Building a 445...Have I got this right?

Hello,

The purpose of this thread is to tell you what I have (and what I'll be getting) and list the steps of building a 445nm to my understanding so that I can get feedback and see if I'm missing anything or if I should pay attention to any hazards or easy places to make laser-threatening errors.

* 18650 kit
* Copper heatsink upgrade
* Micro Boost 'Hot' option set at 900mA'
* Drill pill, mount driver inside to leave the heatsink a little longer
* AixiZ 445 lens
* EzFocus adapter fit for AixiZ 445
* AiziZ module
* A140 Diode

1. Press the diode into the AixiZ module (back end not needed)
2. Solder driver to diode pins (ground myself, use flux, bit of solder on iron, heatshrink tube)
3. Use allen wrench to screw the module into the heatsink
4. Connect battery and go! (negative or positive facing the diode?)

Is that right? Any precautions I need to be sure to take?

ANY advice at all would be greatly appreciated. This is my first time building a laser and I'm trying to do everything I can in advance to not screw it up.

Thanks

Yes that is correct. Don't put batteries in the host before you connect the diode, and just in case, short the output pads on the driver before you connect the diode.

You might also want to build a test load with six diodes and 5W 1ohm resistor in series, and measure the mV on both sides of the diode while you adjust the pot for it's final tweak.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/445nm-test-load-questions-53839.html here's the thread where I ask about making a 445nm test load for the boost drive I'm going to use in my 445nm build.

Grix said:

Yes that is correct. Don't put batteries in the host before you connect the diode, and just in case, short the output pads on the driver before you connect the diode.

Click to expand...

What does it mean to short the output pads on the driver, why is it done, and how can I do it?

AJ_Dual said:

You might also want to build a test load with six diodes and 5W 1ohm resistor in series, and measure the mV on both sides of the diode while you adjust the pot for it's final tweak.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/445nm-test-load-questions-53839.html here's the thread where I ask about making a 445nm test load for the boost drive I'm going to use in my 445nm build.

Click to expand...

I don't have access to six diodes to do the test load that you refer too.


Thank you both for your responses! I really appreciate it.

ShaOwned said:

What does it mean to short the output pads on the driver, why is it done, and how can I do it?




I don't have access to six diodes to do the test load that you refer too.


Thank you both for your responses! I really appreciate it.

Click to expand...

Simply bridge the positive and negative contacts on the driver board with a little piece of wire that will be going to the diode so on the slim chance there's some residual current in there that might zap the diode is routed back into the driver circuit instead of into the diode. Once it's all hooked up remove the short.

Also, the components to make a test load are literally just a few cents.

My first ever kit was identical to yours (bought from Jayrob), except my microboost was preset to 1W. I didn't worry about building test loads (I had the pre-set "hot" option). The only thing you really have to worry about is pressing the diode without breaking anything and attaching the wires to the diode pins (make sure you get the positive and negative correct). Don't worry, Jayrob makes this kit extremely easy to assemble.

Positive end of battery goes toward the diode.

I recommend using a set of hobby clamps with magnifying glass when soldering wires to diode. To hold the diode easily in the clamps, temporarily wrap a thin strip of electrical tape around the diode, leave a small tail of tape for the hobby clip to grab.

Go outside to test. Point the laser at the ground at least 30 feet away and then adjust the focus. You may have to re-adjust the diode assembly in the heatsink to allow the EZ focus adapter to work properly. REMOVE THE BATTERY COMPLETELY BEFORE DOING ANY ADJUSTMENTS.

I'm doing my first 445 and BR builds now as well.. god, I love this place.

gear said:

My first ever kit was identical to yours (bought from Jayrob), except my microboost was preset to 1W. I didn't worry about building test loads (I had the pre-set "hot" option). The only thing you really have to worry about is pressing the diode without breaking anything and attaching the wires to the diode pins (make sure you get the positive and negative correct). Don't worry, Jayrob makes this kit extremely easy to assemble.

Positive end of battery goes toward the diode.

I recommend using a set of hobby clamps with magnifying glass when soldering wires to diode. To hold the diode easily in the clamps, temporarily wrap a thin strip of electrical tape around the diode, leave a small tail of tape for the hobby clip to grab.

Go outside to test. Point the laser at the ground at least 30 feet away and then adjust the focus. You may have to re-adjust the diode assembly in the heatsink to allow the EZ focus adapter to work properly. REMOVE THE BATTERY COMPLETELY BEFORE DOING ANY ADJUSTMENTS.

Click to expand...

where can i buy the "microBoost"

gear said:

My first ever kit was identical to yours (bought from Jayrob), except my microboost was preset to 1W.

Click to expand...

you mean 1A

randyrox said:

where can i buy the "microBoost"

Click to expand...

here http://hacylon.case.edu/ebay/laser_diode/Micro_BoostDrive.php

Good catch TTerbo, thanks. I meant to say 1A. Apologies if this caused any confusion.