What are /r/lasers' favorite Products & Services?

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The problem is probably the diode is not perfectly centered on the collimating lens so it's steering slightly. If you don't want to use actual tip/tilt mounts, you could try some small shims around the tubes to aim them. Edit: here is a printable kinematic mount you could work from to make your own: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:30727

I'll post more info after work, but ideally you would probably want 2 as satellites and then one in the center. If you can find some way to sync the 2 (dmx? Network?) that would be ideal. Then the center one independant. I'll figure something cool out, but not now. Off in 4 hours

After work edit:

Okay, so if you can get me a little more info on these projectors such as their features, power levels, control options etc I can probably come up with something cool for you. You would probably want to lay them out in a similar fashion to this. This is the most typical 3 projector setup.

Ehhh, 5mW will let you see the beam at night - but not all that well.

I'd go for one of these: http://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_106566.html?currency=CAD&gclid=CjwKEAjwlq24BRDMjdK7g8mD6BASJABBl8n3D9pVoV28-7WyZzro1UJDJH4fUKFxJNPm_8Fb2UxWdBoCaWvw_wcB

I've bought several, all well over 5mW (Thus NOT eye safe, although you'll be fine outdoors with common sense). Cheap so you don't need to worry if you break it or whatever. The one I currently have measures in at 93mW. Plenty powerful for pointing at stars.

I have this one - they have a plug in model and a plug-in / battery model to choose from.. both under $30. It's a red and green laser with lots of patterns. This laser will cover an entire room -- even if it's a large one. Full auto mode will cycle thru all the patterns or pick a single pattern and it will slowly rotate it. The "nebula" patterns are awesome.

> The one in the link below is ok. However, someone corrected me recently and told me that it may be safer to get used eye protection on eBay than Amazon. Lots of luck and please please please.. consider my answer as a guideline and do own research on non-Reddit locations. > > https://www.amazon.com/Violet-Protection-Goggles-Safety-Glasses/dp/B07KF2XJYP

Absolutely don't buy glasses like these. This is colored plastic, not a safety product.
eBay is indeed a better source - search for used glasses from reputable laser safety brands. Do not buy those generic alphabet soup brands from China.

A few well-known brands which can be trusted:

• Laserglow
  
• Kentek
  
• Thorlabs
  
• NoIR
  
• Honeywell
  
• Sperian
  
• Newport/MKS
  
• Laservision/Uvex

>So, I want to start with a disclaimer: I am not responsible for your eyesafety and you should not search for this answer on Reddit. However, you are already here searching and I am happy that you asked this question before getting blind. Let me give you a small push on the path.. I will assume that it’s a 405nm semiconductor laser emitting around 200mW (please check these specs carefully!!).

I would urge you not to give out safety advice like this if you're not sure of yourself. OP specified a DVD RW laser which is typically in the 650-660nm range, not 405nm. Even if the glasses you had linked were from a reputable brand they would have covered the wrong range of wavelengths.

So, I want to start with a disclaimer: I am not responsible for your eyesafety and you should not search for this answer on Reddit. However, you are already here searching and I am happy that you asked this question before getting blind. Let me give you a small push on the path.. I will assume that it’s a 405nm semiconductor laser emitting around 200mW (please check these specs carefully!!). Then, an Optical Density (OD) +4 filter at that wavelength should work well. The one in the link below is ok. However, someone corrected me recently and told me that it may be safer to get used eye protection on eBay than Amazon. Lots of luck and please please please.. consider my answer as a guideline and do own research on non-Reddit locations.

https://www.amazon.com/Violet-Protection-Goggles-Safety-Glasses/dp/B07KF2XJYP

Seems like a pretty reasonable thing to try! If you're not already, definitely look at f.lux to adjust your computer's colors and help reduce that blue light even further. Hopefully your phone could do the same to help.

Of course, your method stops any/all excess blue light from other sources like lamps. Good luck finding some relief!

This one fits exactly perfect. Here's the one I ended up with. It fits VERY tight but, honestly, it is like it was made for it once you zip it up a couple times.

Probably you can rework laser gun sights like these https://www.amazon.com/Steiner-Advanced-General-Purpose-Multi-Function-Illuminator/dp/B00U6AMBDI/

https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-10pcs-650nm-Diode-Laser/dp/B071FT9HSV/ref=sr_1_4?crid=5AVO02YVZNN4&keywords=red+laser+diode&qid=1647551603&sprefix=red+laser+diode%2Caps%2C347&sr=8-4 here

Maybe an 18650?

https://smile.amazon.com/AllForBest-Rechargeable-Flashlight-Headlamp-Doorbell/dp/B0962F5TMB

when you remove the cap, how long as the battery enclosure space?

Or get another one for $7... http://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_105700.html - Hell I'd buy a few so I have spares! :P

O-like will be somewhat better quality though.

