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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Long overdue review: DTR Module & Mrcrouse 501B Host kit

Joined
Oct 18, 2013
Messages
911
Points
63
For my next review, I'll be reviewing a laser I built myself using a DTR module and a Mrcrouse 501B plug-n-burn kit.

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Maker: DTR
Model: 120 mW 638 nm diode in copper module w/ nano driver.

Since this was my first build, I opted to get a diode already in a module with a driver board attached as I didn't feel comfortable handling and soldering a diode myself.

Ordering from DTR's shop was quick and easy. I don't remember exactly how long shipping took but it didn't take long to arrive.

The module came fully assembled with plenty of extra wiring trailing out the end. The module is powered by a single 3.7 volt lithium battery, and touching the leads to an 18650 showed that the module was in good working order.

The diode is housed in a copper module, while the driver is encased in a (steel?) casing that can be unscrewed from the diode segment to expose the driver itself.

The module was advertised as a 120 mW but measured in at 180 mW on my meter.

The 3 element glass lens maintains good divergence but suffers from a bit of splash that encircles the dot itself.

Seller: 5/5
Laser functionality: 5/5
Build quality: 5/5
Beam quality: 3/5
Value: 5/5

This little module put out much more than advertised, and the complete assembled module made it easy for me to take a step into the laser building world. Anyone looking to build their first laser should definitely give DTR some serious consideration.


Maker: Mrcrouse
Model: 501B plug-n-burn kit

For my first build I wanted a simple, easy to use host to put my DTR module in. Mrcrouse is well known for machining his beautiful and impressive hosts, however I was pleased to find he offered this low cost kit for beginners such as myself.

Ordering from Mrcrouse was a simple affair, and the whole process only took 3 PMs. I ordered a 501B kit with a red anodized finish and a large textured focus ring.

Shipping was quick, and the host arrived in under 2 weeks.

This kit is exceptionally easy to use. It includes everything you need to install a laser module, including an aluminum heatsink, the battery PCB, and tailcap switch. Installing the DTR module was as simple as soldering the wires from the battery PCB to the wires on the DTR module, tucking the wires inside the heatsink cavity, sliding the module into the heatsink, and locking it in place.

I believe he machines the 501B heatsink himself, and it is a very precisely made product. The DTR module is held very snug with no wiggle, and makes excellent thermal contact with the heatsink. Overall, the build quality is excellent, with no loose or wiggly components.

As for long-term durability, this laser has accompanied my Blord 501B and as such has been through a lot. Like the Blord 501B, despite its rougher lifestyle, it only has a few small chips in the anodizing.

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Chipping in almost the same spot as the Blord 501B.

The only thing that shows obvious signs of wear is the surface or the focus ring, which has become quite scratched. However it is made of aluminum, and as anyone who ever owned an older iPod can attest, polish aluminum finishes do not last long. However the focus ring still functions perfectly, so in my opinion it is a minor issue.

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Seller: 5/5
Host Build Quality: 5/5
Host durability: 4/5
Value: 5/5

Mrcrouse is an excellent machinist and he was always quick and patient to reply to the many questions I asked him about laser hosts. Weather you need a custom machined host or a simple kit like mine, you cannot go wrong with Mrcrouse.
 









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