So I might buy an X100...

After failing epicly building a blu-ray, I have decided to buy from NOVA. I got 1.2V rechargable NIMH batteries for my build, would these work without a significant decrease in power? I also want to buy the lens holder with optics. Would I be able to use the LightYears I get from the X100 to pay for it? Or would I have to buy them in two seperate orders? I'm going on a camping trip with a bunch of my friends in mid-October, will be awesome. ^.^

From what I remember,
1. NiMH batteries work better for higher powered lasers
2. No, you can't get and use LightYears on the same purchase.

I remember from a while ago calculating this... (This only works if you have never bought from NOVAlasers before)
X15 with membership-$95 (with 5% discount)
Shipping- $10
Total: $105
Lightyears- 500

X100- $178 (With 15% discount from membership) -5 from lightyears = 173
Shipping- $10
Total: $183
Grand total- $288

OR

X100- $229 (With 5% discount including shipping)

Basically, get a X15 for $59 more.

OK, nevermind what I just said.

I don't see a membership discount on the page... If that works though, I'll do it! But maybe not if they're still not in stock...

You get membership discounts when you buy any NOVA laser with the membership package. The membership package gives you 15% off all lasers accessories. Lol, gotta read more careful next time...... :-/

Good decision to buy from Nova, you'll get a great laser.

1.2 V Ni-MH-s will be fine. I used such batteries all the time in my X-85 before it broke down, and I never got a significant decrease. Maybe 5mW or so lees than with alkalines, but it's hardly noticeable with an X100... :-/

And if you would test a Ni-MH battery on a DMM when it's fully charged, it would be much more than 1.2. In fact, around 1,35 - 1,45 V. So don't spend all the $$ on alkalines when you can get almost as high power with Ni-MH-s.

I found out from browsing this great forum why NiMH batteries are better then alkalines even though the NiMH's have lower voltage. When a high current drain is placed on an alkaline battery the base voltage drops significantly, often lower then the NiMH's base 1.2 volts. the NiMH's don't have as great a voltage drop when a high drain device is turned on.
The only time an alkaline battery will have the advantage is when it's brand new (80-100%). Once it drops below 80% charge the NiMH's are better. So, unless you want to throw out your expensive alkalines at 80% life just use NiMH's all the time. You won't notice a big differance.

How did you fail epicly at your blu-ray build? How many times did you try, don't say just once because most fail a few times, even those who build them regularly (sometimes). Don't give up, you'll be so glad once you've completed it. Don't give up, its not that hard!


As far as the Nova's concerned, I think you should do it. I have the x-75 and it's great, especially as a pen the thing adverages around 94mW. The divergence could be improved, but I don't feel lilke risking scratching it up or anything trying to adjust the lens. Nova also has excellent service. I have some nice 1000ma NiMh that work great for it. You might want to buy a diffraction grating or something too (well I don't like just buying one thing when I order a laser)

Most people fry the diode right? Well, I somehow fried the driver. I got solder all over the board and some components fell off. I'll probably try again once I get more skills with electronics.

LRMNmeyer said:

Most people fry the diode right? Well, I somehow fried the driver.   I got solder all over the board and some components fell off.   I'll probably try again once I get more skills with electronics.

Click to expand...

I fried a flexdrive with 12V once  :-[

Wrong batteries in the carriage

Peace,
dave

Hey LRMNmeyer! I am doing a GB on Nova products, if you join in we all get better discounts if we reach a order size (not exactly known) and at least get the 5% discount of a Nova member on all lasers, and 15% on all accessories! SO, Join in! PM me. LINK: http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1218982664