Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build! - Page 2 - Laser Pointer Forums

el-taco · 08-04-2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayrob

[quote author=el-taco link=1217045236/20#23 date=1217580025][quote author=jayrob link=1217045236/20#22 date=1217565335][quote author=el-taco link=1217045236/20#20 date=1217491682]NOOO!!!!

Google's Aussie dollar conversion is BAD!!!gimme a few weeks jay, Ill have this sorted.

No problem, I've got heatsink material, as well as some more of these hosts on the way. (some have been interested in the complete build from me)

Anyway, just let me know when you are ready, and I'll get you the host and heatsink!

[/quote]

Thanks for understanding, things REALLY arent working well for me in terms of online payment as of lately.[/quote]

LOL! Now I messed it up even worse! ;D I just refunded your Google payment! I got you mixed up with someone else...

So, I sent you another invoice.

Sorry about the mix up...
Jay
[/quote]

Haha, no worries. We just dont have much luck, do we?

I tried to pay again, turns out I have to wait for the funds to be refunded back to my credit card since Im a little low at the moment,

Lets just hope google checkout arent as incompetant as paypal and can refund to my card quickly so I dont have to keep waiting. (lol)

nein166 · 08-06-2008, 08:16 AM

Nice Tutorial
I should have waited to see what came out before I jumped on the BF Driver GB

gunsimon0077 · 08-07-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayrob

Here's a nice side button host from DX that takes 3 X AAA batteries... (clicky button - on/off)

The DX SKU number is 5387. It's body is nice and sturdy, the aluminum is thicker than the 4171 host... and it only costs $6 bucks!
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5387

Key - My new heatsink design for this host, and the use of a FlexDrive, makes this an easy build for anybody! 8-)

With the FlexDrive/AAA battery combination, this 'side button' MXDL makes a nice red burner build, as well as a blu-ray! The heatsink can be fit for either an AixiZ module, or a Meredith!

Here's how...

Notice the last picture here (lower right), the heatsink is drilled out at the bottom to allow room for the FlexDrive.

Then just set the driver current, install the diode/module, and your pretty much done! The FlexDrive current must be set using a 'dummy load'. Six silicon diodes (1N4001) in series, work perfect for a blu-ray. Use four for a red. Here's a good diagram from rog8811 on how to set up a 'dummy load':
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/fo...m=1197651171#1

Now...
Since this host has a head that must screw on (instead of a retaining ring, like the other MXDL hosts), I have designed the heatsink to 'sit on top of the driver mount' like so...

You can then, carefully screw the head on... just don't let the heatsink turn or twist! Because this is after the driver/diode is installed, and you do not want to let the wires get twisted.

The length of the heatsink is fit, so that the head of the MXDL host will hold it solid, when you screw it down into place...

The result is a nice and solid, easy DIY laser build with a side button clicky!

These heatsinks will be $25 dollars plus shipping... I have to do an extra 'drilling process' to make this one. But it allows you to use a much cheaper host, which is not only better, (side button) but with the use of my heatsink design, it is also a very easy build!

If you want me to do the complete laser build using a Pioneer 115D open can diode, AixiZ module, and a FlexDrive, the cost is $190 plus shipping. For the blu-ray version with an 803T diode and a FlexDrive, I charge $215 plus shipping.
Note: I do not use any heat on the diode harvest. My method, is to use very fine tipped snips, to 'clip' the pins clean. The only heat applied, is when soldering the wire leads to the pins. (about 1 second or less per pin)
Jay

P.S. The battery holder has these small 'tabs' at a couple of points where the POSITIVE end of the batteries need to make contact with the flat metal contact points.

Use a knife and 'snap' or cut the tabs to make sure your batteries make good contact. The thickness of the tabs can cause a weak connection, or no connection at all...

P.S.S. If you do not want to use the Lithium primaries, but like rechargeable batteries better, the Sanyo Eneloop batteries are the best...

Pocket Pal blu-ray build tutorial! http://www.laserpointerforums.com/fo...m=1213338268/0

Can you explane more when you say "just cut out the LED"

daguin · 08-07-2008, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunsimon0077

Can you explane more when you say "just cut out the LED"

When you look at the diode, you will see the "legs" of the diode going down into the board under it. Just clip those "legs." the diode will then lift off of the board. You then solder your driver's leads to the positive and negative "pads" (they are marked +-) on the board.

