Laser flashlight hack!!

Laser flashlight hack!!

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Explore Community Submit Laser Flashlight Hack!! by Kipkay on August 6, 2007 Table of Contents intro: Laser Flashlight Hack!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 step 1: What you need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 step 2: And . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 step 3: Extract the DVD Laser Diode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 step 4: Extract the Laser Diode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 step 5: Continue extraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 step 6: The new DVD Laser Diode! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 step 7: Preparing the AixiZ housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 step 8: Assembling the housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 step 9: Installing it in your MiniMag! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 step 10: Final Step!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 step 11: Test it out!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Customized Instructable T-shirts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/ intro: Laser Flashlight Hack!! Turn a MiniMag flashlight into a powerful DVD laser pointer! This 245mw laser is powerful and fits real cozy in a MiniMag! See the video at the end for the Test Results! NOTE: This Instructable WILL NOT WORK with any CD burner/player diodes or DVD player diodes! UPDATE: If you want to use this as more than just a novelty item, a driver circuit is recommended. See the schematic for details. Video Disclaimer: CAUTION! As you know lasers can be dangerous. Never point them at any living object!T his is not a toy, and this should not be used like a conventional laser pointer. In other words, don't use it in presentations, or to play with pets, or allow children to use it. It should only be operated by responsible persons who understand and respect the potential laser safety hazards. step 1: What you need You will need the following items: 1. 16X DVD Burner. I used an LG burner I had as a spare. http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/ step 2: And 2. A MiniMag flashlight easily obtained at your local hardware, sporting goods or home improvement store. 3. An AixiZ Laser Module obtained from AixiZ($4.50) 4. Small jewelers screwdrivers, X-Acto knife, metal snips, drill, round file and other small tools. Image Notes 1. 650nm 5mw 12mm X 30mm step 3: Extract the DVD Laser Diode After removing all of the screws from the DVD burner, remove the cover and the DVD drawer. This will expose the laser carriage assembly. http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/ step 4: Extract the Laser Diode While all DVD burners are a bit different, they all rely on 2 rails that the laser assembly moves on. Remove all screws and do whatever it takes to free up the rails so the laser assembly slides off. Disconnect or cut and cabling and flat connectors. Image Notes 1. Laser Assembly step 5: Continue extraction Once you have the assembly off of the burner it's time to start disassembling it by removing all the screws you see. There will be many small screws so be patient. Cut any flat cabling off. There could be two diodes, one for the CD portion of the burner (IR diode) and the actual DVD burning diode (red). That is the one you want. There will be a 3-pin circuit board on the red diode that you want to CAREFULLY remove with a soldering iron revealing 3 pins. You can test the diode with 2-AA batteries and referring to the polarity chart (on the video). You will have to remove the diode from the housing and that will be in a case-by-case basis depending on the burner. The laser diode is fragile so take care in the final extraction process. http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/ Image Notes 1. Typical laser diode assembly. They are usually all different. step 6: The new DVD Laser Diode! Here is what your extracting diode will look like! step 7: Preparing the AixiZ housing Remove the label from the AixiZ housing and unscrew the housing leaving a top and bottom portion of the housing. Inside the top housing is the original (5mw) laser diode that has to be removed. I used the bottom of an X-Acto knife and with a couple of sharp taps, the original diode will come out. It will likely be destroyed doing this but I have been successful in removing them before but using a very small screwdriver and tapping around the diode until it is freed up. http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/ Image Notes 1. After removing the label, using pliers or vide grips, unscrew the housing. step 8: Assembling the housing I used a little bit of Arctic Silver Thermal grease and slowly installed the new DVD diode in the AixiZ housing. Using a pair of pliers, I SLOWLY squeezed the edges of the diode down into the housing until it was