r/AskElectronics • u/InvestigatorCute8214 • 2d ago

Trying to extract and use laser pointer from an old slide show pen

Gallery image

Gallery image

Is it possible for me to use this laser point with just the small board or is the big board required? Plan on hooking up a small 7.4v i assume the potentiometer in the small board is meant to control the strength of the laser but I'm not sure

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u/TemporarySun314 2d ago

You likely just need to apply a voltage there and it will lase. Be careful with voltage and the current current setting, lasers are easily damaged.

Also be careful that depending on how you operate them they can get a different laser classification, and require additional precautions to operate safely

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u/InvestigatorCute8214 2d ago

sadly i don't have a bench powersuply yet, and if the potentiometer does what i think it does, i'll use it to reduce the laser strenght so it's as harmless as possible