Replace Old Laser Diode

[DJSimon-R 0]

Evening all,

 

I have just aquired a twin 10mw each red laser, i stripped it down and cleaned it all as it came from a bar and looked like it had never been cleaned since they bought it lol.

 

 

Then i put it up againt my cheap sound to light green laser 100mw and even though the older red laser doesnt look too bad along side my green laser i was wondering if there was any way i could replace the diodes with newer red ones but as i noticed the old red laser has glass tube like lasers in side but my newer green laser has just a little black box.

 

I was wondering if you could replace the old glass like tubes with new smaller more powerful lasers, i could easly make some kind of bracket for the new lasers to clamp to but i wasent sure if the actual PCB would run the new lasers.

 

 

If anyone can help with this it would be great and much appreciated and if you want more details just let me know :)

 

 

Thanks.

[Dukesy 0]

Personally i'd leave well alone, lasers are specialised pieces of kit. There are often very high voltages involved with those types of (Red) laser, and like a Cathode Ray Tube on an old television set, they are delicate and fragile to work with, and require some calibration in order to set up once replaced.

 

The green diode, is just that, a charge-pumped diode, so its more compact and the hassle with tubes doesn't apply, however they still need adjusting and setting up properly, all of which with lasers, requires expensive and dedicated workshop equipment

 

Its also important that you replace like-for-like as the internal power supply unit and supply rails will be set for whatever the laser devices the manufacturer used and may be different enough to cause damage should you just bung a random replacement in there. Chances are, the genuine replacement parts will cost close to or more than a brand new unit

 

Seriously, I wouldn't mess about. Incorrectly set and adjusted these things can blind, and I wouldn't want to be found liable for the costs resulting from an accident.

[superstardeejay 0]

Yes I agree, not economically worth it let alone technically.

 

The twin red laser will use Helium-Neon tubes which require several thousand volts to work Keep your fingers away from the innards, they can retain a charge. For DJ use they have more or less become obsolete, the DPSS or LED lasers are no doubt cheaper to make and generally more popular.

Edited February 20, 2011 by superstardeejay

[DJSimon-R 0]

Thanks alot for your replies and help, i did think when i opened the unit (wich hadent been used for some time) that it wouldnt be an easy swap... Ill keep it at one side for any gigs that specify they want lasers aswell as lighting :)

 

I'm going to buy myself a star cluster next i think because i have noticed some people do not like lasers at there parties but the star cluster would make a nice effect along side my datamoon and twister's wich i point onto the dance floor...

 

 

 

 

Thanks again.