flush. CAREFUL! Image Notes 1. The new DVD laser installed in the AixiZ housing. step 9: Installing it in your MiniMag! After soldering two leads to the positive and negative diode connectors, it's time to install it in the MiniMag. After disassembling the MiniMag (remove the top, the reflector, lens and bulb) you will need to enlarge the MiniMag reflector using a reaming tool, round metal file or drill or a combination of all three. http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/ step 10: Final Step!! Be sure to remove the batteries from the MiniMag and after checking polarity, slip your new DVD Laser housing down into the top of the MiniMag where the bulb would go. Screw the top of the MiniMag on and slip the reflector over the Laser housing. You will not be using the plastic MiniMag lens. UPDATE: If you intend to use this as more than just a novelty item, a driver circuit is recommended. Here is a basic driver circuit that can be built for this project which will regulate the voltage going to the diode. Image Notes 1. Be sure to double check the polarity of the diode before installing and powering it up! You may have to trim the leads. Also, note the adjustable lens to focus the beam step 11: Test it out!! Reinstall the 2-AA batteries and slowly unscrew the top of the MiniMag, turning on your new Laser Flashlight! Caution!! Laser diodes are dangerous and should never be pointed at any living thing. Thanks and I hope you enjoyed this Instructable! http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/ Related Instructables New 007 Laser Weapon - Revealed! by Kipkay Blu-Ray Laser Phaser! by Kipkay Extracting Blue Laser Diode from Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player (slideshow) by migetman121 Lasers (guide) by TimAnderson Pocket-Sized Do-it-all multi- tool Shiny Light (aka Laser) by icinnamon DIY Laser Projector - New Laser Mod (video) by pyro222 How To Get FREE Electronic parts! by Plasmana $100 Super Bright Flashlight for under $10! by Kipkay Advertisements Customized Instructable T-shirts Comments 50 comments Add Comment view all 1757 comments elcetronicsfreak says: Dec 17, 2008. 9:23 AM REPLY Hi, I would love to make this laser, but I’m worried that I will ruin the diode upon extraction. I found a Sony 16x laser diode here, http://stonetek.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=180 and I was wondering if it would work. Someone please help, Thanks! ggiihh1 says: Dec 15, 2008. 5:39 PM REPLY any idea if a laser from a playstation 1 would work? http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/ BrookeAaren says: Dec 11, 2008. 4:10 AM REPLY i've screwed out a diode from a fujitsu dvd burner. but the diode has got 12 pins! now i can't figure out, which two pins are the diode. can anybody help me please? i added a picture of it: ac1D says: Dec 14, 2008. 4:06 PM REPLY omg. this was in a casing, you opened the casing. what you have here, is what you can find inside the casing of the photo(step6) franzwa says: Dec 11, 2008. 9:52 AM REPLY you think I can use a play station 2 laser? and BrookeAaren I think you just half to try them all. Ironegg says: Dec 6, 2008. 12:19 PM REPLY Is the "nm" the meaure of the lasers intensity, or the actual colour? I thought the colour was dependent on the diod you have, and the how bright that diode is is measured with nm? LRMNmeyer says: Dec 10, 2008. 6:37 PM REPLY nm is just the color. The color is the thing that affects visability. Power plays a smaller role-5mW of green looks like 200mW of red-but if it's the same wavelength, more power=more visablity. CO2 lasers can be thousands of watts and be completely invisible. 650nm is the wavelength of common red diodes. Power is measured in mW. Different diodes are different wavelengths, but are either 650nm (red), 635nm (an orangy red), 405nm (violet), and a few different IR wavelengths. There are no blue, green, yellow diodes that someone could easily obtain-they use high power IR diodes pumped through special crystals that need to be percisely aligned to produce the color. *Just some basic laser info* zwhite93 says: Nov 6, 2008. 6:18 PM REPLY What about a PHR-803T HD? Being a complete laser noob, I'm not sure what modifications would be necessary to make this work. It is a 5.6mm form factor, so thats not too different, right? What do you think? I am not advertising, just trying to give y'all an idea of what im seeing: http://stonetek.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=227 LRMNmeyer says: Dec 10, 2008. 6:17 PM REPLY You would need to use a driver circuit, set to ~100mA. Driving directly off of the battery would kill it instantly. A 16x DVD burner diode can survive for at least a while without a driver. Epredator says: Dec 10, 2008. 