Alternative to WL's Arctic?

• Jul 24, 2010

• #1

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Astrogoth

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Howdy all.

I'm new to the laser hobby and I have a question. Since WL is having quite a few issues right now I have to ask the obvious question:

Can a 1 Watt blue laser be built from a parts kit for around the cost of the WL Arctic? I know the host won't be as cool to look at but if I build it I know it will work better.

Thanks folks!

 

• Jul 24, 2010

• #2

Gryphon

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Sure can! The diodes can be bought from several different members here for ~45 bucks.
Drivers and batts only cost a couple bucks aswell as a collimator. You can build a
completed unit, host and all for under half the cost of the Arctic. Of course as you said
the host probably wont be as cool, but thats a matter of taste

 

• Jul 24, 2010

• #3

Kevlar

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The host is definitely a matter of taste. I personally don't like the artic, too big. I like Ehgemus hosts. Just do a search for Ehgemus hosts on this forum.

Diode=$45-$50
Driver=$26
Host=$40-$50
Batteries/charger=$20-$30
Total=$$156?

Optional upgraded lens=$12.50-$50

Also, dragonlasers is taking pre-orders for their 1W 445nm lasers. Their pre-orders are A LOT different than WL though. Just email Frank. I got an email from him yesterday saying the stock they have is going out to people who already order them but should have some in stock in 8 days. Dragonlasers reputation is much better than WL IMO

 

• Jul 24, 2010

• #4

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Gryphon said:

Sure can! The diodes can be bought from several different members here for ~45 bucks.
Drivers and batts only cost a couple bucks aswell as a collimator. You can build a
completed unit, host and all for under half the cost of the Arctic. Of course as you said
the host probably wont be as cool, but thats a matter of taste

Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply guys. So I can get more for less and on time?? Wow, I think I'll be doing that then!

 

• Jul 24, 2010

• #5

qumefox

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Astrogoth said:

Thanks for the reply guys. So I can get more for less and on time?? Wow, I think I'll be doing that then!

Click to expand...

If your in a hurry, pay more and go with someone who has the diodes on hand and ready to sell. The various group buy's are cheaper, but at the tradeoff of time. I've been waiting on my 445's and other stuff from Glenn's groupbuy for close to a month now.

 

• Jul 24, 2010

• #6

AJ_Dual

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O-Like just came out with a bench/lab style 445 the other day at a competitive price. A handheld/portable should be forthcoming in a few days or weeks too.

 

• Jul 24, 2010

• #7

KGB_Productions

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I definately recommend Ehgemus also. He makes some amazing custom hosts for, what I would call, dirt cheap.

 

• Jul 24, 2010

• #8

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KGB_Productions said:

I definately recommend Ehgemus also. He makes some amazing custom hosts for, what I would call, dirt cheap.

Click to expand...

After some searching I agree with you. Amazing work. No doubt I'll go with one of his hosts when the time comes. My second build will be a 12X in a Phaser but #1 will be his.

 

• Jul 24, 2010

• #9

KGB_Productions

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Post lots of pics when you get it finished

 

• Jul 24, 2010

• #10

Kevlar

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I got my Ehgemus host for $47 shipped!!! To me, thats amazing for a completely custom host WITH a focus adapter AND a direct-press heatsink for the best heatsinking you can get!!!

 

• Jul 24, 2010

• #11

styropyro

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If you really want to you can build one of these for around $50. It wont be hand held, but it still is a 1W+ blue laser. You don't have to buy an expensive driver, a LM317 circuit works wonders and is dirt cheap.

 

• Jul 24, 2010

• #12

Moptsp

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These 445 diodes, are they able to be efficiently run at lower levels? Id be interested at setting one at about 500mw because my safety glasses don't protect up to 1W on 445nm.

 

• Jul 24, 2010

• #13

qumefox

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Moptsp said:

These 445 diodes, are they able to be efficiently run at lower levels? Id be interested at setting one at about 500mw because my safety glasses don't protect up to 1W on 445nm.

Click to expand...

They'll run fine at 500mw. What kind of goggles do you have, and what is their OD rating at 445?

 

• Jul 25, 2010

• #14

Moptsp

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They are what Dragon lasers used to sell for $25, but I can no longer find them. It's the same as these I believe:
Green LaserShades

But wicked does not give the OD specs on them.

Glenn (who got them for me,) just said that they are about 2.6OD for 523nm and protect from 445nm up to about 850mw. Though I wouldn't want to reach the edge of protection.

 

• Jul 25, 2010

• #15

Fonduman

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bear in mind you will need tools etc for a build, and some technical knowledge. you've probably noticed by now though lol

 

• Jul 25, 2010

• #16

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Ashton

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I love the $$$ of dragon's blue spartan

though I hate the fact it looks like a flashlight... I prefer the straight-sided tubes like my CNI and old (dead) Pulsar had...

Though for that cost, one cant really complain... (of course what does it take to get the 1W output? fresh lithium batteries with 1 use or less before it drops?)