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1W Altoids Tin Laser!

1W Altoids Tin Laser!
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Just Imagine- The power of a 1w laser, but in the pocket sized package of an Altoids tin! It's amazingly bright- perfect for star pointing. 



We'll start with the parts list:
~Altoids tin
~1-2w 445nm laser diode (Ebay)
~12x30mm Aixiz laser module (Ebay)
~Aixiz three element glass lens (Ebay)
~Slide switch and momentary switch (Radioshack)
~2xAA battery holder (Radioshack)
~7805 regulator (5v regulator). Use a 1A version for about 1W of laser light or a 1.5A one for about 1.5W. NOTE: Using 1.5A regulator will shorten your diodes life compared to the 1A variety. 
~2x 14500 3.7v lithium batteries and charger (Ebay)
Wire, stranded wire around 26 AWG will work best
~A soldering iron and solder
~Laser safety goggles (Ebay). ***These are ABSOLUTELY needed!!!***

Laser module and electrical:
To start, press your 445nm diode into the Aixiz module using the back half of the module and a vice. Once you have completed that, solder your wires onto the diode (I have provided an image showing pin configuration of 445nm diodes, you'll only use two of the pins). ONLY solder onto the diode when it is in the Aixiz module or a heat sink of some sort! Next, screw the back of the Aixiz module back on, and then replace the the standard acrylic lens of the Aixiz module with the three element glass lens. Now that your Aixiz module is ready to go, you will now solder together the rest of the circuit using the schematic I provided in the pictures as a guide, however it does not need to be exactly the same (the safety switch is optional, for example. I just find it nice to prevent any mishaps when I carry it in my pockets). 

The Altoids Tin:
Now that we have completed the electrical side of the build, we can focus on the tin. First, locate and then drill out the locations where you wish to have your buttons/switches and the laser module to be. This part is purely your choice. If you do not have a 12mm metric bit for the Aixiz module hole, a 1/2 inch drill bit should suffice (it ends up being 12.7mm).

Now for the final part of the build: putting it all together! (Its pretty self explanatory) 

An optional, yet recommended extra step:
Without a heat sink, the Aixiz module and 7805 regulator will heat up fast and you risk damaging your diode. So, I HIGHLY suggest that you make/ buy a heat sink for your laser. I built my heat sink out of two small square of 3/8 aluminum plate screwed together with a 12mm hole drilled down the middle of it.

***When operating ANY high powered laser, you MUST always wear laser safety goggles, and they should be at least OD 3***

Uses:
~Star pointing (Be careful though)
~Demonstrations like popping balloons and starting matches
~Engraving things
~Burning things
~Light sabre fights?! (Jk... I would not suggest doing this)
ect....

A note on using it: Adjusting the lens will cause the focus of the beam to change. Focusing it to a point is great for burning, and into a beam is great for distance pointing.

***YOU ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITY BY BUILDING THIS. I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR NOTHING***
19 comments
May 16, 2012. 12:37 PMDanilax31 says:
I finished my laser!! Your tutorial helped so much, thank you for that. When I point my laser, it seems to be out of focus or different than yours because the beam is rectangular. Can I focus it to be a harsher point? How would I do that? Thanks!
May 5, 2012. 11:30 AMlarende says:
can i use with these parts a laser diode from a pc dvd burner
Apr 18, 2012. 12:22 PMDanilax31 says:
Where can you buy the Aixiz three piece glass optic? I cannot find one on ebay!
Apr 22, 2012. 3:12 PMDanilax31 says:
Sorry to keep bugging you. This is hopefully my final question, while finding a diode I came across this:

445nm M140 Diode In Module With Leads
& Three Element Glass Lens
https://sites.google.com/site/dtrlpf/home/diodes/445-m140-didoes

Would you recommend using this?
Apr 19, 2012. 5:23 PMDanilax31 says:
Awesome thank you so much, and one last question, you said to use a AAA battery holder. Are the 14500 3.7v lithium batteries the size of a AAA? Or a AA?
Jan 20, 2012. 1:15 PMphilmcm says:
Check out this week's episode of Bones. The bad guy uses a homemade device very very similar to this, including the mint tin, to blind a security camera.
Oct 26, 2011. 12:22 AMzapskate says:
i might vote for you if you answer this satisfactorily - how long will this expensive (sorta) diode lase in this circuit - meaning without any laser driver?

cuz i would hate to spend $40 bucks on the diode n have it burn out in two weeks of off and on use.


is this as strong ans the blue Arctic Laser rated at 1W? because it seems much cheaper but not as sturdy or with as many accessories or features but if you just wanted the pure laser power without the perks this looks perfect - plus the pleasure of building your own case for it - also it is unclear if you use two AAA batteries to power it or one 3.7v Li-on battery or two so if you could explain that to me, thank you very much in advance! ^_^ otherwise it looks like a great instructable
Oct 22, 2011. 7:14 PMostomesto says:
This is awesome, one of the coolest things I have seen made from an altoids tin great job!
Oct 16, 2011. 5:27 PMmm3814 says:
how much did this cost
Oct 16, 2011. 9:37 PMaxeman911 says:
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oct 11, 2011. 6:51 PMVanila says:
I hope you have glasses for that laser. Pointing a laser near your face like that is rather risky!
Oct 11, 2011. 11:03 PMAleator777 says:
Absolutely, I would recommend your instructable not simply recommend safety glasses, but require them. Blindness is serious business. On a side note...

Cool instructable!!!

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Author:ApertureScience
My name is Cole and I am a high school student interested in science and technology- and especially in electronics. I enjoy building Tesla coils, high voltage things, lasers ect... I also participate ...
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