Childhood Laser: Building a HeNe Laser Kit

Step 2: Parts List

Below are the parts listed by steps. I tried to lay them all out for reference in the pictures.

Resistors:

• R1 - 82Ohm 1/2W (gray-red-black-gold)
• R2 - 1.8KOhm 1/4W (brown-gray-red-gold)
• R3 - 1KOhm 1/4W (brown-black-red-gold)
• R4 - 240MOhm 4W (candy striped)

Diodes

• D1, D2, D3, D4 - Diode 10KV 35MA
• D5 - 1N4004

Integrated Circuits and Trim Pot

• 8 pin IC Socket
• IC1 - 555 IC
• VR1 - 10K Trim Pot

Capacitors (part 1)

• C5 - 100 uF Electrolytic
• C12 - 1 uF Electrolytic

Capacitors (part 2)

• C1 - 0.0047 uF Mylar (472)
• C2, C4 - 0.01 uF Mylar (103)
• C3, C6 - 0.1 uF Mylar (104)

Capacitors (part 3)

• C7, C8, C9, C10 - 0.01 uF Discap (103)
• C11 - 0.001 uF Discap (102)

Transformers and Transistors

• T1, T2 - Transformers
• Q1 - TIP 30

Wires

• 9" Black Wire
• 9" Red Wire
• 8" Heavy Duty Wire, x2
• R4 - 130KOhm (brown-orange-yellow-gold)

Laser Tube

• HeNe Laser Tube
• Solder Lugs x2 (optional)

Comments

[mazda4952]

do i need a certain size of laser tube, or can i use any size?

[XTL]

some of those capcitors must be rated at a very high voltage - please mention which ones.

[natantus]

I'll try to figure this out in the next week. I've only got the schematics to guide me but I'm pretty sure all the high voltage caps are on the right side of the board. I definitely tried not to hold that side after I'd turned it on for a while. I bet the discharge would hurt a bit.

[Electorials]

It's really awesome!

[natantus]

Thanks!