Peace,
dave

jayrob · 08-07-2008, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daguin

[quote author=gunsimon0077 link=1217045236/20#27 date=1218106239]Can you explane more when you say "just cut out the LED"

When you look at the diode, you will see the "legs" of the diode going down into the board under it. *Just clip those "legs." *the diode will then lift off of the board. *You then solder your driver's leads to the positive and negative "pads" (they are marked +-) on the board.

Peace,
dave[/quote]

Thanks for your help Dave!

Correct, it is a very easy mod... If you had the host in hand, you will see how this is done. Of course, you have to have some basic building skills, and understand how to use a 'dummy load' to set the FlexDrive. This too, is easy...
Jay

jayrob · 08-16-2008, 05:10 AM

Rudie, your nice pair of blu-ray lasers will ship on Monday at the latest! There is a possibility that I might make it to the Post Office on Saturday.

Both set at 90 ish mA's for longevity as we discussed!

Jay

rocketparrotlet · 09-17-2008, 04:53 AM

What lens should I buy for this? (I will be using an Aixiz housing and a Blu-ray diode.) Aixiz acrylic?

Also, what power level would you suggest it at? I've heard that everywhere between 100 and 150 mA would be the limit for longevity and power; but I'm not sure. 120mA maybe? 130?

-Mark

daguin · 09-17-2008, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketparrotlet

What lens should I buy for this? (I will be using an Aixiz housing and a Blu-ray diode.) Aixiz acrylic?

Also, what power level would you suggest it at? *I've heard that everywhere between 100 and 150 mA would be the limit for longevity and power; but I'm not sure. *120mA maybe? *130? *

-Mark

Yes

Peace,
dave

rocketparrotlet · 09-17-2008, 04:57 AM

Yes for all? 120mA and Aixiz acrylic?

Where can I order an Aixiz acrylic?

Thanks,
Mark

daguin · 09-17-2008, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketparrotlet

Yes for all? *120mA and Aixiz acrylic?

Where can I order an Aixiz acrylic?

Thanks,
Mark

Yes. Any of your potential choices will work. The AiziX module should come with an acrylic lens already.

Peace,
dave

jayrob · 09-24-2008, 05:32 AM

Cool! 8-)

I just found these cool silver ones! I ordered a few to make sure that they are the same...
http://www.qualitychinagoods.com/mxd...wv4-p-391.html
Jay

el-taco · 09-24-2008, 12:13 PM

If theyre the same, I love you jay ;D ;D

thesk8nmidget · 09-24-2008, 02:06 PM

oh i think i like that silver one! maybe more than the black!

rocketparrotlet · 10-06-2008, 01:18 AM

I have been waiting patiently for weeks for sku.5387 to become available, and it still has not! There is no back-ordered until __ date either! It just says, "Item is temporarily sold out." Does anyone know what this means and how long it should be until it comes in?

Link: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5387

-Mark

Silent_Dawn · 10-06-2008, 08:46 PM

I have given up all hope...Every website I have gone to has been sold out.

I am just going to order heatsinks for the new Viclight sidebutton Jayrob has posted...Noteing my mistake that I need to have the hosts ordered and SHIPPED before I order the heatsinks built specifically for that host...

One benefit to the Viclight host..Its shipped from inside the US and sometimes you can find them in local stores for 5-7 bucks.

If the MXDL 5387's ever come back in stock maybe I'll order a few and build them.

I recommend anyone else do the same...

I think if you are really nice to jay he'll let you ship the 5387 heatsinks back and he'll mod them to fit the new host for no extra charge...But I wouldn't blame him for taking his sweet time for helping those who ordered the heatsinks without having the hosts we all knew were getting low in stock months ago.

rocketparrotlet · 10-07-2008, 12:00 AM

Noooo! 5387 AND 5095 are both gone!

Is this the same one?

http://www.szwholesale.com/mxdl-luxe...e7daf4bd0c1f97

-Mark

rocketparrotlet · 10-10-2008, 05:01 AM

Checked the policy on the last one. Apparently, it is a wholesale site and shipping would be expensive.

