried it and worked for like 30 seconds, turning it on and off pointing at things,

[mattseery23]

what was the point of that?

[pcbman1st]

explain? point of what?

[mattseery23]

Shining a light into the camera? Please be nice to me, because I feel like an idiot!

[pcbman1st]

if your talking about the camera and the IR diode its because the camera can see it and your eyes can't so you look at it through the camera? That way you can tell when its on, focused and dangerous. IR is very hazardous to yur eyes since you can't tell when your being exposed to it.

[fundash]

then why can i point my tv clicker in my eyes and i don't get hurt?

[pcbman1st]

because the power output of a remote control LED output is so low and its not coherent like a laser. I should have said HIGH power IR is not good for your eyes.. LEDs are low power.

[mattseery23]

Ah, very clever.

[Wes1731]

do you have to use a DVD writer? or can you use a CD reader? because i only have one DVD writer and i want to keep it but i have a few CD reader only drives laying around the place

[pcbman1st]

cd reader no. cd writer no. dvd writer, yes. Their cheep, less than $40.

[PaterBoy17]

i always see people use dvd diodes but what about the diode in a usb mouse? how powerful is it? can u use it?

[pcbman1st]

those are usually just leds but even the laser mice are very low power

[PaterBoy17]

k thanks, didnt really know. im new to this stuff.

What about a cd player? could i use the diode in it?

[pcbman1st]

NO.. its IR (infrared) and you can't tell when its on so its really dangerous to the eyes. Highly discourage using IR diodes for that reason!

[PaterBoy17]

So i wouldnt be able to see the Beam?

[pcbman1st]

right, not without using something like a camera that was sensitive to IR to view it. Not worth the danger when red diodes are so easy to obtain.

[pcbman1st]

JUT A GENERAL NOTE FYI!!!!!!

If your thinking of making something of this power I highly suggest buying at "least" a cheap pair of goggles. "cheap being better than nothing at all" I own a set of OD3 and OD6 goggles for red 650nM LDs. The goggles go on before the power does.. First time you get the equivalent of "welders flash" followed by headaches you will wish you had worn them!!!

[RichardBardel]

damn it.. i only have a spare CD writer lol. Ill probz by a cheap DVD writer, hook it up to a few double A batteries and a button. Hopefully it'll be able to pop baloons and light matches :p

[pcbman1st]

Well,, chalk one up to the "disposable society"

I decided to try a 20x SATA DVD burner and had nothing but problems. I put it right in place of a SATA HD but still took 20 min to burn a 16xDVD.. Soooooooo. the laser diode is now being used for other things.. Cost.. $35. (oh, plus shipping) but still less than the cost of the diode itself if you were to buy a ~250mW laser diode.. Oh well.. By the way, ordered the IDE (PATA) version of the same drive an it works flawlessly!!!!!

[dromedarisd]

but watch out for radiasion wear gogles and suit thank u

[SeanTuckerBrett]

I don't think it is a 8x DVD burner. But did you use recharge battiers.

[pcbman1st]

for this I used a variable power supply so I could control the current. This laser diode is now mounted in a penlight that uses 2 AAA alkaline batteries for 3V that it likes. I have NIMH AAA recharge batts but they only do 2.6V or so but last A LOT LONGER than the alkalines as in cameras an other high current demand items.

[jamesthao]

where can i buy the expensive lasers.... and how much will it cost

[pcbman1st]

try some place like wicked laser or aixiz laser. not sure the exact address. google it.

[jthao006]

can u use like any lasers .. like those cheap ones

[pcbman1st]

if you mean by "cheap ones" something like a 5mW penlight pointer that you get at the flea market, it isn't gonna burn anything but it will make you see spots if you look at it long enough!

[horsycos88]

can you make a laser that you can burn with from a cd writer?? Does it really have to be from a dvd burner?

[pcbman1st]

pretty sure it needs to be a DVD burner besides a CD burner laser diode is IR and you can't see the beam so you don't know when your eyes are being "lased" and very possibly damaged so another reason to use a red DVD diode.

[horsycos88]

ok. thanks.I've already messed up my cd writer :)) I'll find a broken dvd burner and start working:D

[davidbball13]

also i learned the hard way DONT USE A CD WRITER

IT IS A BAD THING TO DO AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT IS OFF!!!! just to say

[SupaSimmo]

great technology, gotta thank the roswell incident for that, as well as intrigated circuitboards, fibre optics.

[freespeachrulez]

Question, why can't these laser diodes be made bigger, throw in some more power, add in some telescoping magnified mirror system and shoot a 1 inch hole through wood? What are the hold ups for lasers like this for combat weaponry like we see in the movies? Seems to me we could build a laser that would cut a army tank in half..

