Posted: 6/27/2005 6:46:51 PM EDT
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I need a laser that is about the size of a headphone jack and is visible (as a line) in daylight. It must however be lightweight. Any ideas? ETA: It can be a LED, but must be visible as a line in daylight. |
Yep. |
Been watching too many movies and video games. Only way you can see the laser beam is to have particles in the air or for it to terminate on an object (i.e. a wall). |
No, I have seen laser levels go aginst the wall and you could see the line on the wall. 
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well. You didnt say you wanted it to project onto a wall. They make small laser pointers that have a beam collimator that attaches to the end. This would make your line on the wall. |
See the blue part. I just want the little bulb off the end. I can't use the whole pointer. |
uhhh....right. That blue part is like the 5th post down and after my post explaining the laser.... anyways, you just cant add the "bulb" onto any old laser or led because it might not work with type of focusing lens the laser uses. Also, a led will not work- you need straight light which is a laser. Just go to the local 7-11 and on the counter they have $15 laser pointers that have the horizontal laser collimator(cant remember exactly what its called) |
The Tyndall effect  Chem. nerd checking in. |
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Any laser diode module will work. To make a line, the easiest way is to use a cylindrical lens. Don't have a cylindrical lens? any piece of clear acrylic rod should work. Pass the beam through the cylindrical rod sideways (shining through the side of the rod and out the other side) and you'll get your line. Radio Shack has (had?) component laser heads that were about 1/4" diameter and less than 2" long, with circuitry included. If you're crafty, you can take apart a laser pointer (like the really cheap $10 ones) and pull the circuitry from there. Jim |
I have been looking at Radio Shack's website, but I can' find it. Do you have a link? I searched " laser diode module" and got nothing. This is what I needed! Thanks! |
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try these places: www.digikey.com www.mouser.com www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Criteria?Ref=327660&Site=US&Cat=32113473 |
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By the way, have you run across Sam's Laser FAQ yet? repairfaq.ece.drexel.edu/sam/lasersam.htm Fantastic repository of information. I have one of the Radio Shack laser diode modules at home, I'll have to look for it, but I know it is still in the box and has the RS part number on it. As someone else mentioned, Mouser and Digikey will likely also have laser diode modules. Froogle.google.com and ebay will also probably net results searching for Laser Diode Module. Jim |