Update! My First Custom 445nm Build!

Hello, My name is Nute and I've been actively stalking the forums for a while now. I just recently finished my first ~1.25w 445nm build, and would like to share it with you guys. Here are the build specifics:

Diode: A140 (rachaelocke2006 Ebay)
Module: Copper (DTR)
Lens: Three Element Glass (DTR)
Host: Unbranded C6 (Survival Laser)
Heat Sink: Un-Anodized Aluminum C6 (Survival Laser)
Driver: 1.25A Fixed Current Driver (Survival Laser)
Focus Ring: Knurled 4.75mm x 1 inch (Custom Made by Mr. Ed Crouse "eac67gt", Dad of "Mrcrouse")



I pressed my A140 diode into my copper Aixiz module using the supplied back portion of the module and a vice. I then countersunk the diode with a 5/32 piece of brass tubing In the vice. Then I soldered my + and - laser diode wires to my diode using a creative method I found here on the forums (You take the stripped portion of the wire to be soldered to the laser diode and wrap it into a loop around another piece of wire. Generously dab flux on the loop. Take your soldering iron and add solder directly to the tip. Take this now drop of solder and place it into the loop you created. You now have a solid tinned loop. You take this loop and hold its center directly on top of the diode pin and apply quick heat. The tinned loop will drop and adhere to the diode pin in a fraction of a second with minimal heat. Repeat process). I then soldered my buck driver into the supplied brass ring, and pressed it into the pill. After screwing the pill into the host, I soldered the driver + and - to the Laser diode + and -. Then I slid my module into the heat sink and vigorously tightened the set screw. I slid the heat sink into the host, and without allowing it to twist, added my bezel ring. Lastly I screwed in my lens and Custom focus knob. I then added my batteries, and the build was complete!





NOW HERE ARE A COUPLE BEAM SHOTS!!!







As hard as it may be to believe, this is the actual color of the beam in person. I could be wrong, but I suspect that this is because of the current that the diode is being driven at.

I hope you all enojyed viewing this as much as I did making it! :na:

Re: My First ~1.25w 445nm Build Completed!

Wow, great job Nute. Nice beamshots as well, +rep to you!

-Alex

Re: My First ~1.25w 445nm Build Completed!

Nice build man, pretty beastly That focusing knob makes the c6 look way better.

Re: My First ~1.25w 445nm Build Completed!

Thank you guys! I appreciate the kind words. The focusing knob would have not have been possible without the care and understanding Mr. Ed Crouse "eac67gt", Dad of "Mrcrouse"! He was kind enough to let me tweak the height measurement to almost minimum thickness required for threading the lens. His work is amazing!

Also, I plan to de-anodize the host to a satin finish and coat it all with a matte clear. I will post updated pictures of it upon completion. Again, Thanks guys!

-Nute

Here are the updated pictures I promised. I bought some "LA's Totally Awesome Drain Opener" from the Dollar Tree for $1. I then disassembled, and soaked my C6 host in this for 25 minutes. Afterwards I lightly brushed away the anodized coating, and rinsed in hot water. Here are the results!









You can't beat a complete de-anodizing solution for just $1! I hope you guys like it!
:na:

Nice build and a good tip for the members about de-anodizing for only $1.00 :gj: +5

Thank you Sir, I appreciate it! :thanks: