Note: (11/16/09)
I just received some 4171 hosts from DX that are a completely different style that the 'old style', and the 'new style' shown below. They can take 2 X CR123, but the batteries would need a sleeve, because the host will fit an 18650. Also, the heatsink would need to be completely different.



So if ordering a heatsink for a 4171, please take note of the two styles shown below. I have not decided if I will make heatsinks for this new host yet. Because it is for an 18650, and I already have an 18650 host...




I am offering the 4171 and 3405 hosts with custom heatsinks!

'HOT' option: I can include a FlexDrive mounted into the pill with lead wires soldered on for you and the driver set to your desired current! (see below)

Or, I can just add the lead wires if you are using a rkcstr/AixiZ module. (see below)

All you would need is your module/diode, and your batteries. (and a 1.5mm Allen wrench for the set screw)


Note: DX (or their suppliers), have slightly changed the popular 4171 host design. It is very close to the old one, but the heatsink dimensions had to be changed...

Also, both hosts (the new 4171, and the 3405), will fit a full length AixiZ module once the pill is cleaned out if you are using a rkcstr driver for your build. (version 1 heatsink recommended)

Important: The (new style) 4171 host has a resistor buried in silicone. (inside the pill) This needs to be removed. (with the 'Hot option' this is removed, and a silicon diode is mounted inside the pill to drop voltage to the FlexDrive) Use only 3.0 volt Lithium batteries for this set up. Not 3.6 volt...



Here's the price breakdown and options:

* Basic Combo Kit - $38 plus shipping. This is includes the host and the heatsink.

Then you can add these options if desired:

* 'Hot' option - $48 This option includes a FlexDrive pre-mounted with current set as desired, and lead wires soldered on.
* Or just add lead wires (positive and negative) - $10
* AixiZ module - $5
* 405-G-1 glass lens mod - $55 31% increase for blu-ray vs AixiZ acrylic! (new) See link in signature!
* 650-G-1 glass lens mod for red! (fit for AixiZ) - $52 25% increase for red vs AixiZ acrylic! (new) Shown here: http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs...ase-46332.html
* Shipping - $6

Shipping: Out of U.S. buyer assumes responsibility at that price. It should not be a problem though... (I would mark the package as a gift, with a description of 'LED Flashlight' with a low value of $15)

* If you only want the heatsink - $23 dollars plus $3 dollars for shipping and handling.



These next pictures show the differences between the old 4171 and the (new style). Also, they show the differences between the version 1 and version 2 heatsink styles for 4171 and 3405 hosts...





* The heatsinks will be fit for either module, AixiZ or Meredith. (your choice)
* There are two different versions of the heatsinks. Version 1 or 2. (your choice)


Both versions have plenty of mass, it's just a matter of how you want the finished build to look...





Sku 4171 - DealExtreme: $12.66 MXDL 5W Lumileds CR123A 6V Flashlight (2 X CR123 or RCR123)
Sku 3405 - DealExtreme: $11.88 5W Luxeon Lumiled 3-AAA MXDL Flashlight (3 X AAA or 10440)
Jay




Side Button Build Kit! - Awesome!
FS: New 'Side Button' Host/Heatsink Combo Kit! - Laser Pointer Forums - Discuss Lasers & Laser Pointers

Kryton EzFocus Adapter! - Must See!
FS: Kryton EzFocus! Focusing Adapter For Kryton's! - Laser Pointer Forums - Discuss Lasers & Laser Pointers

do you have a tutorial for the 3405 one?

I have not made a tutorial for the 3405 host, but it is a large host with lots of room inside. It can fit a rkcstr driver using 2 X 10440's and a blank (or bolt). Or 3 X AAA batteries with a FlexDrive.

3 X 10440's with a rkcstr may be fine as well, because the batteries will drop to 12 volts or less with a load pretty fast I would imagine. But since the total voltage at full charge would be 12.6, you may want to check with rkcstr to ask if this would be alright with his driver...
Jay

Matthew, your 4171 host/heatsink combo will be in tomorrow's mail! (Monday)
Jay

Ham549, thanks for sending the heads for you new style 4171...

