How you can build a working Star Trek Phaser and other cool gadgets.
Many of us have dreamed of having the weapons from science fiction shows, blasting the Borg with a Phaser, or taking down a Sith Lord with a Light Saber. And while the Light Saber may be a few more years away, we came across site that helps show you how you can take modern lasers and build them into toys for a slight touch of realism. KipKay runs a site which features videos and tips on how you can build a wide variety of gadgets for relatively low cost most times, and it grabbed our attention when we found a how-to video on building a working Star Trek Phaser. KipKay shows us that by using some salvaged parts from a toy Star Trek Phaser, and a Sony Play Station 3, you to can build a Blu-Ray Laser Phaser.
As you’ll see in the video, you’ll need a toy Phaser and this demonstration was done using an Original Series toy Phaser. You will need soldering tools and access to a electronics store, many Radioshacks still carry the parts you’ll need. If you’re not comfortable with performing this kind of work, we strongly advise against attempting to modify the toy yourself as you will risk injuring yourself if you’re not clear on the safe uses of certain tools.
If you’re unsure where to locate a laser diode for a Playstation 3, you might be able to pick up a used Playstation from a garage sale or second hand store – or failing that, you can probably get one by buying it as a raw component from Deal Extreme for around $20 or so. And while this video does not specifically show it, this same modification is strong enough to pop balloons (if they’re black so that they’ll absorb the maximum possible energy from the beam), so please keep in mind that after installing the laser, this should not be considered a regular toy anymore. It’ll definitely burn a permanent hole in your retina. You might also want to invest in a pair of protective goggles. You only get one set of eyes.
Keep in mind that modern lasers are NOT TOYS and can cause injury to your vision or possibly burn you if handled improperly. DO NOT LOOK INTO LASER WITH REMAINING EYE.
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