What about this one? Is it the same? (Even the silver ones jayrob posted are sold out.)

http://www.ledshoppe.com/Product/ledp/LP1011.htm

-Mark

jayrob · 10-13-2008, 03:01 AM

Yes, that one from LED Shoppe looks like the same thing... Won't know for sure until I try it, but it looks right...
Jay

rocketparrotlet · 10-13-2008, 03:29 AM

I ordered one yesterday. I will post pictures of the inside and outside when I get it. While not as cheap as the DX hosts, it still has the same benefits of being easy and a good build, and it's not too overpriced either.

-Mark

jayrob · 10-14-2008, 09:32 PM

I added a couple of more sources for these hosts on the first post...

If you find any more sources, please post!
Jay

rocketparrotlet · 10-15-2008, 01:38 AM

Great! I wish I had known about that last source...it's a good bit cheaper than the one at LED Shoppe! Thanks for the sources!

-Mark

chopper · 10-23-2008, 03:12 AM

FYI: Gadgets direct is out of stock on these. *I placed an order and then was told that his supplier was out of stock. *I requested a refund to my paypal and he promptly refunded the full amount. *
This is the link that I had used:

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayrob

From Cool Gadgets: http://www.gadgetsdirect.com.au/inde...ducts_id=10995

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketparrotlet

Noooo! *5387 AND 5095 are both gone!

Is this the same one?

http://www.szwholesale.com/mxdl-luxe...e7daf4bd0c1f97

-Mark

I placed an order for two of these, we'll see if they're the same. *It seems that they too are ordering from a supplier so I'll keep my fingers crossed on their stock. *For two shipping to the US was about $7. Less than $30 total. *I really wish DX would get them back as szwholesale (which I think is the same as the quality china goods seller that has since removed the item from their site) seems to be our only shot right now and their not nearly as inexpensive. :-/

rocketparrotlet · 10-24-2008, 01:09 AM

Great news! Check the front page! We have two new sources now.

-Mark

jayrob · 10-28-2008, 12:10 AM

Mark, please verify exactly which link you got your host from...
Thanks!
Jay

rocketparrotlet · 10-30-2008, 02:28 AM

Amazing tutorial jayrob! These builds are completely solid and work great. Like a complete moron, within an hour and a half of building this laser, I accidentally dropped it from 8 feet onto CONCRETE, and guess what? It still works great!

These builds are amazing, and not too hard either. Thank you jayrob!

-Mark

08-16-2008, 05:10 AM	#31
jayrob Class 4 Laser Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northern CA, U.S. Astrophotography! (Some of my Photos) Posts: 7,428 Rep Power: 307	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build Rudie, your nice pair of blu-ray lasers will ship on Monday at the latest! There is a possibility that I might make it to the Post Office on Saturday. Both set at 90 ish mA's for longevity as we discussed! Jay __________________ Personal lasers: RPL 425, O-like 250, Evolution Pro 150, Nova X-105, Nexus 95, RPL 35 (473), GLP-473, GLP-593.5, HeNe 632.8, Many DIY red, blu-ray, and green builds... (now 445!) Looking for a DIY kit? Take a look at some of my more popular kits linked in color... * FS: 405-G-1 Glass Lens Mod for Blu-ray! 31% increase in power vs AixiZ acrylic! * FS: Parts - 12X Star Trek Phaser! Awesome 12X build! Must see my Youtube video linked in my tutorial... * FS: DIY Green Build Kits! Easy assembly in minutes! * FS: Pocket Mini Build Kits! 'HOT' option for FlexDrive installed! Click here for a list of my build kits! Projects and tutorials too!

09-17-2008, 04:53 AM	#32
rocketparrotlet Class 3R Laser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 1,342 Rep Power: 16	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build What lens should I buy for this? (I will be using an Aixiz housing and a Blu-ray diode.) Aixiz acrylic? Also, what power level would you suggest it at? I've heard that everywhere between 100 and 150 mA would be the limit for longevity and power; but I'm not sure. 120mA maybe? 130? -Mark __________________ No, that wasn't sarcasm at all... -- DON'T CLICK THIS LINK!

09-17-2008, 04:57 AM	#34
rocketparrotlet Class 3R Laser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 1,342 Rep Power: 16	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build Yes for all? 120mA and Aixiz acrylic? Where can I order an Aixiz acrylic? Thanks, Mark __________________ No, that wasn't sarcasm at all... -- DON'T CLICK THIS LINK!