7:41 AM REPLY Alright, awsome instructable man. I just have a general question that I am hoping for an answer from anyone. Lets say I do take a 52x36x52 drive and get the diode (yes i read the comment lower on the list), by using the diode from that drive (even tho its ir) could it actually burn stuff? Be a more powerful laser. Cuz really to see an IR ya need a camera, not too much more to carry besides a laser. Thanks ahead of time for answering this question. maccasmack says: Dec 9, 2008. 5:47 PM REPLY hey great instructable!! but can this be done with a old CD drive?? Q-NINJA says: Dec 1, 2008. 1:14 PM REPLY I did everything and followed all the steps to the word, I have the exact right diode axiz 650nm but I didn't use dvd burner diode. The laser works except it doesn't give off any heat at all and certainly doesn't light matches of pop balloons or burn through tape. All it does is hurt my eyes and give me a headache! LightSpeed1 says: Dec 1, 2008. 4:10 PM REPLY Watch you don't get it in your eyes! Perhaps you have a lower powered diode, too low to burst the balloon. Still, you need to assume it is dangerous, and not get it in your eyes where it can cause permanent damage. Think of this as a power drill. It is designed for use under controlled conditions by an experienced operator and it can perform a task well, but it is not a toy. What does it do? Perhaps it can be used to etch metal objects, like scribing your name into valuables. Has anyone tried this? http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/ Q-NINJA says: Dec 2, 2008. 9:16 AM REPLY My diode is 650nm and 200mw. Oh maybe you misunderstood me but i wasn't shining it in my eyes, The beam and the dot itself hurt my eyes LightSpeed1 says: Dec 3, 2008. 10:20 AM REPLY You mean the intensity of the dot reflecting off matte surfaces caused eye strain, then. While not directly striking your eyes, remember that white paper or paint reflects 90% of the light which strikes it. The diffuse nature of this means it is not focused in your eyes, but still it will be a very intense dot at 200 mW. Think of the after image of flash cameras popping in from of you, even though the flash is diffused, not focused. If you still see the dot after looking at it just a moment reflected off a matte surface, and the after-image persists several minutes, I'd suspect that this is on the borderline of causing optical damage if you persist. I think this requires specialized eye-wear to be safe. I thought of a use for this: self defense weapon. But beware that your attacker doesn't turn around and sue you for losing his eyesight. Q-NINJA says: Dec 3, 2008. 11:59 AM REPLY The safety is already taken care of, I'm getting goggles next week. I have put the project on hold till then. The problem is that my minimag laser is functioning except it does not seem to be releasing heat or popping balloons or lighting matches. What should I do? LightSpeed1 says: Dec 7, 2008. 3:11 PM REPLY Try a black balloon, or paint the match black with charcoal. Black surfaces absorb light more than light colors, and this will transform into heat and ignite the material. This points out the flaw in using laser weapons: reflective materials will easily defeat it. A mirror will send it straight back at you! Of course if the power is high enough it will char the target surface quickly and that will increase the absorption many fold. But a water jacket would provide a shield, too, with just water as a cheap barrier, since it will turn to steam and dissipate the heat rather than char. This may be a tool in search of a job. Q-NINJA says: Dec 2, 2008. 9:10 AM REPLY Thanks for the warning,I think I knew that, but can you tell what I should do? Ironegg says: Dec 6, 2008. 12:16 PM REPLY Wait, wait, hold on. I am like serious noob, and still familiarizing myself with the terminology, but i can still understand some things. I have reviewing he posts, and it sounds like there is a little controversy. Because i know Blue Fusion is suggesting there may be some potential issues, while Mag Laser says there arent. Is it the AxiZ laser housings sizes you re saying will cause the difficulty or the actual diodes? I would assume its the diodes. I mean same thing goes for me, what "teachmenowhow" said. What do i do? I just want a strong burning power, durability, and awesome colour. Once i can get my first laser built, then i modify and play around with te colours. But in the meantime, i want toknow what i need to take into consideration while building mine. Ironegg says: Dec 6, 2008. 11:59 AM REPLY is it the 650nm 5mw module 8mm case? jake501 says: Dec 3, 2008. 9:37 PM REPLY I've got a really quick question will a 52x32x52x CD-RW work? I looked on Wiki and saw that it is 100mW. Does it have to be 250mW DVD-R or is mine alright? skylab says: Dec 6, 2008. 9:44 AM REPLY NO. CD-RW Lasers are Infrared, which means that you can't see them. So, even if there was enough power to "burn things", you are likely to cause PERMANENT DAMAGE to your EYES (or someone elses. Unlike visible Lasers, you will have no warning of eye injury with infrared lasers. Your FIRST warning will be Retinal failure. DVD Lasers are visible, so while you can still hurt yourself (or others), you will at least KNOW when you are doing so. jake501 says: Dec 6, 2008. 