Khaleesi: est. 3W SAik 9mm 445 : SOLD

Khaleesi is the name of my latest sale build. She is a SAiK SA305 host. The pics will fill in the details. Final price will be determined upon output measurement. This is a one-off build, but now that I've learned the ins and outs of the build, I will happily take commission builds based on this one.

First, the host:

You can see how large this host is. It's a monster next to my UF...the copper heastsink is 1.25" dia.


A BIG thanks to Eudamonium for this heatsink! It's a massive SOB. When I ordered it, I didn't know it was designed for a round driver. This would have been very convenient...but, I already ordered the 3.1A Buckboost and have it currently set to 2.4A.


Now, we all know how I like my long duty cycles. So, heat-sinking the hell out of this driver was important to me. Total added weight: 3 grams


Well, that didn't quite do it for me, so it was time to copy someone else's work around. (notice the 1978 penny...pure copper baby!)


So, with two layers of thermal epoxy, I stuck the heavily sinked driver to the host pill, on top of the penny. Now, that's what I call heat sinking!

You can see that no shortcuts were taken. All solder joints are good and wet, and each connection is heat shrinked for your protection.


So, now that the build was complete, I still found it lacking something: POLISH!

So....still missing something...


Bam! a polished Mrcrouse knurled focus knob is just the thing!

Finally, some beamshots! Notice the brightness of the beam compared to the room..





This laser will be measured very soon (5/19/13). Final price will be determined once I have an output reading.
Factors to consider when looking at this build:
Custom polished Eudamonium heatsink
Custom polished Mrcrouse knurled focus knob
Efficient Blitzbuck capable of 3.1A and severely heatsinked
>5 minute runtimes
Custom tuning of driver to your specifications if desired
Efficient driver allows for smaller and more affordable 3X14500 batteries with good run times. (6X included)
Original 9mm lens mounted in an extended brass barrel
There's over $200 in materials in this build. Consider this when making offers.

Thanks for reading!

Re: Feeler: 2-3W SAik 445nm lasers

I would totally buy one if i wasnt already saving for a LPM. The saik at 2-3W for $150-200 is a great deal IMO. if you do make these, i may just have to save for one after i get my LPM

Re: Feeler: 2-3W SAik 445nm lasers

Well it is upon your confidence that you make them and put them for sale, only then you shall know if there is an interest !! but for $200 a 3W Saik is pretty darn good price considering 2W+ are sold at $220-$250 in smaller hosts!

Good luck i say go for it!

Re: Feeler: 2-3W SAik 445nm lasers

Thanks guys. Obviously the host quality is out of my hands, as is the heatsink machining. But, we have good members for that.

Ultimately, the reason to choose my build would be my choice of diodes (M-140), lenses (3-element or G1/G2), and how I chose to drive it. Also, my ability to build one with clean soldering, sound mounting, adjust the drivers, and be honest about the wattage. (Which means buying or sending off for a LPM)

I am confident enough in my ability to make good lasers. I just want to know if I can make a little money at it.

Re: Feeler: 2-3W SAik 445nm lasers

scumbagatheist said:

I think it's time I tried my hand at building some complete lasers to sell, so that I might be able to better support this habit of mine.

I'm gauging whether the members here have any interest in a 2-3W 445nm Saik SA-305 complete builds. I believe I can offer these for between $150-$200 each, depending on custom options.


Thanks for reading!

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If you plan on selling 3w Saik for $200 depending on features of course I am sure there will be a few interested. I am

sinner said:

Well it is upon your confidence that you make them and put them for sale, only then you shall know if there is an interest !! but for $200 a 3W Saik is pretty darn good price considering 2W+ are sold at $220-$250 in smaller hosts!

Good luck i say go for it!

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Yes, I paid $245 for a 2.3w Saik SA305. I for one would like to see more 3w builds closer to the $200 range !

cheers,
Moe

Re: Feeler: 2-3W SAik 445nm lasers

Moe Ron said:

Yes, I paid $245 for a 2.3w Saik SA305. I for one would like to see more 3w builds closer to the $200 range !

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They do exist and Rick Trent has a few Ive been watching but having more at that range would be great, agreed! The Saik is such a nice large sturdy looking host.

