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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

440mA LPC-826 650nm Aluminum Box Build [Pic Heavy]

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Mar 22, 2011
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This is just a thread to show my most recent build. It's, as the title states, a 440mA LPC-826 650nm laser in
an aluminum project box that I got from Radioshack. I'd like to say that project boxes, switches, and potentiometers
are the only electronics DIY components I feel are worth buying from them. I say that because when you factor
in shipping and waiting times for similar parts on the internet, they are the two parts that are a fair deal.

Parts used
LPC-826 650nm Diode - $11
Aixiz Module + Glass Lens - $5 from a secondhand dealer
Rkcstr Driver - $0*
Aluminum Project box from Radioshack - $3.50
Big Red Button - $1.50
2AA Battery Holders - $1
Defect C6 Heatsink - $3
Total: ~$25 :) Not bad!

*Ryan sent me a free one a while back as compensation for a defective one I got in a previous order

That being said let's move on to the laser.

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This laser was a long project for me. Not because it was difficult, but because I just never got around to finishing
it until a couple days ago.I've really been meaning to build a nice "Lab style" host just because I like the way they
look. My next laby build will probably be DC powered instead of using Li-Ions

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The lens focused to infinity

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It started as me seeing the aluminum box and remembering that was the housing I used to build my first laser.
Then I remembered I had a tempting big red button and a heatsink at home that I could use!

319665_2681940448804_1265100029_3107475_461244125_n.jpg


Specs
Diode: LPC-826
Power Supply: 2x 14500 Protected Li-Ion Rechargeables
Driver: Rkcstr Driver
Operating Current: 440mA
Estimated output: >250mW because of the glass lens

389489_2681941368827_1265100029_3107476_469945770_n.jpg



BEAMSHOTS :eg:

376619_2681926808463_1265100029_3107465_509212514_n.jpg


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The only part I would have done differently was the drilling for the hole that would fit the heatsink. I wasn't thinking and
drilled a big hole before I used a 3/4" spade bit. I should've done a small hole then done the spade drilling. I used some Arctic
Adhesive to attach the heatsink to the box. The set screw is still accessible in case I ever want to swap out modules, which
I thought was a nice feature to keep intact.
 
Last edited:





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Mar 22, 2011
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looks cool :) and to me a good solid heatsink :) nice job +1

Thanks, man. Yeah the heatsink I got from someone who had tried to mass produce some C6 heatsinks and never bothered to check if they actually fit the host. So I ended up buying 3 of them and wanted to use them in this kind of project.
 

ped

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Nice build. Would love to see the insides.
 
Joined
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Nice build. Would love to see the insides.

The insides are a little messy. I will try to get a photo of it soon though. I didn't have any heat-shrink tubing on hand so i had to use some electrical tape to insulate the connections. But the battery holders are secured to the aluminum with some epoxy which is pretty secure. Also the driver is heatsinked to the aluminum. Which made me glad I opted for an aluminum box so it could be used as, even if minimal, heatsinking.
 

Benm

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Very nice build!

I wish i could get metal project boxes that cheap here.

I guess the box is the heatsink though, no matter what is inside exactly. Just a flat surface mount would suffice to transfer the heat from the module to the box.
 
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Mar 22, 2011
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i love those little radioshack boxes good job...

What is really great about them is that their sides are, for the most part, vertical when put on a table or similar flat surface. Radioshack's plastic boxes are slightly angled, which is not a terribly huge problem but I enjoy a beam that is level.
 
Joined
Mar 22, 2011
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Haha dont be afraid of showing the internals...


Look at the state of the internals of my 445nm lab build!

http://laserpointerforums.com/f48/my-445nm-lab-build-54212.html

I'm actually pretty embarrassed at the state of the internals. All the connections are secure, its just they're pretty messily held in place.

Nice looking box. I like the red panic button. :D

Haha thanks, yeah I really love the button. It's so tempting to push and it makes a really satisfying metallic "cha-chink" when pressed :D
 




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