10:18 AM REPLY k, thanks Ironegg says: Dec 4, 2008. 6:45 PM REPLY Yeah, Dude, WTF. That is weird. ootm says: Dec 3, 2008. 3:40 PM REPLY Those things are usually hundreds of bucks. [...]... bought here: http://www.mi-lasers.com/cgibin/shopper.cgi?search=action&keywords=diode_optics According to what I have read on laserpointerforums.com, those have better quality optics that produce more powerful lasers Please don't quote me on all that; I'm trying to help, but I'm not entirely sure of the accuracy of those statements http://www.instructables.com/id /Laser- Flashlight- Hack!!/ h1r0sh1m4 says:... fair kipkay and i dont wnanan blow the laser diode what do i do lol ? FanThom says: Nov 30, 2008 12:52 PM REPLY I accidentally ordered an 8mm laser housing instead of the 12mmx30mm Is it possible to continue with the process or should I return it and order the correct size? dehlome says: what is the use of this? http://www.instructables.com/id /Laser- Flashlight- Hack!!/ Nov 30, 2008 8:10 AM REPLY KittyPryde... of the housing and twisting them in opposite directions? Howlaserswork says: Nov 28, 2008 9:18 AM REPLY Excellent instructable If you are interested in finding out more about how lasers actually work, visit How Lasers Work for a comprehensive laser guide! erikinchains says: Nov 26, 2008 3:18 PM REPLY hey i was wondering if you can use the laser diode from like a walkman or a cd player or if it has... work on a Mini Maglite, you can't do it with a every ready flashlight or anything like that but like i said i don't know much so it would be better if you got help from someone who has actually completed this project jetblak says: Dec 1, 2008 5:28 PM REPLY Thanks kipkay the laser works fine i did everything the laser is focused and i got the axisz laser hosuing one thing it burns my eyes and the side of... appreciated 1) Where does the laser housing come into play 2) What does testing polarity do 3) Does the laser housing just fit right into the space where the bulb was 4) Do I just rip out the bulb jetblak says: Dec 1, 2008 5:33 PM REPLY You do not need the laser housing (axisZ) that is if u dont want it to focuse and u just dont care and want to burn things and no the laser hosuing does not fit u have... laptop with this laser! !! JakeManes says: Nov 25, 2008 12:10 PM REPLY I doubt its powerful enough to do that Post some pics zaery says: Nov 25, 2008 4:02 PM REPLY It was a black laptop, and i have since gotten rid of that one, it was old kriss840 says: where can i buy the Aixiz? Can i buy Aixiz from any electronic store? view all 1757 comments http://www.instructables.com/id /Laser- Flashlight- Hack!!/ Oct... course, but we forget that when the word "laser" is mentioned, and we conjure up visions of Star Trek or Star Wars Obviously the same precautions need to be observed with your high powered laser as when using a magnifier with sunlight as every kid has learned early on when the light starts to burn the skin and he stops as once The difference here is the fact that the laser beam focuses that energy much farther... safety feature, making IR or UV lasers less desirable Thank you again for a truly interesting and informative Instructable jerrysl says: Nov 28, 2008 8:14 PM REPLY - Yes the Aixiz housing includes the optics necessary to focus the laser into a beam - I don't know if the driver is more for regulating voltage or limiting current, but I do know that you can buy drivers for laser diodes online, or you can... making one is to make it small enough to fit it in the host you want it in (like a flashlight As for setting the driver to work well with the diode, I don't know how to do that yet, but www.laserpointerforums.com is a great source for all of that information - Blu-ray diodes are about 405nm, which is violet/near UV Some blu-ray lasers are more/less visible depending on the exact wavelength, which may be... No u dont rip out the bulb becuase it will damage it and u need to use the pins on the bulb to connect them to the laser diode You dont realy need testing polarty The laser housing comes into play to disguise it XD Hope i helped :D ooshie says: Oct 21, 2008 3:26 AM REPLY 1)It holds the laser diode and helps keep it cool It also has a lense that can be screwed in and out to focus the beam 2)There are . http://www.instructables.com/id /Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/ Home Sign Up! Explore Community Submit Laser Flashlight Hack!! by Kipkay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 http://www.instructables.com/id /Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/ intro: Laser Flashlight Hack!! Turn a MiniMag flashlight into a powerful. items: 1. 16X DVD Burner. I used an LG burner I had as a spare. http://www.instructables.com/id /Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/ step 2: And 2. A MiniMag flashlight easily obtained at your local hardware,