FS: New Pen Host Kits! Switch board with Spring Option - Nice!

[leukoplast]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

At this point, what I am doing is no more tight build than doing any diode for any build. I just made all the connections in the module (soldering pins to driver is the hardest, smallest job I have encountered yet.) The rest of the build is going to be beyond simple. Overall, this is probably going to be the easiest build I will ever do. These pens are so basic. It's just the time required to solder stuff, especially diode pins to the driver.


Thanks for the tips, although that still doesn't get rid of any steps...I still am soldering the diode pins to the driver (longest more frustrating part of the job). Isn't there someway to test the diode before doing anything with it? I just need to make sure the diode isn't dead before I start to build with it. I don't need to turn it on or anything...just see if the diode is going to work at all.

 

[jayrob]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

There may be a way to test with your ohms meter, but I have never tried. I have my method that I shared with you...

I'll bet if you asked your question in the 'Help and Tutorials' section, you would get some answers!
Jay

 

[leukoplast]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

Ok, another quick question for ya.  I made this build case negative, so after I got the +/- pins soldered to the driver, I then soldered the negative input from the driver to the 'not used' pin on the diode.  So when negative current flows through the module case it then goes to the input negative on the driver then goes to the diode after first passing trough the driver as normal.  This is correct right?  

 

[jayrob]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

That should work...

If it were a FlexDrive, all you would have to do is solder the case pin to the negative pin on the blu-ray diode, because both negative solder points on a FlexDrive are continuos with-in the driver.

But if you are connecting the diode case pin to the 'input' side of the rkcstr driver, you should be good, as long as the diode case is making good contact to your case. (with a case negative build)
Jay

 

[leukoplast]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

Ok I'm glad to hear that, I was thinking somehow that was the wrong thing to do. And On my next attempt I will check the resistance between the diode and the case to see if it has a good connection.

Thanks for the help Jay! I hope to report back tomorrow with a successful build and a nice 7mW 635nm pen build

 

[jayrob]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

Check for bare metal where the module is...

If it is painted, or finished, then there could be a problem there.
Jay

 

[The_Muffin_Man]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

That should work...

If it were a FlexDrive, all you would have to do is solder the case pin to the negative pin on the blu-ray diode, because both negative solder points on a FlexDrive are continuos with-in the driver.

But if you are connecting the diode case pin to the 'input' side of the rkcstr driver, you should be good, as long as the diode case is making good contact to your case. (with a case negative build)
Jay

Could I connect the case pin and the negative pin to the negative output on a rkcstr driver? I know you can do this with a flexdrive but I wasn't sure about the rkcstr.

 

[jayrob]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

Check with rkcstr to make sure, I have not used the rkcstr driver, but I know that he makes excellent drivers. I have his test loads.

I would guess that the rkcstr driver must be fed from the input end, and the negative output will go to the LD...
Jay

 

[robjdixon]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

Hope you like the Pen Host leukoplast! Looking forward to pictures of your build...




[quote author=robjdixon link=1239256670/32#52 date=1239717589][quote author=jayrob link=1239256670/32#40 date=1239560345]I only received the exact number of other parts as I did Pen barrels, including the count on the buttons...

I can ask my supplier if he has a few extra on my next order.
Jay

When are you ordering next?[/quote]


Rob, I got good news about getting an extra button for you. But my supplier is obviously selling the hosts through me.

In other words, I will give you two buttons with the purchase of one of these Pen Hosts!  Fair enough?

But normally, extra buttons are not available...
Jay
[/quote]

Thanks for the offer Jay. I just need to get the laser in my sig sold, and then I will make you an offer. I will need the pots soon, and I was going to pm you about converting my krytons to green, so I'm sure we can work someting out
Thanks
Rob

 

[leukoplast]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

Well, this project is going to have to wait until I get some more drivers. I destroyed mine by cutting it in half and smashing it after destroying two more diodes trying to solder them to the pads. This solder stuff is pure BS.

I'm thinking about getting some silver epoxy that is conductive...although the only problem with it is it may be permanent once its set.

 

[jayrob]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

One suggestion that may help you out, is to use fine flexible wire to make the connection to the diode...

The best I have found is in a mouse cord. Strip off the insulation and you will have several strands of very fine, flexible wire that is perfect for building lasers!

Very easy to solder this wire to the pins, or to drivers. Pre-load the wire, pre-load the 'clean' tip, and it will solder to the diode pin in less that 1 second...
Jay

 

[The_Muffin_Man]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

The parts for my build should be here Saturday. I'll tell you how it goes. It's going to be a tight fit. It should go okay though.

 

[leukoplast]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

One suggestion that may help you out, is to use fine flexible wire to make the connection to the diode...

The best I have found is in a mouse cord. Strip off the insulation and you will have several strands of very fine, flexible wire that is perfect for building lasers!

Very easy to solder this wire to the pins, or to drivers. Pre-load the wire, pre-load the 'clean' tip, and it will solder to the diode pin in less that 1 second...
Jay

Yeah, I am going to be getting some of this kind of wire soon.  But only problem is, with the builds I am doing I am using the rkcstr drivers, which need to be 100% flush with the diode case otherwise they will not fit in the module.  1mm either way will make it too long.  So I have to get my huge soldering iron in that tiny spot and get the solder in there too...and its a major pain in the ass.  And lining up the dang diode pins to the driver pads is beyond annoying. One is usually always higher than the other.

I just bought myself a soldering iron that is used for micro soldering stuff...so it has a very small tip (in comparison to normal sized soldering tips).  I am tired of trying to use a regular size conical tip to solder this tiny stuff.  I think this smaller tip that is designed for micro solders will be absolutely perfect.

 

[jayrob]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

Dark_Horse, I'm shipping your Pen host today (Monday) with your other items...

Let me know how you like it!
Jay

 

[Dark_Horse]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

Dark_Horse, I'm shipping your Pen host today (Monday) with your other items...

Let me know how you like it!
Jay

Thanks Jay,
Resisting temptaion to buy a 8x to install into it, just think, a 400mW-pen. I don't think the wife would get as much out of it though, lol.
DH

 

[jayrob]

Re: FS: New Pen Host Kits! All Parts Included - Ni

I know what you mean... I kept seeing Dave's 500mW one, then Senkat gave me an AW-210 sled that was a hot one. (like most are getting) I had that at 280mA's and it was giving me 384mW's at that current through my 405-G-1 glass lens mod.

After it died, I had to fork out the money for an 8X. The burning power at near 400mW's is unbelievable! I can just imagine what Dave's must be like at over 500mW's!
Jay