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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Review:Pocket Mini, red

Joined
Jul 8, 2007
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530
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Completed a Pocket Mini build today. Quite pleased with it.

For me half the fun of DIY is planning and building.

Over the course of the past several weeks I ordered all the various bits needed for the build.
mini_3.jpg


From top:Arctic Silver thermal adhesive, three lpc-815 diode sleds, AixiZ diode housing and Pocket Mini kit.

I decided on copper heatsink and glass lens options. The driver was already installed also (Hot option).

I decided to conservatively run the diode - 200 mA of current (spec). This is probably at least 100mW output.

The most difficult part of the this build was extracting the diode from the sled, something I've never accomplished with this type of diode. I used a pliers in one hand and a hacksaw in the other hand to slowly cut through both sides of the heatsink. I scored the housing near the diode flange so no metal bits got onto the diode while cutting. AS well, I covered the front of the diode opening with tape to prevent metal filings from reaching the diode during extraction. Once the diode heatsink was cut nearly all the way through I used a flat head screwdriver to pop it open, freeing the diode. Insert the screwdriver into the hacksaw cut(s) and carefully twist, visiting both cut sides.

Used two pliers to press the diode into the housing. I then used a liberal amount of thermal adhesive to assure adequate heat dissipation from the diode to the housing. Very important for long life IMO. My other two red builds have not burned out after years and hours of use - both have lots of thermal glue. I placed a seam of glue along the outer circumference of the back of the diode and over housing (carefully avoiding getting glue on the diode legs) to thermally connect these two metal bits. I then placed a large blob of silver thermal adhesive under the brass flange (front of the diode) to help heat escape the diode to the AixiZ housing.(image below):
mini_4.jpg


It was a very tight fit between the diode/housing and the pill. I had to trim the diode legs down a bit to prevent them from contacting the top of the pill when mated. A few dabs of glue then bonded diode housing to pill. After the glue dried all that remains is screwing assembly into flashlight body.

The pointer has a pleasant weight and fits well in hand. I'm very happy with it. Couple shots below. I'd recommend the pocket mini kit without hesitation.

mini_1.jpg


mini_2.jpg
 
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djayz

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Joined
Oct 13, 2011
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100mW from a lpc 815 diode, with sufficient heatsinking material, it is way too much love for the diode, crank that up to 320~350mA's and let it shine mate..
 
Joined
Jan 31, 2011
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Is that the pattern of a vice on the module looks like you pressed it way too hard.
 
Joined
Jul 8, 2007
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Igniting a safety match from about 1 meter. This would have consumed less time if I'd been able to hold the spot steady.. not bad for ~100mW's.

 
Last edited:

djayz

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Joined
Oct 13, 2011
Messages
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Yes but u should consider the time it took to ignite the match, that makes it boring for the people if u want to show them a "lighting a match" trick :p but anyways i liked the view angle of the video!
 




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