09-24-2008, 05:32 AM	#36
jayrob Class 4 Laser Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northern CA, U.S. Astrophotography! (Some of my Photos) Posts: 7,428 Rep Power: 307	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build Cool! 8-) I just found these cool silver ones! I ordered a few to make sure that they are the same... http://www.qualitychinagoods.com/mxd...wv4-p-391.html Jay __________________ Personal lasers: RPL 425, O-like 250, Evolution Pro 150, Nova X-105, Nexus 95, RPL 35 (473), GLP-473, GLP-593.5, HeNe 632.8, Many DIY red, blu-ray, and green builds... (now 445!) Looking for a DIY kit? Take a look at some of my more popular kits linked in color... * FS: 405-G-1 Glass Lens Mod for Blu-ray! 31% increase in power vs AixiZ acrylic! * FS: Parts - 12X Star Trek Phaser! Awesome 12X build! Must see my Youtube video linked in my tutorial... * FS: DIY Green Build Kits! Easy assembly in minutes! * FS: Pocket Mini Build Kits! 'HOT' option for FlexDrive installed! Click here for a list of my build kits! Projects and tutorials too!

09-24-2008, 12:13 PM	#37
el-taco Class 2M Laser Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 609 Rep Power: 5	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build If theyre the same, I love you jay ;D ;D

08-06-2008, 08:16 AM	#27
nein166 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 13 Rep Power: 0	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build Nice Tutorial I should have waited to see what came out before I jumped on the BF Driver GB

09-24-2008, 02:06 PM	#38
thesk8nmidget Class 3R Laser Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eugene OR Posts: 1,418 Rep Power: 85	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build oh i think i like that silver one! maybe more than the black! __________________ -Josh

10-06-2008, 01:18 AM	#39
rocketparrotlet Class 3R Laser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 1,342 Rep Power: 16	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build I have been waiting patiently for weeks for sku.5387 to become available, and it still has not! There is no back-ordered until __ date either! It just says, "Item is temporarily sold out." Does anyone know what this means and how long it should be until it comes in? Link: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5387 -Mark __________________ No, that wasn't sarcasm at all... -- DON'T CLICK THIS LINK!

10-06-2008, 08:46 PM	#40
Silent_Dawn Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 17 Rep Power: 0	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build I have given up all hope...Every website I have gone to has been sold out. I am just going to order heatsinks for the new Viclight sidebutton Jayrob has posted...Noteing my mistake that I need to have the hosts ordered and SHIPPED before I order the heatsinks built specifically for that host... One benefit to the Viclight host..Its shipped from inside the US and sometimes you can find them in local stores for 5-7 bucks. If the MXDL 5387's ever come back in stock maybe I'll order a few and build them. I recommend anyone else do the same... I think if you are really nice to jay he'll let you ship the 5387 heatsinks back and he'll mod them to fit the new host for no extra charge...But I wouldn't blame him for taking his sweet time for helping those who ordered the heatsinks without having the hosts we all knew were getting low in stock months ago.

10-07-2008, 12:00 AM	#41
rocketparrotlet Class 3R Laser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 1,342 Rep Power: 16	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build Noooo! 5387 AND 5095 are both gone! Is this the same one? http://www.szwholesale.com/mxdl-luxe...e7daf4bd0c1f97 -Mark __________________ No, that wasn't sarcasm at all... -- DON'T CLICK THIS LINK!

10-10-2008, 05:01 AM	#42
rocketparrotlet Class 3R Laser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 1,342 Rep Power: 16	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build Checked the policy on the last one. Apparently, it is a wholesale site and shipping would be expensive. What about this one? Is it the same? (Even the silver ones jayrob posted are sold out.) http://www.ledshoppe.com/Product/ledp/LP1011.htm -Mark __________________ No, that wasn't sarcasm at all... -- DON'T CLICK THIS LINK!

