Hello!

I recently created a stage apparatus for my band which consists of 13 laser modules each needing 3.7-5v each

9 Red laser module diodes (650nm - 5mw)
2 Violet Blue 3v-5v (405nm - 20mw)
2 "fat lasers" 3.6v - 5v (405nm - 250mw)

*THESE LASERS WILL BE POINTING UP AND OR AWAY FROM ANYONES EYES - AS WELL AS NOT AT REFLECTIVE SURFACES*

I would like to use ONE AC adaptor for this setup. I tested 10 of the lasers in a series with a 3.7V AC adaptor to discover some voltage drop (some of the lasers were not illuminating) Then I used a 4.7V AC Adaptor and it works great. I tested this setup for 30 minutes straight without any issues

I want to be use I am providing the correct and clean voltage to my diodes. Can someone confirms this circuit for me or provide me with a formula that will help me in the future?

 

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Thank you! =] Whoops

 

Nice laser beams! No circuit diagram though. If you post a circuit diagram someone may be able to help you. Otherwise it's all guess work.

 

What is the recommended power supply voltage for the red lasers?

 

What is the recommended power supply voltage for the red lasers?

Hey!! Thank you for replying

The red lasers require: Operating Voltage 3-4VDC Operating Current 100mA

The other lasers require 3.7v

also Here is a crude diagram of the apparatus

 

You can put one or two 1N4001 through 1N4007 rectifiers in series with the lower voltage lasers to drop the voltage for the red lasers.

You seem to be running a lot of power. You might want to check into government regulations for the country in which you plan to use your array. From memory there are special provisions for live performances. For the United States you would look at the document to which is linked below.

HHS Publication FDA 86-8260 COMPLIANCE GUIDE FOR LASER PRODUCTS

 

You can put one or two 1N4001 through 1N4007 rectifiers in series with the lower voltage lasers to drop the voltage for the red lasers.

You seem to be running a lot of power. You might want to check into government regulations for the country in which you plan to use your array. From memory there are special provisions for live performances. For the United States you would look at the document to which is linked below.
https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Medic...onandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/UCM095304.pdf
HHS Publication FDA 86-8260 COMPLIANCE GUIDE FOR LASER PRODUCTS

You're the best.. I'm going to read through this today to make sure I don't get in trouble

Let me ask you. Do you suggest attaching one or two 1N4001's to the leads going to the red lasers?? Where should I put them and what else would i need to make this last? All the lasers have a voltage need from aboit 3.5v - 5v

I was originally using a 3.7v power adaptor for the whole system, when I tested it was all dimmed (I guess from voltage drop?) now since I used a slightly higher voltage I have full visible lasers. But I guess I'm risking frying the lasers now in some spots?

 

If your red lasers don't draw more than 750 ma total you can try one or two 1N4001 (through 4007) diodes in series to drive all of the red lasers in parallel.

The chart below from the General Semiconductor datasheet will help you decide whether to use one or two diodes based on the current drawn.

 

You're the best.. I'm going to read through this today to make sure I don't get in trouble

Let me ask you. Do you suggest attaching one or two 1N4001's to the leads going to the red lasers?? Where should I put them and what else would i need to make this last? All the lasers have a voltage need from aboit 3.5v - 5v

I was originally using a 3.7v power adaptor for the whole system, when I tested it was all dimmed (I guess from voltage drop?) now since I used a slightly higher voltage I have full visible lasers. But I guess I'm risking frying the lasers now in some spots?

Laser diodes are not like LEDs. They require special circuitry to drive them including safety controls. See this link.
I service and repair laser show devices and strongly advise against amateurs trying to build their own. At best they will fry the diodes and be out $$, at worst someone can end up with a permanent injury.

 

Laser diodes are not like LEDs. They require special circuitry to drive them including safety controls. See this link.
I service and repair laser show devices and strongly advise against amateurs trying to build their own. At best they will fry the diodes and be out $$, at worst someone can end up with a permanent injury.

I am aware of the dangers, however I am only learning and testing now. Dick Capples (above) post listed a document explaining laws and regulations on use of lasers. How the laser should be in a housing and dangers of radiation. So I understand a bit more now.

I have this burning question..How is it that clubs use the laser boxes with the same if not STRONGER powered laser in them can use them? Id see these things bouncing of people and shining directly on them.
Look at the power of these lasers. and these fly around and shoot all over the place.. Mine will be stationary and point straight UP.



