Finally, build #2 is underway. (SL, DTR)

Hi all,

I have had my M140 diode from DTR for weeks now and I finally got the funds to place a nice order from Survival Lasers. Even though I have been ready to order the last week or so, they were out of stock of the safety goggles as well as the tripod but they got them back in stock!

I opted for Gary's Stainless Steel host with extended (not tapered) copper heatsink. It will be powered by his 1.25A driver; I will be happy even as low as 900-1000mw but have seen them go from 1w-1.5w. I am using the SL Black extended focus on my red and love it so I will be using a blue one for this build. A couple external lens springs were also ordered. Safety glasses and tripod ftw.

I only have 2 questions. The diode I have has leads attached and added to the driver leads it will be far too long. I am thinking of leaving the driver leads at stock length and shortening the diode leads quite a bit.. thoughts?

Also, I noticed that using thermal compound is common on high power builds. I could have ordered some from SL but I already have a $12 bottle of some high quality stuff I use for building PC's. What would be the correct method to apply the compound? The particular stuff I use has a brush for application which works well for making a nice thin layer. I figure I'd just put an even but small amount on the module before sliding it into the heatsink but would like to hear from you guys.

Thank you for reading; I shall post pics as soon as the package arrives, and knowing Gary.. it won't take long at all :beer:

You can shorten one or both or even leave them at current length and just coil the leads so they arent kinked or anything. Ill be building my laser soon. Just got a C6 JAD kit and im getting a S4 host soon. Cant wait for pictures

which diode are you going with?

i think ill go with a M140 from DTR as well. i was going to do a 9mm since its 1.8A but in a C6 the duty cycle would suck! my 501b by blord, i believe, uses a buck set at 1.8A and does 1.5W so if i get around that then idk what ill do, guess ill have 2x 1.5Wers

im also using a copper heat sink to help with heat

That sounds like it will be a very nice build! Those 9mm's are beefy but there's nothing wrong with the M140.. unless you want 3000mw.. :drool:

yeah, ill use a 9mm in a maglite build for sure but prob stick to the M140 in this C6 build

She is alive! I'm speechless. I've only seen the beam through pictures and holy crap haha.
Uploading pics now, will post soon

Hey Kitten,

All sounds well with your build. Feel free to clip the wires as you need to...but, DO NOT go too short! lol. The thermal compound between the module and heatsink are a good idea. You only have to be careful about getting the goop anywhere near the diode and/or lens. I haven't gone that route yet, but I don't push duty cycles and love huge heatsinks.

Pics coming tonight!!