[DJn0b0dy]

they did a very long time ago

Its called a coil system and the airforce uses it

(chemical-oxygen -iodine-laser)

you can even destroy a missle in midflight

imagine what they do to people...

[pcbman1st]

Also try looking for videos on here for "MTHEL" Mobile Tactical High Energy Laser. Talk about impressive!

[lucymydog1995]

lol.... that would be awsome.... but if someone made a home version of that they could do anything they wanted....

[freespeachrulez]

All you need is a large spinning mirror, some liquid nitrogen, and a phase tracking system.. Cut the crap Kent you built a weapon..Classic.. I love lasers.. Real Genius OWNS!!!

[pcbman1st]

Great movie by the way. I've watched it over and over again. Laslo had the right idea!

[LovesToDrift]

what, astronaut farmer? idk what movie is that? i've heard that line.

[pcbman1st]

never seen Astronaut Farmer. Real Genius with Val Kilmer is the movie were talking about. A real classic laser movie!. and my bad, its "Lazlo" not Laslo

[LovesToDrift]

ah.

[freespeachrulez]

Lazlo..Buddy!! I passed but I failed.. Well then I am happy and sad for you.. "ICE IS NICE"

[jerryaltman]

May I sugest a test. I know that the 5mW diode alone without lens hane a week light. For camewra the light of a focused laser of 5mW compared to 250mW is not so different. Why not compare the difused light (without lens) of a 5mW laser and a 250mW laser?

[pcbman1st]

I've seen the difference between a 5mW and a 140mW focused on a wall at 6ft and the 140 will make you look away its so bright goggles are required, the 5 is a joke almost. Sorry, but theres a lot of difference between the 2 from what I've seen. With or without focal elements. Just a lot more dangerous when focused.

[jerryaltman]

Is this laser module, probably from a 5mW, enough to work with this powerfull DVD recorder laser for about 25 minutes? Or the heat can make the diode burns itself due lack of heat disspation on the 5mW laser module?

[pcbman1st]

oh, and I used a 12V variable powersupply through a 100ohm current limiting resistor for this shot.

[jerryaltman]

Have a DVD recorder of 16x a powerful laser than the 8x speed?

[pcbman1st]

I think the 16/18X DVD writers have a 250mW laser.

[Termi87ITA]

Yes the 16x uses a 250 mW laser.

But i don't know about 18-20x.

[pcbman1st]

I tore apart a 20x SATA burner and came up with a "open frame" type laser diode that I measured with my Coherent Laser Check at 300mw @ 650nm.

It was well heat sinked and cooled with a peltier junction for the few seconds I had it at that power level.

[Termi87ITA]

Thanks.

[VVLaserTechnology]

Open CAN laser diode...

Not Open Frame.

[pcbman1st]

Thanks for the correction. I appreciate it.

[VVLaserTechnology]

No problem :)

[alcomen]

Which the voltage and current that you used?

[pcbman1st]

Voltage drop across the diode varies with the power.

I believe in this shot current was around 140ma. I've run this particular diode up to 200mA.

At lower powers its around 2.8V. At full power it may go to 3.2V I have a homemade penlight style pointer with output over 100mW from a 140mW diode with 2 fresh AAA cells around 3.1Vdc. Gotta have Goggles on when using it.

[pcbman1st]

Ebay, I bought my OD3 @ 650nm goggles from aixiz_lasers for around $100.. Very nice quality and fit over my glasses perfect.

There are several for less than $50 but I can't vouch for their quality.

[mibars]

Maybe blue filters for glasses will work?

[blahdeeblah2000]

you can get glasses from wicked laser for like 48$ i think, ive never known why axis charges so much but i trust wickedlasers.

[bobler12345]

anywhere that i can get cheep laser goggles ?

the ones online i found were like $200 so htats out of the question.

[lara336]

Look and see if one is labeled CD, if it is , don't use that one. The red visible laser diode is usually to the right of the CR laser. I'm not 100% sure, but it worked with mine. The one to the left is an IR laser, I think.

[t3nny3]

if there are 2 diodes in the dvd rw wich one shoul i use? plz reply

[Xenodius]

Though I disagree about completely BLINDING you at that power, you should still wear goggles. IIRC it takes ~ 5 seconds of full lasing with a 200mW to officially render someone 'blind', but hey, I still don't want a big spot in my vision in the time it took my eyes to blink...

[pcbman1st]

it was for those that would start by saying "hey guys, watch this". The way most accidents start? LOL.

my rule is goggles on before power. Thanks for the comment though, I had read its almost impossible for a 5mw pointer to blind you so theres a lot of misinformation out there. I tend to err on the side of safety when I can.

[Xenodius]

I totally agree, and I don't even have a working laser yet! :D

But yeah, 1 minute of direct 5mW lasing is supposed to blind you... Think of the long term damage of spectral reflections!