Here's a nice side button host/heatsink combo kit that I will be offering with the usual options...

It is a very nice host, and an easy build. I hope this host stays available. The last couple of side button hosts that I found, became hard to get.

The heatsink can be custom fit for most any module.

Here are the pictures:






Here's the price breakdown and options:

* Basic Combo Kit - $35 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.
* 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.
Jay





Kryton EzFocus Adapter! - Must See!
http://laserpointerforums.com/laser_...ad.php?t=22510

Do you just like sit at home and create new sh*t all day?

If you have anything at all to eat, isn't that the usual end result ? ;D ;D ;D ;D.....rob

Let's just say that I love this hobby! 8-)

We needed a good side button host that is an easy build...

Here it is!
Jay

I'm seriously considering this. Although I still have never built my own laser before. I think I might get your DIY Green thing first, as that doesn't require a soldering iron (which I don't have), and I really have no idea what I would be doing. The green kit is quite a bit more expensive (semi-tight budget, I just got a job but I'm saving for a car), so I'm debating whether I should go out and buy all the equipment I need to assemble this thing, or just get the green kit. Any suggestions on what I should do?

Soldering iron and solder. Apart they are useless, but together, they make lasers! Once you start making lasers, there is no going back to a simple boring life where you aren't making lasers (jayrob is living proof of this :P ). Get the equipment, it's really not much. You WILL need it in the future!

I figured, any suggestions on the equipment I should buy? (Preferably easiest to use, etc. for beginners....also at a good price)



...Maybe I should start a new thread for this, I don't want to go off on a tangent in someone else's thread.

There are lots of tutorials in the Tutorial and help section 'stickied' at the top of the section...

By the way, there is one soldering task for the DIY Green Kit. That is to solder a small wire across the button switch on your module to by-pass the switch.
Jay

Oh, I forgot about that. Well, it looks like I might get this kit. What batteries do you recommend (or just plain AAA's)?

Can this be used as a green kit as well? I think the driver is too long and you'd need some sort of button mod, but worth an ask.

culexor, the host takes 3 X AAA and I personally like the Energizer e2 Lithium primaries. But any normal AAA batteries will work with the FlexDrive. Even Alkaline batteries, or 1.2 volt rechargeable batteries!





Th0ughts, I suppose it could be fit for a green module if the heatsink stuck out the front some. But I'm not too sure about running the green modules at 4.5 volts. Although it would work, it may not be too good for the module...
Jay

Looks very nice!
These builds are great for high power red lasers cause of there big heatsinks, how long does it take you to make these heatsinks anyways?

There are costs in the heatsink material, including the set screws and packaging too. I guess about 1/2 hour for time... with the threading of the set screw and everything. I try not to think about all the time that is involved in packaging/messaging/post office, etc... ;D
Jay

Zithras, your Side button host/heatsink combo kits shipped today. (and other items)

Should be very easy builds for you... Please post back when you build them!
Jay

GodXanatos, your side button host/heatsink combo kit will be in Monday's mail!

Hope you build goes well and please post back!
Jay

Weird, I could have sworn I made a post in this thread...but I guess not.

Anyway, question Jay. How much room is there from the bottom of the pill to the top of the host where the AixiZ module would stick out?

I'll have to get back to you on that...

I sent my last host that I had on hand in the mail today. Others have been shipped from DX on 4/1, so it will be another 3 or 4 days.

I just don't want to guess with this answer, I want to get one in hand and measure the distance for you...
Jay

I got my order and have a few of these nice hosts on hand now...

To answer you question, there is 33mm of space from the inside of the pill, to the face of the heatsink.

This would just barely be enough room for a full length AixiZ module. But it would be very close, because a full length AixiZ module with back barrel installed, is about 30mm. So if the wire for your rkcstr driver is very fine and flexible, then it would work.

I think this side button host is better suited for a FlexDrive with just the front 'business end' of an AixiZ module. But yes, a full length AixiZ will barely fit...
Jay

leukoplast, I sent your Side Button Host/Heatsink combo (and other item) today. (Tuesday)

Let me know how you like it!
Jay

kernelpanic, your Side Button Host/Heatsink combo fit for Meredith is shipping today. (Wednesday)

Please post back and let me know how your build goes!
Jay

Jayrob,

Will do. Thanks again! Your timing is perfect. I should get the kit and the driver parts at around the same time...

cheers,
kernelpanic

You could always turn the pot up a little to lower the current.

Jay, just got this host and heatsink, and I am impressed! Feels very good in the hand, and has plenty of room for a flexdrive build, and should just be enough to load a fully enclosed AixiZ module in there. Cannot wait to get a build in there, I am anxious to have a side-button host finally. Makes pointing around much easier.

Hope your build goes well... Post pics!

And as a suggestion, with a FlexDrive build in this host, you don't need to use the full length module. Just the front (business) end of the module mounted into the heatsink. And the FlexDrive mounted inside the pill.
Jay

Ok, just completed this build...and wow was it easy! I just used some needle nose pliers to unscrew the pill from the host head, and popped off the emitter (it came right out very easily). Inside the pill was incredibly simple...there was no driver or anything like that, the emitter must be a all-in one package or something, cause the wires on the inside of the pill just directly connect to the +/- parts of the pill. So all I did was cut the insulation off the tips of the wires, spliced it with the +/- on my AixiZ module wires and screwed the pill back in. Then I just unscrewed the top half of the head, put in the heatsink and pushed the Axiz module through till the rim of the module was flush with the heatsink, then just screwed the top half right back on.

This build works absolutely perfectly with a standard sized Aixiz module with a rkcstr driver, there is plenty of room inside the pill and in the surrounding area for the wires to comfortably sit. And I can imagine a flexdrive being even easier cause it can probably comfortably sit in the pill no problems at all. But for all those interested, a standard sized AixiZ module (with back half screwed on) fits perfectly with this build.

I loaded the 3 x's AAA holster with some 10440's and gave it a spin...and it is nice! It's weird how different it feels to have a side button rather than a clicky at the end of the host. I really like it! Thanks again Jay, this is a great build and incredibly simple!