Diode Casings for the DYI Mag light lazer mod

As of yesterday both the eBay auctions for the 5mW 650nm modules and AixiZ's website both said that "Due to high demand, there will be a 2 week delay in shipping of these units".  In fact, if you look right now on Aixiz's laser page, it says "PLEASE NOTE THE 12X30mm 5mw BACKORDER ISSUE SOLVED YAY! THIS IS THE ONE FOR THE FLASHLIGHT HACK PROJECT."  So, yes, the were backordered no matter how many the eBay page said were available.  I have now ordered one, and requested in the PayPal instructions that they send me one with a glass lens in it.

Also, from your first link...

On Aug-22-07 at 18:43:39 PDT, seller added the following information:

All shipping issues have been resolved and all pending orders will be out by the weekend. Unit is now back fully in stock.

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It wasn't that big of a deal except I asked an honest question, and you decided to come off sounding like a condescending ass.  If that wasn't your intention, then I apologize for my reaction.

At no time did I notice on any of the ebay auctions I pointed links to they were out of stock. Where exactly did they say that? If it was stated, then I apologize but I certainly didn't notice it anywhere.

My intent was not what you think it was... : I was only trying to understand what you wanted or was expecting. Since you could not see that, I know it will be best for me to steer clear of you. Misunderstandings happen in forums and when it gets to the point of thinking of anyone as a condescending ass, then it's time to either take it to a PM or resist the attack, even though you did say "If that wasn't your intention, then I apologize for my reaction." Have a nice day...

Gazoo said:

At no time did I notice on any of the ebay auctions I pointed links to they were out of stock. Where exactly did they say that? If it was stated, then I apologize but I certainly didn't notice it anywhere.

My intent was not what you think it was... : I was only trying to understand what you wanted or was expecting. Since you could not see that, I know it will be best for me to steer clear of you. Misunderstandings happen in forums and when it gets to the point of thinking of anyone as a condescending ass, then it's time to either take it to a PM or resist the attack, even though you did say "If that wasn't your intention, then I apologize for my reaction." Have a nice day...

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No, I meant that. If it wasn't your intent, then no hard feelings. Message boards don't allow for intentions to be communicated, so sometimes things get misinterpreted.

The 2-week delay was in a comment (sorta like the one I quoted above...started with "seller added the following information"), and it was listed in the product description on their web page.

Thanks...no hard feelings then. I missed the part in the comments section and this is my bad. I always look at the quantity available, I guess I should read the whole description from now on...

I noticed you requested a glass lens. I am not so sure you will be as happy with it as a plastic lens. As I recall, the glass lens makes the beam bigger in diameter, and some people had trouble focusing the beam.

I had this experience (beam diameter) with the glass lens in my Meredith module. I did not understand why it was not burning so well. Then I went back and read the specs on the differences between the glass lens and the acrylic lenses Meredith sells. As it turns out, the one with the acrylic lens produces a beam that is smaller in diameter, thus it burns better. So out of curiosity, I put a plastic lens from an Aixiz module into my Meredith module and found the burning power to be much better.

BUT, the glass lens from Meredith does seem to produce a brighter, more impressive beam, and does focus properly in my Aixiz module. The problem with Meredith is their prices, but they do offer some good stuff and next month I am going to order another module from them with the acrylic lens. They also make a heat sink block. I am going to order that as well for my next TEC project.

By the way -- There is a right and wrong way to put the lens in.  I just try both ways and use what ever works best.  The plastic lens holder needs to be opened up on the laser side to get the most power.

Mike

Yes, this is very true. My glass lens goes in like this...>>>>>>> (l >>>>>>>

And with the plastic lens it is hard to tell but must be inserted the right way for it to focus.

A quick little note to all - BEHAVE DAMNIT !

If you take issue with what someone says, TAKE IT TO A PM -

Reall, it is that easy to stay in the clear, and on the good side of folks, especially me ! There is absolutely no reason to hammer anyone on this forum, and for the most part, it will not be tolerated - I hammer some folks - usually scammers, spammers, and the sort - but as far as individual members go, take it to PM, please ? It will make the forum a lot nicer place to read, kick back, enjoy, etc, etc, etc... There is more than enough bitterness, spite, malice, and BS on other forums if you want to get your fill of it, may I suggest you go there, and not bring it here ? Thanks all for reading, and have a sooper-dee-dooper day !

G !

Gazoo said:

I noticed you requested a glass lens. I am not so sure you will be as happy with it as a plastic lens. As I recall, the glass lens makes the beam bigger in diameter, and some people had trouble focusing the beam.

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Heh...I heard the exact opposite from somebody on SpectraForum. He likes the glass lens over the acryllic one, having used both in the past. Oh well, I'm not sure they'll send me one anyway, so it's a crap shoot. I guess I'll just be happy with the one that I get.

You can get modules at Dealextreme as well. I have posted some info in the reviews area.
The silver ones are much easier to get apart.

http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.910

Paul

wilheldp said:

Heh...I heard the exact opposite from somebody on SpectraForum. He likes the glass lens over the acryllic one, having used both in the past. Oh well, I'm not sure they'll send me one anyway, so it's a crap shoot. I guess I'll just be happy with the one that I get.

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Well whatever you get, glass or plastic, please keep us updated. Thanks.
I tried to contact Aixiz through their ebay website requesting a glass lens, and they never did reply.. I have heard it is best to call them to request a glass lens, but I haven't gone that route yet.

I ordered my last modules with both glass and plastic. The glass assembly doesn't screw in as well and had to be resized with a file

It has seemed to me now that the plastic works better, provides better power output and I will probably use them until I start melting the plastic ones

Mike

Gazoo said:

I tried to contact Aixiz through their ebay website requesting a glass lens, and they never did reply.. I have heard it is best to call them to request a glass lens, but I haven't gone that route yet.

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Yeah, I never did get a response back from them when I asked about the availability of the 780nm modules. They may have just ignored that email though since they solved the backorder problem.

Will --

Aixiz can be hard to communicate with at times but they always deliver. Like many vendors -- It's so damn frustrating !!!
I've got 10 blanks coming -- If you need one, its yours.

Mike

Thanks for the offer, Mike, but I have one of the 5mW modules coming. I think it's better that I get it this way since this is my first crack at driving a laser diode, so I'm going to test the circuit on the 5mW diode that comes with the casing. If I blow it up, no worries, if it works, I will disconnect it, discharge the cap, and hook up the Sony diode from the GB.

OK Will --

The 5 mW diode will probably blow at about 60 mA.  That's how we learn here - sadly, sometimes it's with a $35 diode    This part will get your test circuit functional.
NOW- Press the old LD out of the module to makeway for the new.
Follow all the postings found here including putting a capacitor across the diode.  I've lost a couple LD's because I was in a hurry.
Good Luck  --

Mike

PS: there is a lot of info on this forum which many NOOBS don't check out before asking redundent questions. That too is frustrating. I don't understand the Aixiz problem above but they were trying to help in spite of what you thought. Gazoo and others have helped many people here.

I'm building DDL's driver circuit, so I shouldn't have any problem overdriving the diode (unless the pot shorts out). I just want to test with an LED and the cheapo laser diode to make sure I don't mess up the good one.

I've seen tips on how to remove the old diode and press the new one, but is it obvious how to apply those tips once your holding the AixiZ module? Also, is the part that holds the diode separate from the lense holder to allow for focusing the beam?