[Laser] Red Laser Modules

[Brian Butler]

Steve:

I have been using a laser from one of those cheap laser levels (CDN
Tire @ abt $9)
modulated at about 8Khz with no problems for about 2 years. To date I
only have a successful
reflected path test (MCW) of about  1.5 km using a retro-reflector
from my trailer tail-light
mounted on a tree ... kids smash the darndest things! The system works
from about
+10C to -25C with no problems.

The only caveat I have is watch yourself when you take the level apart ...
mine "bit" me when the plastic case snapped back together!

I have also used dollar-store laser pointers (abt $2 CDN) in much the same way.

Working on a Yukon comms record ...

Brian VY1BB

On 2/13/06, steve kavanagh <skavanagh73 at yahoo.ca> wrote:
> OK...I'll take the bait and start some activity, since
> I am building.
>
> I am trying to source a red diode laser module (low
> power, 1-5 mW, with automatic power control good for
> at least 0-40 degrees C).  I don't need to modulate it
> above 1kHz...I assume I can do that (for square wave
> or pulse modulation, anyway) just by switching the
> power to the module on and off.  What are your
> favourite sources and what should I expect to pay ?
>
> As I intend to try using this in the daytime, has
> anyone observed if there are any errors in power
> control due to sunlight getting into the power control
> photodiode ?
>
> Does anyone know if the lasers in cheap laser levels
> work/survive over a reasonable temperature range ?  I
> spotted some for sale locally at under CDN$8.00 the
> other day, which was tempting.
>
> In the meantime I'm building a breadboard test
> transmitter using a CDN$1.95 laser pointer with no
> automatic power control (or feedback photodiode), with
> a pot for temperature correction, and built-in
> thermometer.  With care I shouldn't burn out diodes at
> too great a rate !
>
> Steve VE3SMA
>
>
>
>
>
>
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