@OP, i have no doubt that if you can offer a 2-3W Saik at $150-200 and have various options available for upgrades that you will have a list of orders coming in. Also, are you thinking of doing something other than 445nm, possibly like 405nm or 638nm? obviously they wouldn't be at the 2-3W range but still being diverse in offerings may help sales as well. i know i want to purchase a 405 and 638 in the near future

Re: Feeler: 2-3W SAik 445nm lasers

scumbagatheist said:

While we are at it, how does everyone like this host?
I think it would make a beautiful host for a 405 or 445nm.

Thank you all for the input

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Greetings,

That is not a bad host though I would stay with a host that can accept a 26650 as you can always get a sleeve for the 18650's. The lower wattage builds are fine in the smaller hosts. It is nice having a bit beefier host and heatsink for the longer duty cycles as well as the higher capacity batteries.

cheers,
Moe

Re: Feeler: 2-3W SAik 445nm lasers

I have to agree that providing 3W at the $200 price mark will attract people. You've got my attention.

Also, the heat energy from 3W warrants greater mass in a passive heat sink, so I think your host is a good choice. With that said, I can't say I am fond of phat hosts. But as we climb the ladder of output power, we're also increasing the heat that must be dissipated. Larger (passive) heat sinks are inevitable, until active TEC cooling is more commonplace.

Re: Feeler: 2-3W SAik 445nm lasers

scumbagatheist said:

While we are at it, how does everyone like this host?
I think it would make a beautiful host for a 405 or 445nm.

Thank you all for the input

Click to expand...

Eh, not a huge fan of that host, it is nice but doesnt jump out at me like the saik does. there are not too many larger hosts that i like but saik and maglite are two of them.

Re: Feeler: 2-3W SAik 445nm lasers

I myself want to make a build. if i am able to do a build successfully and confirm the output with the LPM im getting then i may try and do some builds for sale like yourself. obviously i wouldnt steal host that others are using since thats just rude. i feel that the more builders we can have the better.

please keep us updated and when you do sell them, make sure you have tons of pictures to show the build in progress and the quality of your work. this will help buyers feel more comfortable buying from a first time seller. GL

Re: Feeler: 2-3W SAik 445nm lasers

I would have to agree and I like the large host idea for better sinking, it just makes sense.

Re: Feeler: 2-3W SAik 445nm lasers

scumbagatheist said:

The problem with "copying" builds is we all do it, to some extent. How many people are making MXDL hosts, UF501, 502B hosts? Aurora C-6s? So many common hosts are used by more than one builder. I think what is setting the builders apart are a) the machinists making heatsinks, b) choices in parts, c) ultimate build quality, d) workmanship and customer service.

Others may feel differently. But, there's my two cents.

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Greetings,

And don't forget about features too....

Most will use a driver that has 1 mode, on at full power. Having other features like power modes, strobe, SOS, beacon need to be more available. Having a host with a battery remaining indicator would also be an almost unique feature on a custom build.
More people building should stimulate that.

a couple more cents worth....
Moe

Re: UPDATE: TBB: 3W SAik 445nm laser. It's coming!

I would bin that diode before having it set at a unhappy setting. I would hate for you to sell a unit to someone with the diode struggling at that high of current. On the flip side it just might be so efficient that it could take more than that. I would guess that the odds are against it however like some have said keep up the yeomans duty. I would love to see more of those around here.

Re: UPDATE: TBB: 3W SAik 445nm laser. It's coming!

scumbagatheist said:

My SAiK host hit Hong Kong on 4/2! Est. arrival at this point: 4/15
Eudamonium shipped out the heatsink on 4/2. Est. arrival: 5/1

Will order and tune the drivers and diode next week. Will be shooting for 2.3A depending on diode efficiency. I'll probably be ordering 2 of the 9mm diodes since I find myself the owner of 2 new Krytons when they ship. Look for a 2W Groove coming next month!

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Sorry I did not get back on the binning process. I crashed my bike and man gravity sucks:cryyy:.

I see you plan on a 9mm diode for the Kryton if so I would make sure you have the back of the head drilled for that I think being direct press those are set for the 5.6mm diodes. Unless there was an option I'm unaware of.:thinking:

Re: UPDATE: TBB: 3W SAik 445nm laser. It's coming!

Dude! Sorry about your bike crash. I suffered a major concussion years ago from one.

Any help you can still offer on binning a diode would be helpful.

In the latest Kryton GB, there is now a 9mm version. So, I got one of each!

Re: UPDATE: TBB: 3W SAik 445nm laser. It's coming!

sounds interesting good luck with this