All of the laser diodes I purchased have the drivers on them already, so that shouldn't be too much of an issue.. however yes I am am amateur, so I am here to LEARN how to safely and properly use them (without burning them out)

@DickCappels - Since I have drivers on all diodes, do I still need to attach rectifiers? also is there ANYTHING else I need to do for this project to work smoothly


Here is a full datasheet of the lasers I have for this project. I realized I had the wrong info for the red lasers they run at 5mw not 30mw


2) “Fat” Violet Lasers (2)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fat-Beam-405nm-Violet-Blue-250mW-Laser-Diode-Module-f-KTV-Bar-DJ-Stage-Lighting/381391292958?_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20160908105057&meid=d1861c0865d84110b26ce48341d66e40&pid=100675&rk=4&rkt=15&sd=291977365061&_trkparms=pageci%3A4ef57485-754d-11e7-9ef4-74dbd1800fd8%7Cparentrq%3A94900fb915d0a9c56c2a8686ffff2ea0%7Ciid%3A1

Working Voltage: 3.6v - 4v DC

Operating Current: 300mA

Wavelength: 405 nm

Output Power: 150 mW
Class: 3B (LOW scale)


2) Blue/violet Diodes

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017M7B5NO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Working Voltage: 3v - 5.5v DC

Operating Current: < 55mhA

Wavelength: 405 nm

Output Power: 20 mW
Class: 3B (LOW scale)

10) Red Lasers


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012V3U3KK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Working Voltage: 3v - 4v DC

Operating Current: 100mA

Wavelength: 650nm

Output Power: 5 mW
Class: 3R (VERY LOW scale)

 

I have this burning question..How is it that clubs use the laser boxes with the same if not STRONGER powered laser in them can use them? Id see these things bouncing of people and shining directly on them.
Look at the power of these lasers. and these fly around and shoot all over the place.. Mine will be stationary and point straight UP.

Show lasers are equipped with special safety features which mitigate the effects of the beam. The simplest is they pass the beam through a lens which disperses the beam so that the power is attenuated. In addition, most (if not all) audience scanning lasers are equipped with a feature called PASS. This is a combination of software and circuitry which continuously measures the output of the laser and will trip a shutter if the power exceeds a danger level. It is more complicated than this, but suffice it to say you are way out of your depth if you think you can build your own show laser. Be warned!

 

Show lasers are equipped with special safety features which mitigate the effects of the beam. The simplest is they pass the beam through a lens which disperses the beam so that the power is attenuated. In addition, most (if not all) audience scanning lasers are equipped with a feature called PASS. This is a combination of software and circuitry which continuously measures the output of the laser and will trip a shutter if the power exceeds a danger level. It is more complicated than this, but suffice it to say you are way out of your depth if you think you can build your own show laser. Be warned!

Hmm makes sense, I am learning a great deal from you..thank you.

Let's say I dont continue, but... I still want the effect.. WHO do I contact to build it for me correctly.

OR should I lower the power so they are deemed safe?

 

Hmm makes sense, I am learning a great deal from you..thank you.

Let's say I dont continue, but... I still want the effect.. WHO do I contact to build it for me correctly.

OR should I lower the power so they are deemed safe?

If you lower the power, you lose the effect. With that having been said the company I work for uses show lasers made by arctos and kvant. I am not a shill for these companies, I simply maintain and repair the devices made by these two firms. I'm not sure why the moderator redacted the names but if you want to have a safe AND impressive show, use devices made by companies such as I recommended or similar. Beware of Chinese clones which are not FDA approved and do not incorporate all the required safety features.

 

URL of manufacturer's site in post #10 restored.

 

It looks like you can power all of the lasers from a single adjustable power supply that can be set to output between 3.8V volts and is capable of supplying 2A or more.

Just be careful to use heavy enough wire so that you don't drop below 3.6 volts for the violet, 3.5 volts for the blue/violet, and 3.0V for the red laser.

It might be best to buy one unless you have a strong desire to build your own.

This is a link to a non-isolated DC to Dc converter for less than US$1.00 Maybe you can find something similar that you can have delivered soon.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-3A-DC-...733300?hash=item3d08911e74:g:3b4AAOSwuAVW1Ql1