DIY Laser Diode Driver || Constant Current Source

In this project I will show you how I extracted a laser diode from a DVD Burner which should have the power to ignite a match. In order to power the diode correctly I will also demonstrate how I build a constant current source which delivers a precise and steady current to the load. Let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

Thie video gives you a good overview of what you need to do to make your own constant current source and how to get a "burning" laser diode. In the following steps I will give you additional information about the most important aspects.

Step 2: Save All the Useful Parts From the DVD Drive!

You never know what your next project might need for components. So it is the best to save the 3 motors, neodymium magnets and diodes you find inside the drive.

Step 3: Order Your Parts!

Here is a list of all the parts that I used during this project (affiliate links):

Ebay:

1x Laser Module:http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Vero Board:http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x MCP602:http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 3.3Ω / 5W Resistor:http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 1kΩ Resistor:http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x IRLZ44N N Channel MOSFET:http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x Screw Terminal:http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 500kΩ Potentiometer:http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Laser Safety Glasses:http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Thermal Paste: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Aliexpress:

1x Laser Module: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZlipG7

1x MCP602: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d7gXXAP

1x 3.3Ω / 5W Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dVdbbC3

1x Vero Board: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dWvCu9h

1x 1kΩ Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYW3fCj

1x IRLZ44N N Channel MOSFET: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dSubBCb

2x Screw Terminal: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d8g2zdz

1x 500kΩ Potentiometer: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_BfhVhtCx

1x Thermal Paste: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dViWRGj

Amazon.de:

1x Laser Module:http://amzn.to/1cUjekU

1x MCP602: -

1x 3.3Ω / 5W Resistor:http://amzn.to/1cUjhgD

1x Vero Board:http://amzn.to/1yZ4k1J

1x 1kΩ Resistor:http://amzn.to/1cUjjVL

1x IRLZ44N N Channel MOSFET:

2x Screw Terminal:http://amzn.to/1GtRU9R

1x 500kΩ Potentiometer:http://amzn.to/1yZ4Vkb

1x Laser Safety Glasses: -

1x Thermal Paste: http://amzn.to/1fay0FP

Amazon.co.uk:

1x Laser Module:http://amzn.to/1fazakN

1x MCP602:http://amzn.to/1L88WcE

1x 3.3Ω / 5W Resistor:http://amzn.to/1TlDywV

1x Vero Board:http://amzn.to/1TlDGwj

1x 1kΩ Resistor:http://amzn.to/1cUkzbm

1x IRLZ44N N Channel MOSFET: -

2x Screw Terminal:http://amzn.to/1cUkF2w

1x 500kΩ Potentiometer:http://amzn.to/1TlDVYi

1x Laser Safety Glasses: -

1x Thermal Paste: http://amzn.to/1fazvnw

Step 4: Build the Circuit!

Here you can find the schematic for the LM317 and MCP602 constant current source. You can simply build the circuits according to the schematics or you can use my board layout for the MCP602 circuit.

Step 5: Connect the Laser Diode/Test It!

Now just hook up your laser diode to the load terminal of the circuit and you should be able to control the current flow by adjusting the 500k potentiometer.