USB-Rechargable Laser Pointer

In this instructables, I have developed detailed instructions to build a USB rechargeable defense laser.  I came up with this idea to protect myself from the rodents (possums and racoons) that live in my area as well as for self defense when hiking.  The laser could actually do permanent damage to eyesight, and therefore is NOT A TOY.

Note:  Another good use for this i'ble would be to use a less powerful laser and use it as a laser pointer for giving power point presentations.  My fiance works in an office environment and says that laser pointers dying in the middle of presentations is a fairly common problem.  This way you could make sure your pointer was charged on your laptop before giving the presentation.

In order to complete the project you will need the following materials:

- 1 usb drive
- 1 3V, 250 mA laser diode (can be obtained from 16x or faster dvd burner)
- 1 125mAh lithium ion battery  (i got mine from a bluetooth headset, easy to find in a dumpster behind an office store, free with new cell phones, or super cheap at thrift stores)
- 2.8 Ohm resistor
- 50 Ohm resistor
-  1 ft copper wire
- solder
- 1 0.5"x05"x0.25" block of plastic (I used delrin)
- heat shrink
- CR2032 battery (only needed for testing)

You will also need the following tools:
- soldering iron
- pliers
- sponge
- hand drill
- 0.175" drill bit
- small file
- thread tap

Step 1 Find USB drive

You will need a USB drive with a solid case to hold the battery, switch, focus lense, and laser diode.  The one I used has an aluminum case.

(1)  Disassemble the flash drive.  Most USB flash drive split apart in two leaving a bottom and top half of the case.  I just pulled on the usb portion of the drive and the rest of the electronics came out.  You will use both the USB connector and the casing for this instructables.

Comments

[abird1]

im building this but with an actual laser pointer laser (got tired of replacing those tiny button batteries) http://www.inkfilling.com/printer-laser-pointer.html

[ikumaresh]

cooooooooool thinkin'

[hg341]

pretty alsome

[mhertel]

thanks

[Black Panther Knex]

This project looks awesome! Can't wait to build

[mhertel]

Hey thanks!!

[Black Panther Knex]

And I voted. :) hope you win!!!

[mhertel]

wow, Thanks

[dog digger]

don't discard a good usb drive if you could use it in another project or a proof of concept if the capacity isn't that high

[mhertel]

That is a good idea!!

[JeffHerr]

Say, isn't it a little unusual to put the switch right next to where the "dangerous" laser exits the device?

[mhertel]

The danger in the laser is more related to the damage it could do to eyesight, not really to skin. It is not really powerful enough, or well enough focused to burn skin.