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Laser Flashlight Hack!!

by Kipkay on August 6, 2007 Table of Contents intro: Laser Flashlight Hack!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 1: What you need... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 2: And... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 3: Extract the DVD Laser Diode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 4: Extract the Laser Diode.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 5: Continue extraction... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 6: The new DVD Laser Diode! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 7: Preparing the AixiZ housing... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 8: Assembling the housing... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 9: Installing it in your MiniMag! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 10: Final Step!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 11: Test it out!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Customized Instructable T-shirts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 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! GET THE BURNING LASER DIODE HERE! 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. or... You can buy the Red LASER DIODE HERE

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. You can get one HERE 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.

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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! You can get the burning LASER DIODE HERE

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!!/

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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 1903 comments
Mar 5, 2009. 10:12 AM REPLY

noah1r says:
hi you are kipkay from make who does the weekend project I think the laser is cool.

casey_english94 says:
would this diode work? http://hightechdealz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=4 if so what would be the next step.

Feb 2, 2009. 7:14 AM REPLY

squit101 says:

Feb 26, 2009. 2:51 PM REPLY it should work fine but if i were you id install a driver so to make sure it doesnt burn out after a few hours of run time. possibly heat sink it aswell

casey_english94 says:
sorry i am new to this but how do you install a driver? and were can i get one.

Feb 28, 2009. 11:12 AM REPLY

squit101 says:
honestly.... im not sure. but before u use blu ray it might b interesting to check this out http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1219161671

Mar 2, 2009. 2:41 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/

casey_english94 says:
thanks for your help.

Feb 27, 2009. 7:41 AM REPLY

ReCreate says:
Would this work with a CD drive laser from a computer? would the laser light just be weaker?

Feb 9, 2009. 12:11 PM REPLY

Sir Crapton says:

Feb 9, 2009. 1:28 PM REPLY No, because a DVD burner laser diode literally burns small holes in the disc. A CD burner does the same thing, but it is completely invisible, and that's just plain dangerous. A CD/DVD reader only shines a laser at the bottom of the disc and reads the indentations. It has to be a DVD burner.

ReCreate says:
exactly,is the laser strong enough to burn? A cd/dvd reader! does the laser burn?

Feb 9, 2009. 2:41 PM REPLY

awang8 says:

Mar 2, 2009. 12:17 AM REPLY You must have a CD/DVD burner because a normal CD one, as Sir Crapton said, is invisible and pretty much useless while a DVD reader doesn't burn, it just has a little laser at the bottom, not very strong. The reason a DVD burner's diode is strong is because it actually has to be able to burn little dents in the bottom of the disc. There is a difference. If you're not sure just get the diode mentioned in the link.

ReCreate says:
so the cd burner is infared and it burns,right? and the cd reader is ir and it does not burn,right? i think i just sparked an idea

Mar 2, 2009. 8:22 AM REPLY

jessekovacs says:
I don't think it would burn. I'm pretty sure it would be a slightly more powerful laser pointer.

Feb 28, 2009. 7:38 PM REPLY

ReCreate says:
or will it just be an inisint laser pointer?

Feb 9, 2009. 2:43 PM REPLY

ReCreate says:
innocent not inisint XD

Feb 9, 2009. 2:46 PM REPLY

lego cowz says:

DUDE WHERE CAN I BUY A GOOD DIODE THAT DOESNT HAVE A RIP OFF PRICE!!!!!!!

Feb 22, 2009. 6:51 PM REPLY

awang8 says:
http://www.newegg.com

Mar 2, 2009. 12:19 AM REPLY

squit101 says:
ebay.com

Feb 23, 2009. 2:32 PM REPLY

awang8 says:
That's like $40...

Mar 2, 2009. 12:19 AM REPLY

512143joshm says:
I was wondering, what type of 16x am I'm going to use 1) external 2) ONE used in a notebook' 3) or an internal

Feb 23, 2009. 8:46 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/

awang8 says:
Any. A laser burner is a laser burner. The only difference is the connections.

