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my laser x-mas

3zuli

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Joined
May 30, 2009
Messages
810
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I usually don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on lasers but (because of that) I decided to get some kits as gifts for myself :D

first up: PHR @ 105mA in DildaV2 kit from Odicforce lasers. Nice little burner with unusual beam color that fits in pocket and still isn't too dangerous for eyes. Powered by 2x 3V CR2 batteries.
BTW this PHR looks a bit freaky to me - I think it has a bit higher wavelength, because it's a bit brighter to me than other PHR's I've seen yet.
This was my f1rst kit:D


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But that was just some kind of heat-up, before some real build :eg: Now it's time for first 445nm :D
Originally, I was going to use microboost but I had some problems with it. But then I saw this thread:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/njg-18-3-mode-driver-445nm-single-cell-55496.html
and I remembered that I've got one of these drivers, so I quickly hooked it up on test load and discovered another problem. The driver would only go up to 450mA :(
Now it's running at 450mA, doing about 300mW. I ordered another NJG-18 driver from DX (and I hope it will go up to 1A)
I also put a 100nF capacitor in paralell to diode to prevent short spikes.

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these were still pretty cheap builds:

PHR dilda
PHR: $15 shipped (modwerx)
DildaV2 kit: about $22 shipped (odicforce)
CR2's + charger: $9 shipped (o-like)
Total: $46

445nm
Host: Guidesman $15 shipped (from mohrenberg) (what a deal! :D)
Diode: $56 shipped (from DTR)
445nm lens: $11 (from jayrob)
NJG-18 driver: $4.26 (DX)
Total: $86.26 (I don't count the non-working microboost)

Special :thanks: to jay, moh & DTR for the parts!
 

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Joined
Oct 8, 2010
Messages
207
Points
18
Nice setup, I built my self a 1-1.2w 445 with the survival laser kit. It was awesome till something in the driver went out, waiting on a replacement. Pictures never do the raw power of a 445 justice, something you gotta see in front of you. Too bad many cameras turn it purple.
 
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3zuli

0
Joined
May 30, 2009
Messages
810
Points
28
I think my camera picks it pretty well, unfortunately it didn't snow last 2 weeks here :( but it should be snowing here after new year
well I must wait for new driver, but even @ 300mW it's really bright :D
 

ped

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Joined
Nov 25, 2008
Messages
4,889
Points
113
first up: PHR @ 105mA in DildaV2 kit from Odicforce lasers. Nice little burner with unusual beam color that fits in pocket and still isn't too dangerous for eyes.


If it can set fire to matches...what do you think it'd do to your retina?

nice builds tho.
 
Joined
Sep 13, 2010
Messages
443
Points
18
I usually don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on lasers but (because of that) I decided to get some kits as gifts for myself :D

first up: PHR @ 105mA in DildaV2 kit from Odicforce lasers. Nice little burner with unusual beam color that fits in pocket and still isn't too dangerous for eyes. Powered by 2x 3V CR2 batteries.
BTW this PHR looks a bit freaky to me - I think it has a bit higher wavelength, because it's a bit brighter to me than other PHR's I've seen yet.
This was my f1rst kit:D

But that was just some kind of heat-up, before some real build :eg: Now it's time for first 445nm :D
Originally, I was going to use microboost but I had some problems with it. But then I saw this thread:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/njg-18-3-mode-driver-445nm-single-cell-55496.html
and I remembered that I've got one of these drivers, so I quickly hooked it up on test load and discovered another problem. The driver would only go up to 450mA :(
Now it's running at 450mA, doing about 300mW. I ordered another NJG-18 driver from DX (and I hope it will go up to 1A)
I also put a 100nF capacitor in paralell to diode to prevent short spikes.

these were still pretty cheap builds:
445nm
Host: Guidesman $15 shipped (from mohrenberg) (what a deal! :D)
Diode: $56 shipped (from DTR)
445nm lens: $11 (from jayrob)
NJG-18 driver: $4.26 (DX)
Total: $86.26 (I don't count the non-working microboost)

I know I shouldn't do an expensive first build (and I won't), but was your 445 build something that someone fairly new to this would be able to handle? Like, how hard was it to put together?
 

3zuli

0
Joined
May 30, 2009
Messages
810
Points
28
If it can set fire to matches...what do you think it'd do to your retina?

nice builds tho.

I mean, it's still safer than 1W of 445nm and people can still watch what I am doing without serious damage to their eyes. For example, when I'm burning matches and someone is watching (and I wear goggles), I can point the focal point to the side of mach that is closer to me, so that most of light is directed on me and specator isn't hurt

I know I shouldn't do an expensive first build (and I won't), but was your 445 build something that someone fairly new to this would be able to handle? Like, how hard was it to put together?

it was pretty easy, but as a beginner I would build some bluray (phr803t) or red (lpc-518) as a first build, because it's still better to blow $10 diode than a $50 one. It also depends on your soldering skills
 
Joined
May 25, 2010
Messages
3,655
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0
Cool Builds. Iam sure the New driver you will get from DX will go past 1 Amp.:)
 
Joined
Sep 13, 2010
Messages
443
Points
18
it was pretty easy, but as a beginner I would build some bluray (phr803t) or red (lpc-518) as a first build, because it's still better to blow $10 diode than a $50 one. It also depends on your soldering skills

Yeah, i don't have much experience with soldering. I'll most likely start with a red because it's cheapest.
 

3zuli

0
Joined
May 30, 2009
Messages
810
Points
28
thanks guys! :)
added new video to OP
david: red and bluray both start from 8.99 per sled... I'd suggest that you first extract the other diode from your sled and you can practice soldering on that. When you learn quick soldering (under 3 seconds) then you can move on the real diode :beer:
 
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Joined
Oct 8, 2010
Messages
207
Points
18
Yeah, i don't have much experience with soldering. I'll most likely start with a red because it's cheapest.

One very helpful tip, use flux. Makes everything work 100x easier, simply pre-tin all your connections (coat them in a thin layer of solder) put flux on your connections and simply tap the soldering iron and everything should go together easily.
 
Joined
Sep 13, 2010
Messages
443
Points
18
david: red and bluray both start from 8.99 per sled... I'd suggest that you first extract the other diode from your sled and you can practice soldering on that. When you learn quick soldering (under 3 seconds) then you can move on the real diode :beer:

One very helpful tip, use flux. Makes everything work 100x easier, simply pre-tin all your connections (coat them in a thin layer of solder) put flux on your connections and simply tap the soldering iron and everything should go together easily.

thanks guys :)
it may be a little while before I can work on it anyway; as I'm busy with applying to colleges and studying for exams right now.
 
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
532
Points
0
David1235102;

A suggestion, it may or may not work out for you;

Contact a local amateur radio club. This site can help you find one:
American Radio Relay League | ARRL - The national association for AMATEUR RADIO
Search for ARRL Affiliated Clubs

Talk to the point-of-contact for a club, tell them that you need to learn how to solder from someone who is good at it. Ham radio operators are generally VERY HELPFUL people, and like to get people involved in ham radio/electronics.

And Ohio is considered the "Ham Radio Capital" of the U.S. The Dayton Hamvention is the single biggest ham radio event in america.

Working side by side with a tutor can make a world of difference - you could be a soldering expert in no time.
 
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