They were exactly what I had, but it was good to make sure. Hopefully DX (or their suppliers), won't be changing the models on us again.

Your heads and matching 'new style' 4171/AixiZ version 1 heatsinks will be in today's mail! (Tuesday)

By the way, the version 1 heatsinks look very nice in the new style 4171 host... Since the front 'lip' of the head is a little deeper than the old style 4171, the version 1 heatsink sits pretty much flush!


Jay

The 4171 looks great

Is the tutorial like this one http://www.laserpointerforums.com/fo...num=1217045236 if so whats the differences and if its not how would I make one *:-?.

I'm wanna make a 4171 one with a mendryth alyric(can't spell it) a LOC, 4171 host, one your freaking awesome heatsinks at 420ma.

With vicing the diode into the mendryth arlyric is it the same as with aixiz one's?

EDIT: also im using a flexdrive also I dont know where to get a mendrythe alyric (link me)

EDIT2: do you sell mendryth alyrics with this pack?

EDIT3: wait if this takes to cr123a 3v that would add up to 6v and the flexdrive can't handle that how can I fix that?

EDIT4: anyother batteries I can use with flexdrive also can I use a rkster?

The 4171 is a different build than that side button tutorial that you linked...

Here is a picture of how you will need to set up the 4171 with a FlexDrive and 2 X 3.0 volt batteries. You will need a silicon diode to drop voltage. (shown in picture)

Silicon diode: http://www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea...=1N4001DICT-ND



Meredith:
http://www.mi-lasers.com/cgi-bin/sho...s=diode_optics

For Meredith modules, you will need the 5.6mm adapter as well as the module. Their modules are designed for a 9mm diode. But they have a 5.6mm adapter.

They are not cheap! You will spend $37 dollars with shipping for a Meredith acrylic lens with 5.6mm adapter.

I have one with the adapter that I would sell for this same price if you buy my host/heatsink combo.

For a FlexDrive build with this host, you must use the silicon diode, and only the 3.0 volt batteries.

If you use a rkcstr driver, then you would use 2 X 3.6 volt rechargeable (RCR123) batteries and no silicon diode...
Jay

SpaceManSpliff, I am shipping your 'Side Button Pocket Pal' host and heatsink combo today! (Thursday)

You can use my tutorial thread for your build:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/fo...m=1223170239/0

Let me know how it goes!

Just to let everybody else know, I do have a few of these hosts left. Some blue 'Pocket Pal' hosts as well... (price differences are in the first post)
Jay

brandonw88, just to let you know that your 'new style' 4171/AixiZ version 1 heatsink is shipping today! (Friday)
Jay

leukoplast, your new style 4171 host/heatsink combo and other items are shipping today! (Wednesday)

Please let me know how you like it!
Jay

Ben, your silver (light gun metal) VicLight side button host and heatsink, as well as your sku 46 heatsink with o-ring, will be in Monday's mail!





blackday3, same goes for your black VicLight side button host/heatsink combo and other items. (that was my last black VicLight side button host)
Jay

Hey Jayrob, I bought two of these mxdl hosts from a member here a while ago and ended up giving one away. Do you have any that look just like this with the heat sink? It has the button on the side.

I don't have any of the hosts on hand, but I do have the material to make the heatsinks for it...

You can check my tutorial thread on that build, and there are a couple of links to suppliers of that host. You can e-mail them to find out is they are once again available!

Here's the tutorial thread:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/fo...num=1217045236

Let me know what you find out!
Jay

Preston, your 4171 host/heatsink combo and other items will be in tomorrow's mail! (Thursday)

Please let me know that the package gets there ok...
Jay

byeelectric, your 3405 host/heatsink (AixiZ version 2) combo will be in today's mail! (Thursday)

Hope you build goes well! Please post back when you finish it!
Jay

I built a 4171 today to evaluate the your competition's Big Chunk. *I discovered something that should be incorporated into this and several other threads. *The "new" 4171 has its "pill" filled with white silicone. *The positive lead comes out through the middle of that silicone. *However, buried inside that silicone is a resistor in the positive lead. *You have to dig/cut the silicone out of the middle, cut the resistor off, and solder a new positive lead onto the stub.