Seller may replace it seeing as it died so quickly - doesn't hurt to ask. I had one of my 405nm 301s replaced by GearBest after the same thing happened.

Avoid them - they are selling these: http://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_105701.html

That's why they are able to offer them at 50% off and still make money, because they are buying them for $7 a piece from China.

Not a bad deal for $7, terrible deal for any more than that really... Lowest of low quality. Usually advertised as 5mW but I've seen them do up to 100mW - luck of the draw but usually they are >30mW.

If you want something Quality check out LaserBTB or Sci-Fi Lasers. There are other options for quality too - have a look on laserpointerforums.com for more! :)

I don't know if I trust Lazerer or Rayfoss - seeing as they are spammed constantly on this subreddit - by the same users. Cheaper options out there anyway - You can get a quality 1.5W 445 for half of what Lazerer is charging for the same thing.

Are you going to be building the driver yourself? You can get a 515nm 10mw diode for $30 from thorlabs. P/N L515A1. I'm SURE they have plenty others green, and am certain they have 5mw at different wavelengths. Additionally, you can try newark/element14 (newark.com) or digikey for regular old diode. They'll probably have modules as well, but I've never searched for them. Similarly, it might be worth just going straight to manufacturers such as Nichia, Osram, Sharp, or Oclaro. If you had a specific wavelength in mind, it would be much easier to find what you're looking for.

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Also, if I may suggest: Give privacy.com a shot to rectify your payment boundary. It's basically a proxy for your debit card, and allows you to create either single use credit cards, or merchant locked debit cards with a monthly limit. Very useful, especially to avoid your card details from being leaked upon the event of a databreach. Also, if you want to give an online service a gamble but don't trust them not to continue charging your card every month, a single use card is VERY handy to forget about those problems.

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EDIT: I read your post too fast and didn't see you intended this for demonstrations. My bad...

You could use one of these. DAOKI 6Pcs Step-Down Power Supply Module LM2596 LM2596S Buck Converter DC to DC 3.0-40V to 1.5-35V High Efficiency Voltage Regulator Module https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YKGZD57/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_B6JF85KM0AMW1CWF0Q5W?psc=1

Would you happen to know something more in the 50 dollar range? I got recommend these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DCRR8NG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_PJTF6K27JH0GNXDMYZGA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 in another fourm, which look good but some reviews say the frame breaks easily.

Well i bought the laser for personal defense. But been using it recreationally too. Mostly for wood burning and just messing around when im bored. Looking for a lens that wont melt. Didnt really use it for an extended period of time when the lens failed. I barely leave it on for more than 5-10 seconds at a time cause i know the laser itself can just break from.using it too long.

The two lense im looking at currently are

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KAUIIUE/ref=ox_sc_act_image_3?smid=A1GA754B87I6JY&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Laser-Diode-Engraving-Seller-M9x0-5/dp/B08KTR9YWD

The first one im guessing is a plastic lens or something...

Amazon.com: 450nm 6W Blue Laser Module Focusable Laser Engraver Module for DIY CNC Engraving Print Cutting Machine

>(I may get some basic online courses on electrical engineering or optical science if thats a good idea)

Electro-optics is literally my major so ask away

But 10W is insanely too much power for any application other than engraving or bring reckless.

For a first build i would recommend not going above 10-20mW because of how dangerous it gets. But you can buy lasers built into housings like this and use a lighter driver

https://www.amazon.com/445nm-Diode-Copper-Module-Element/dp/B00HFHJBDI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482526661&sr=8-1&keywords=2+watt+laser That's what I bought. I'm driving it with this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/5A-analog-linear-PWM-laser-diode-driver-with-thermal-protection-/162291013120?hash=item25c94c5600:g:w7oAAOSwiYFXHE-T

https://www.amazon.com/445nm-Diode-Copper-Module-Element/dp/B00HFHJBDI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482526661&sr=8-1&keywords=2+watt+laser This is the driver: http://www.ebay.com/itm/5A-analog-linear-PWM-laser-diode-driver-with-thermal-protection-/162291013120?hash=item25c94c5600:g:w7oAAOSwiYFXHE-T I have a feeling that maybe the driver isn't allowing the full current through to the laser.... I'm considering running without the driver and seeing how that goes.

Why would you need a laser? Just a strong rgb led going to the fiber should be fine. Shit, I've worked with older units that used a bright lite and a spinning color wheel. Also that controller n remote are bottom of the barrel cheap stuff but should work. Edit. Here's an example. LightMe Colorful 16W RGBW 7 Color Changing LED Optic Lights Star Ceiling Kit Light 150pcs 0.75mm 2M Optical Fiber Engine Lighting RF 28key Remote(Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EDIDYMU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_J7huyb52W9BBV

Could try this one with a toggle switch battery holder and a few AA batteries. Or do you need something high power?