Mar 2, 2009. 12:19 AM REPLY

data23 says:

Mar 1, 2009. 5:12 PM REPLY honestly kipkay, they need to give u ur own awards so u dont steal contests from the rest of us on account of u bein like the god of instructables!

joypad says:

Feb 28, 2009. 9:43 PM REPLY You know those silly little pointers you can get for like 5 bucks at any two bob shop? can i turn one of those into a burning lazer?

taka21 says:

Feb 23, 2009. 6:40 PM REPLY Hello..Im gonna give you a situation and I would like everyone to read this and answer me.. If I substituted the DVD burner for a CD burner from a computer would there be any difference? Would it still work?

jessekovacs says:

Feb 28, 2009. 7:28 PM REPLY I think it would work but because of the wavelength of the beam the CD diode would make an infrared (invisible) beam. It would be a little dangerous, but imagine the look on someone's face when their newspaper gets a random hole in it.

amir.eht says:

Feb 24, 2009. 12:28 PM REPLY ooooooooooooooh NO. i just had 6 dvd writer laser diodes, bud as soon as i connect them to 3 volt batteries they show off a dim red light and then they burned!!!!!! all of them died out!!! one of them melted its solderings before being burned. hell no! what happened?

jessekovacs says:

Feb 28, 2009. 7:22 PM REPLY Maybe you had too much power from the batteries. I'm kind new to this so that's my best bet. Maybe your solder was bad? I don't realy know. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

jessekovacs says:
What wattage are the resistors you're using for the driver circuit? I don't think you said what they were anywhere.

Feb 28, 2009. 7:16 PM REPLY

tbone121 says:
Could i use one from a cd player?

Feb 27, 2009. 8:44 PM REPLY

shyguy567 says:
So you don't reuse the circuit that comes with the original laser?

Feb 27, 2009. 6:20 PM REPLY

james.mcglashan says:

Feb 27, 2009. 2:00 PM REPLY woludnt this be ilegal because it would go over the laser limit allowing to be used because it could start a fire in the car on a pocket and btw can this cut through steel. as i dought

taiidan says:
hi can i use a laptop dvd rw drive and whats the best driver 2 use?

Feb 26, 2009. 11:13 AM REPLY

zaery says:
Sweet!! I just engraved my laptop with this laser!!!

May 10, 2008. 9:32 AM REPLY

JakeManes says:
I doubt its powerful enough to do that. Post some pics.

Nov 25, 2008. 12:10 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/

zaery says:

Feb 17, 2009. 7:52 PM REPLY So, i know that i'm quite a few months old, but i was bored and remembered about your comment and that i lasered my DS and the back of my n93, so here they are, VOILA!!

zaery says:
whoops, i didn't get the pics in there, here they are

Feb 17, 2009. 7:59 PM REPLY

sadunpererarules says:
wow. you really stuffed those up :D, so amped to make this now

Feb 24, 2009. 8:29 AM REPLY

zaery says:
It was a black laptop, and i have since gotten rid of that one, it was old.

Nov 25, 2008. 4:02 PM REPLY

squit101 says:

Feb 23, 2009. 2:55 PM REPLY how much power can the diode ect take before burning out. and am i right in saying that the more power supplied the hotter the beam produced ?? (obviously not limitless though)

elliotthehobo says:
(removed by community request)

Feb 22, 2009. 2:43 PM

nosebleedXD says:
thats cause the driver board that came with it can't output more than 5mw you need to buy a new one

Feb 23, 2009. 1:40 PM REPLY

Flaminhaz says:

Feb 5, 2009. 12:35 PM REPLY hi I was just wondering if i could use this diode: http://stonetek.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=220 because that is only $9.99, green and 200mW Thanks =] PS: If anyone does buy these diodes or has bought them could they tell me if they are very bright or post a pic or something?

bylerfamily says:
You could use it.

Feb 21, 2009. 1:55 PM REPLY

paper183 says:

Feb 17, 2009. 7:51 AM REPLY This is NOT green ! please be careful this is an infra-red diode you cannot see the light it makes and it's still very dangerous for your eyes !

bylerfamily says:
Yes you could.

Feb 11, 2009. 7:28 AM REPLY

tomaretow says:
i got the diod so all i need to do is add power for the laser to work?

Feb 20, 2009. 8:00 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Flashlight-Hack!!/

bylerfamily says:
Yep.

Feb 21, 2009. 1:54 PM REPLY

jaeseven says:
thanks

Feb 12, 2009. 8:18 PM REPLY my diodes leads, prongs or whatever you want to call the, are not long enough to go all the way down in the mini mag. Is there a ways to lengthen them?

osxtiger says:
You could solder 2 pieces of wire to the ends, but the heat may damage the diode, I'm not sure.

Feb 17, 2009. 9:12 AM REPLY

jaeseven says:
well thanks, I was going to try to get some copper wire thin enough to fit in the holes, we'll see... thanks again!

Feb 20, 2009. 4:58 PM REPLY

mortaldoom780 says:

Feb 20, 2009. 1:48 PM REPLY I opened up an old DVD/CD burner of mine, but I found TWO diodes instead of one. One of them I accidentally destroyed :(. But I have one that I was able to safely remove, but it only has TWO pins, not three. Does this mean it is not the right kind of diode (not a powerful DVD burner version)?

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