My TN30 Laser Project

Off-topic Chatter
21

This one’s from DTR, LPF’s respected diode source. DTR's Laser Shop - Diodes

Thanks! I’m actually using the stock driver with the current adjusted to 2.40A max. :slight_smile:
So not too much difference from a stock TN30/31/32/35 driver, haha.

Thanks mate! I’ll try to grab some tonight. The modes are pretty well spaced in my opinion.
Level 1 shows a faint glow of the laser diode, and level 2 shows a blurry square patch when pointed. Level 3 is about 100-200mW, level 4 and 5 is somewhere between 500-3000mW and level 6 is hopefully just above 3W. :slight_smile:

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Im looking forward to your pics. Do you have an old car you could burn a hole through for us? :bigsmile:

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I know all about lasers I have one on my keychain and I drive my cat nuts with it. :wink:

Well I’m obviously not an expert but it sure looks cool to me, great job on a most interesting build.

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I thought to ask what are you doing with stock drivers, I would like to have one or two but then I decided to read the thread first… Pity :~

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Wish I had a cat too! :slight_smile:
Thanks for the complement.

Not sure if I understand your comment completely but I reduced the output current from 3.5A stock to 2.40A. I also tested the driver for current spikes and noise with a scope, and it seems like a very solid driver.

26

This is what I meant:
when I started reading this thread there were no informations about what driver you use for laser and I know that laser diodes require very stable power supply so I thought that you just remove genuine TN30 driver and that would be great because I want one or 2, but then I decide to read all coments and all the way down in post #20 found that you actually use genuine driver with reduced performances which was a bit disappointing because that driver is capable for much more…

But still, impressive project, I am not into lasers but mostly because they are too expensive otherwise I would certainly like to have one of yours TN30 clouds cutters :stuck_out_tongue:

P.S. It would be advisable that with the laser you also supply the buyer with appropriate protection goggles :wink:

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Thanks for the clarification. I asked Thrunite many times and it seems like they wouldn’t supply any of the parts independently to individuals. Not even the driver, body, reflector, etc.

I agree that the TN30 driver is very well built, and also responds very well to sense resistor modifications. Unfortunately the 9mm laser diode is limited to a precise value of 2.40A in order for a usable lifespan. There have been reports of the diode not lasting long at 2.60A, and even 2.40A is severely overdriven because it’s officially rated at a max of 1.80A.

There is a new 445nm blue diode that is officially rated at 3.5W at 3.0A, so who knows what that might be capable of. Too bad it’s $475 for now, hopefully the price drops soon.

Cloud cutter is an awesome name, I like it! :slight_smile:

This laser is not targeted towards those who are new to lasers, so I trust that experienced members have their own 445nm protection goggles. The Uvex Orange is my personal favorite, and I highly recommend it to anyone. :slight_smile:

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Here are some beamshots I took yesterday night:

May seem a little bit like CG but these are not altered! :smiley:

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impressive!

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Wow!
Such a nice beamshot, seems like it’s a phisycal line!

31

Thanks guys!

Too bad CMOS sensors are way more sensitive to blue light than human eyes. The beam over-saturates the sensor and even nearby pixels.

I’ll try some HDR tonight. Hopefully I can hold the laser still.

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what woudl it take to build one with 3000 watts in that color spectrum i wonder…… Hmmm… A 3KW laser pointer. J)

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Haha, a laser pointer. :smiley:

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build a prototype light saber next :smiley:

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3KW laser pointer called “The Death Ray” :bigsmile:

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Good work Ryan, keep us posted.

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Very impressive beam shots. For those that don't realize, that beam shot into the sky only looks like it ends. It actually continues on. We only see it to the point where particles in our atmosphere reflect it back.

A saftety note. Ryan is an experienced and responsible laser hobbyist and I know he was very careful in timing his shot for no air traffic. If anyone else out there wants to do the same, extreme caution needs to be taken. Aerial vehicles can be very hard to spot sometimes. In addition to the risk of hurting others, there is risk of being prosecuted and landing in jail (latest sentence I know of was for 14 years).

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Thanks guys!

Here’s an interesting discussion about why the beam seems to end: Why does the beam end in the sky? | Laser Pointer Forums - Discuss Laser Pointers | High Power Lasers

Here’s a helpful diagram:

That’s a very good point.
No one should point their lasers at the sky while an object is flying, whether it be a plane, chopper, or an UFO. It’s unfortunate how immature people ruin this hobby for us. :~

39

I have to ask what were you doing on March 7 between 16:41 and 22:30 UTC (particularly around 17:21 UTC) and do you have anyone that can witness that? :stuck_out_tongue:

40

Haha, I had to look that one up. :smiley:

Hopefully it’s located rather quickly. :~