The disc at the bottom (the battery contact) is "glued" to this silicone. *It is not a difficult step, but with the resistor in place the current to the driver is severely restricted. *The build is a 6X. *I set the flexdrive at 200mA with my bench PSU. *As I always do, I checked the driver after installing it onto the host. *This lets me check the current with actual battery power before attaching the diode. *The flexdrive was only giving me 78mA with the battery as power! *Some investigation led me to the resistor in the silicone.

Peace,
dave

Good on you Dave for making that known!

I'll make a note of it at the beginning of this thread and where I talk about the differences between the 'new style' 4171...
Jay

TJ, I will make it to the Post Office today before they close. I will have your 4171 host/heatsink combo with 'Hot option' and other items shipped Priority as per our agreement...

Your driver is set to 422mA's. The FlexDrive is sensitive at this area. I wanted to get 420 on the nose, but had to settle for 422mA's.

Let me know how your build goes!
Jay

That's a 0.5% difference. Just how precise are your measuring resistor and DMM (in x% +/- y digits)?

Not sure if that is a real question or not.

Because I don't understand...

But just to clarify, I use a rkcstr test load. (one for red and one for blu-ray - they are great by the way) The FlexDrives in the highest range, are very touchy in the 420mA neighborhood.

It seemed to jump from 416mA's to 422, or even 426mA's. I noticed this same behavior with some of the other version drivers. But 422mA's is close enough to the 420mA's that was agreed upon for his kit...
Jay

Yes and no *

The voltage drop resistor in the rkcstr test load is 1.0 Ohm with a precision of 5% according to this source. The DMM introduces its own error (2nd part of my question). That means you CAN'T measure the current more precise than plus or minus 20mA in that range - possibly less. The DMM may show more digits, but it would be "empty precision".

EDIT: Assuming the DMM has a precision of 0.2%+2 digits, and you're measuring in the 2V range, then the error from the DMM would be plus or minus 6mV [mA] which might explain the "jumping". Note that the stated error for a DMM refers to the range you've selected, not the value displayed. The absolute error in this case would still be caused by the resistor.

Hey Doc...
have you seen the latest FlexDrive.... :-?

They are tiny.... and for that reason... they have a teeny tiny single turn Potentiometer...
and the 420-422mA setting is near the extreme end of adjustment...

That is the main reason that it is difficult to get an exact adjustment...
Lab quality adjustments with multiturn pots.... just wouldn't fit on the PCB... IMO

I do understand the +/- precision errors.... but once the 1 ohm is chosen with it's inherent
tolerance error... that error does not become variable.... it is only variable between different
1 ohm parts...
That tolerance error is not the main cause of jayrob's slight adjustment problems....
it is the tiny PCB mounted potentiometer...IMHO..8-)

Jerry

IF the pot is logarithmic, it would be more sensitive at the high end of the range, yes. If it's linear, it wouldn't matter. However, it appears that Jayrob always gets the same display values; that sounds more like an A/D-conversion "staircase" effect.

In any case, the absolute precision would still be limited by the resistor.

I agree with you 100%... the absolute precision is still limited by the resistor... 8-)

That is not where jayrob's problem in adjusting exactly 420mA on his meter came from...
It has to do with the physical size of the human hand and its ability to make minute adjustments
to the pot and the physical size of the PCB mounted Pot...
I know... I've tried this.... 8-)

I'm sure that you would agree... that it is very difficult to manually adjust a 1 ohm
difference on a 1K pot if the physical resistive path was only 0.100" or less in length
even if it was linear... :-? * *(not sure of the pot's actual value... could be 5K)

BTW... here is a photo of the driver in question....

http://www.laserpointerforums.com/fo...num=1209418066


Jerry

There is a thread somewhere where Dr. Lava mentioned why there is this slight 'jump' at certain currents...

I just don't know where it was.

Anyway, it is taken for granted that there are other resistance factors such as the meter itself...

I personally don't see a problem with getting a reading with-in two mA's of what the goal was. The difference is power will only be 1 or 2mW's...
Jay