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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

445 Nightmare No One Should Endure

Joined
May 27, 2012
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59
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This is unreal and extremely painful it is rediculous to no end. I ordered a Survival laser 1400mW parts bundle in the stainless host with the extended copper heat sink from Garoq whom has been extremely helpful. Maybe I'm not meant to have such a nice 445 build in the best host I've ever seen. Nothing has gone right in this entire process process and this time today the fault is my own.


1) Laser arrived on Thursday and I am off Saturday so I get ready to assemble it. I notice the lense, spring, and allen wrench were missing so I emailed Garoq, no problem, he forgt to send them and they were on the way.

2) The components arrive and I assmeble the laser, time for a test.

3) After putting on my goggles and turning it on for the first time the laser runs for about one second and then just dies.

4) I emailed Garoq frustrated and wondering what my options were now, he was outstanding knew I was sincere and offered to replace my defective diode with a superior 1800mW all at no charge to me. I was truly greatful. I sent the defective diode back that day.

5) The new diode arrived this afternoon and I begin assembly from my table. After screwing on the diode to the host and moving the heat sink over the diode I reached over to pick up the metal ring and then to my horror the host rolled off the table hit the ground with high force and I saw that the wires had snapped in two.

6) I knew then that it was over and this time it was my fault. I called Gary and he was willing to have me send the diode back for a resaudering. I'm greatful but I fear the diode won't possibly survive such a fall, especially when attached to the heavy stainless host with the extended copper heat sink.


In conclusion this is painful beyond relief and I hope no one else ever has to go through it.
 





Joined
Jan 8, 2009
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Try using a PHR diode or 2 until you get some positive mojo going for you. Can't expect to drive like like a pro after your first race.

I'm totally sorry for your loss... I will share that I've blown diodes before just by forgeting to short the caps... you learn off your mistakes and another thing is try to do thing in steps that way you build habits that are conducive to laser health and saftey.
 
Joined
May 27, 2012
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Thats just it though the diode was already saudered, it was a kit and all I had to do was the 5 to 10 minute assemble. It went perfectly the first time with the 1400mW but the laser died in 1 second. This time with the replacement diode I'm at fault. The worst of luck with this order, I'm ready to quit and count my losses.
 
Joined
Aug 30, 2010
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I've had a host roll off my table & onto a concrete basement floor & everything was fine. The host took the damage, which was just a tiny nik/dent. In my case the diode was secure in the aixiz module & the module was secure in the heatsink and screwed into the host, everything was solid.

From what you're explaining it sounds like the wires absorbed the whiplash between the pill & heatsink when it hit the floor. I'm assuming they were in 2 pieces otherwise I don't see how the wires would snap.

I wouldn't be too worried about this, there's a good chance the diode is fine. In the meantime though, try being more careful! ;)

It's also no surprise to heat that Gary is taking care of you, he does a fantastic job with SL :D
 
Last edited:
Joined
Mar 1, 2011
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I don't know...sounds like you might be getting all the "troubles" over all at once with the one build.
So maybe now you can look forward to a bunch of time with no problems.

At least that is what to expect according to the "law of averages" anyhow.
:shhh:
 
Joined
Nov 5, 2007
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I would not be the least bit surprised if the diode was perfectly fine. These things are rugged beyond belief. I have seen them survive much worse than that. With all you have been through I am sure Karma is on your side with this anyhow. Garaq is a straight forward guy and will let you know how it tests out.
 
Joined
Mar 23, 2011
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Oh man that sucks. The one bright spot in this is who you bought it from. Gary is one of the good guys in my book. I bought my first high power laser (kit) from him and it's still alive and kicking.
 
Joined
Mar 19, 2011
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Your probably a bit over cautious when handling the kit components. The best thing to do is don't be. Meaning follow
the basic handling concepts all the time, and relax. After you start building and assembling your less likely to drop things and fumble around.
AS Yob said rugged is absolutely a great description. I would be surprised if your diode is in fact morte'
If it is dead bury it and dance around its grave with an El cheepo chinese pointer blazing
 

DrSid

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Joined
Jul 17, 2010
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These diodes are pretty tough. I tested mine by direct connecting them to 4.5V batteries.
Short pulse on first power-on is pretty common. And it always has the same reason. Depleted battery.
 




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