10-13-2008, 03:01 AM	#43
jayrob Class 4 Laser Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northern CA, U.S. Astrophotography! (Some of my Photos) Posts: 7,428 Rep Power: 307	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build Yes, that one from LED Shoppe looks like the same thing... Won't know for sure until I try it, but it looks right... Jay __________________ Personal lasers: RPL 425, O-like 250, Evolution Pro 150, Nova X-105, Nexus 95, RPL 35 (473), GLP-473, GLP-593.5, HeNe 632.8, Many DIY red, blu-ray, and green builds... (now 445!) Looking for a DIY kit? Take a look at some of my more popular kits linked in color... * FS: 405-G-1 Glass Lens Mod for Blu-ray! 31% increase in power vs AixiZ acrylic! * FS: Parts - 12X Star Trek Phaser! Awesome 12X build! Must see my Youtube video linked in my tutorial... * FS: DIY Green Build Kits! Easy assembly in minutes! * FS: Pocket Mini Build Kits! 'HOT' option for FlexDrive installed! Click here for a list of my build kits! Projects and tutorials too!

10-13-2008, 03:29 AM	#44
rocketparrotlet Class 3R Laser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 1,342 Rep Power: 16	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build I ordered one yesterday. I will post pictures of the inside and outside when I get it. While not as cheap as the DX hosts, it still has the same benefits of being easy and a good build, and it's not too overpriced either. -Mark __________________ No, that wasn't sarcasm at all... -- DON'T CLICK THIS LINK!

10-14-2008, 09:32 PM	#45
jayrob Class 4 Laser Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northern CA, U.S. Astrophotography! (Some of my Photos) Posts: 7,428 Rep Power: 307	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build I added a couple of more sources for these hosts on the first post... If you find any more sources, please post! Jay __________________ Personal lasers: RPL 425, O-like 250, Evolution Pro 150, Nova X-105, Nexus 95, RPL 35 (473), GLP-473, GLP-593.5, HeNe 632.8, Many DIY red, blu-ray, and green builds... (now 445!) Looking for a DIY kit? Take a look at some of my more popular kits linked in color... * FS: 405-G-1 Glass Lens Mod for Blu-ray! 31% increase in power vs AixiZ acrylic! * FS: Parts - 12X Star Trek Phaser! Awesome 12X build! Must see my Youtube video linked in my tutorial... * FS: DIY Green Build Kits! Easy assembly in minutes! * FS: Pocket Mini Build Kits! 'HOT' option for FlexDrive installed! Click here for a list of my build kits! Projects and tutorials too!

10-15-2008, 01:38 AM	#46
rocketparrotlet Class 3R Laser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 1,342 Rep Power: 16	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build Great! I wish I had known about that last source...it's a good bit cheaper than the one at LED Shoppe! Thanks for the sources! -Mark __________________ No, that wasn't sarcasm at all... -- DON'T CLICK THIS LINK!

10-24-2008, 01:09 AM	#48
rocketparrotlet Class 3R Laser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 1,342 Rep Power: 16	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build Great news! Check the front page! We have two new sources now. -Mark __________________ No, that wasn't sarcasm at all... -- DON'T CLICK THIS LINK!

10-28-2008, 12:10 AM	#49
jayrob Class 4 Laser Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northern CA, U.S. Astrophotography! (Some of my Photos) Posts: 7,428 Rep Power: 307	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build Mark, please verify exactly which link you got your host from... Thanks! Jay __________________ Personal lasers: RPL 425, O-like 250, Evolution Pro 150, Nova X-105, Nexus 95, RPL 35 (473), GLP-473, GLP-593.5, HeNe 632.8, Many DIY red, blu-ray, and green builds... (now 445!) Looking for a DIY kit? Take a look at some of my more popular kits linked in color... * FS: 405-G-1 Glass Lens Mod for Blu-ray! 31% increase in power vs AixiZ acrylic! * FS: Parts - 12X Star Trek Phaser! Awesome 12X build! Must see my Youtube video linked in my tutorial... * FS: DIY Green Build Kits! Easy assembly in minutes! * FS: Pocket Mini Build Kits! 'HOT' option for FlexDrive installed! Click here for a list of my build kits! Projects and tutorials too!

10-30-2008, 02:28 AM	#50
rocketparrotlet Class 3R Laser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 1,342 Rep Power: 16	Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build Amazing tutorial jayrob! These builds are completely solid and work great. Like a complete moron, within an hour and a half of building this laser, I accidentally dropped it from 8 feet onto CONCRETE, and guess what? It still works great! These builds are amazing, and not too hard either. Thank you jayrob! -Mark __________________ No, that wasn't sarcasm at all... -- DON'T CLICK THIS LINK!

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