Not FS: 300mW MXDL Open Can Lasers!

No longer selling these... Please read this:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1231511226/0

But I am selling DIY Build Kits & Heatsinks! See here: http://www.sonic.net/~jayrob/MXDL/

My 4171 build, is just a ‘pumped up’ version of Daedal’s original 'DIY Laser Torch'.
The differences are noted at the end of this first post.

* Yes, one of the build options here, is a 300mW MXDL (for this, I recommend the FlexDrive option set at 430mA's using the Meredith glass lens)

--Either build is very clean. Built with my custom fit heatsink, 420mA's DDL style driver (or FlexDrive option), long open can diode, running around 250mW's to 300mW's (depending on lens choice)--

 
 
'Long' open can diodes harvested from Pioneer 115D DVD drives, or LG LPC815 sleds (same difference). These can be mounted into the module of your choice. The acrylic lens is better for burning. (because you can focus it tighter) The Meredith glass lens gives more power, and is also $10 bucks more than the Meredith acrylic.

I like 430mA's these days. This will give you about 250mW's with an AixiZ acrylic, or around 300mW's with a Meredith glass lens. (heatsinked) I think that 470mA's is really pushing these diodes a little too much. Even with the thick heatsink.


The FlexDrive driver with the 4171 host, needs a silicon diode installed to drop the supply voltage to 5.5 volts. (This is the max input voltage for the FlexDrives)
Also, with the use of these FlexDrives, this host is now an excellent blu-ray host as well! Using the 3.0 volt Lithium batteries.  

More details:
A Meredith glass lens will give a higher power reading, but will not allow you to focus the dot as 'tight' as the acrylic. At that power, yes the Meredith glass lens will easily light matches at 10 feet. But an acrylic lens will burn even better. Here is a picture and a video on this page. The picture shows two lasers with the exact same current.    
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1199846835/75#77  
I have them labeled. The glass lens laser is putting out more power because of the glass lens. But the video of the match burn at 4' distance, is with the acrylic lens laser. An MXDL acrylic lens laser at this power, when focussed properly, will light a black tipped match, at 20'! Pop black balloons at 30'. The 'finger grip' ring turns for focussing. The difference between focus at 5' vs focus at 20', is only about 1/32 of a turn. For an example about focussing, I have two dots marked in this picture: (with a little dot of white paint) 
   
One mark is for 5' focus, and the other is for 100' focus.  
 
My 4171 build, is just an ‘upgrade’ of Daedal’s original build.
The differences are:
* The open can diode
* The heatsink
* The use of the 3 ohm resistor, instead of 2 x 10 ohm resistors and a pot. No pot, and just the 3 ohm resistor at the LM317 will give you the 420mA's. (about 250mW’s with an acrylic lens – 300mW’s with a Meredith glass lens)
* Heatsink needed! As well as the 3.6 volt batteries. His laser thread doesn't mention the silicon diode and cap, because he covered that in his driver thread. He shows pictures of those components in his build.



New: I have a Version 2 heatsink design for the sku's 4171 and 3405 hosts. Now you have another choice!

These two hosts have a massive heatsink and this new design still has plenty of mass...



These two hosts have enough room inside that we can have a heatsink that is 'flat'. Not protruding out the front.

Still will fit either module. Here's how the finished build will look with the version 2 heatsink:




So now you have more choices!

Just let me know which host for you build, heatsink style, module, diode, etc... (same price)



Daedal has a very good guide on the building of this MXDL host here:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1186966870

DDL's driver thread is here: http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1185701612

I have a couple of documents and ‘tips’ on doing this build using my custom heatsink. In my ‘Driver Tips’ document, you will find a good schematic of the original DDL driver.
http://www.sonic.net/~jayrob/MXDLDriverTips.doc
http://www.sonic.net/~jayrob/MXDLHeatsinkTips.doc
Jay



My Key Chain Laser Build - Must See!:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1230945898/0


Check out my new 'Pocket Mini' lasers here!
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1226875831/0


Here's my DIY Green Laser Build!:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1227233016/0


Some of my other laser builds here:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1212910842/0 ('Pocket Pal')


And here too!:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1222931054/0 (Side Button 'Pocket Pal')

Re: F.S. ***One or Two MXDL Red Burners***

I think I might take the pioneer setup, let me find out when I get home.

Re: F.S. ***One or Two MXDL Red Burners***

goldfingerfif said:

I think I might take the pioneer setup, let me find out when I get home.

Click to expand...

Sure thing. Get back to me if your serious. First come, first serve...
Thanks,
Jay

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Lasers With Heatsin

I'll 'bump' this back up because I dropped the price a little. Plus, I'll throw in a 10 pack of 3 ohm 1 watt resistors, and 5 boxes of black tipped DX matches...
Jay

Edit: Running low on the matches and the resistors now. Not offering them anymore...Sorry.

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Laser With Heatsink

'Bump' Price drop again! Clean finish with custom heatsinks. Also, you can count on a little 'dust cap' for the lens to be included as well...
Jay

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Laser With Heatsink

Jay can you take macro pictures of the Sony open can diode in your first picture?
Does it look different than the Pioneer open can diode? [smiley=dankk2.gif]

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Laser With Heatsink

TheMonk said:

Jay can you take macro pictures of the Sony open can diode in your first picture?
Does it look different than the Pioneer open can diode?  [smiley=dankk2.gif]

Click to expand...

It looks different because it is mounted into a Meredith 5.6mm adapter. It is the same as the Pioneer open can. The 'long' open can. I had mounted it so that I could test the diode and compare it to the pioneer 112D diode. So, it is new. Just tested once...
Jay

P.S. I replaced that first picture, but here's a close up of the open can diode in the 5.6mm adapter.

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Laser With Heatsink

'Bump' Added a 328mW MXDL with a Meredith glass lens and heatsink...
Jay

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Laser With Heatsink

Those are pretty cool, love to have that 328mW MXDL. Maybe if my sale goes through..

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Laser With Heatsink

ZANE said:

Those are pretty cool, love to have that 328mW MXDL. Maybe if my sale goes through..

Click to expand...

Sure thing, you would not be disappointed! Hope to hear from you...
Jay

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Laser With Heatsink

George, I got your build finished today! It is very nice. I wanted to show some pictures of the build. First, the driver:

This nice DDL style driver is built with a 3 ohm 1 watt resistor and is putting out 420mA's current.

Here's just a close up of your Meredith acrylic and Sony NEC Optiarc open can LD mounted into the heatsink.

Per your request, I put a dot of white paint at the 5' focal point. I think just one mark is fine. The dot for the 100' focal point, would only be about 1/8" away from the 5' dot. (clockwise)

This picture is very important! If a person were to open the top, they could easily damage the laser by twisting the wires. So, in case you are not familiar with the MXDL, it is important to know that the battery access is from the tail cap, not the top.

I don't recommend opening the laser. But if you just have to look inside, start with the threaded top 'ring' that holds the heatsink in place. You must not allow the heatsink to 'twist or spin' while unscrewing the retaining ring.

I will be shipping it out on Monday. You will not be disappointed! If you don't already have a charger, you can get one for cheap here:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.936
But the batteries are new, and have a fresh charge on them. Remember the duty cycle. And I hope you have goggles as well.
Please post back and let me know how you like it...
Jay

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Laser With Heatsink

I keep hoping someone will buy my watches so I can get one of the from ya-

Well, here's a bump N E hooo

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Laser With Heatsink

wow, i am very impressed by the ability you guys have at making drivers. To make one that small takes some impressive skill. I say good work jayrob, keep it up

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Laser With Heatsink

clwatkins10 said:

wow, i am very impressed by the ability you guys have at making drivers. To make one that small takes some impressive skill. I say good work jayrob, keep it up

Click to expand...

I do put extra effort into making a clean, solid build. So I appreciate that compliment very much. Thank you...
Jay

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Laser With Heatsink

jayrob said:

I don't recommend opening the laser. But if you just have to look inside, start with the threaded top 'ring' that holds the heatsink in place. You must not allow the heatsink to 'twist or spin' while unscrewing the retaining ring.

Click to expand...

Yep, I killed a diode in an MXDL I made by doing that. I inadvertently twisted the wires and turned it on=dead diode. And I can vouch for the quality of Jayrob's products and instructions/documentations,etc. I purchased a heatsink form him and the quality is outstanding, very professional. And the price of these is incredible considering it has a Meredith module. If you aren't good at building drivers and/or extracting diodes, you would probably spend more than this doing it yourself after killing a diode or two. And I would know, I have killed a few LDs for various reasons- from the driver putting out more current than i thought due to an incorrect solder joint(had it correct, but wire broke and I ree-soldered it in wrong spot),to barely twisting the positive lead from the LD and ripping the tiny hair-wire off the chip itself.

Re: F.S. * 300mW MXDL Open Can Laser With Heatsink

bought one jayrob was good to communicate with now to see how long it takes to hop the atlantic to me
i chose: 328mw glass meradith with a power reduction to 295-310 by a 3ohm resistor for longevity insted of the 2.7ohm
cant wait for it
after it arrives i will test its power by playing with it and resting it on my tec block to cool it down for the 30sec off of the runcycle