This is my first complete build from picking a host to making it lase. I did all the custom machine work and with help from members of the community was able to pick out components to make it work. It is a host that i have not seen anybody use and was excited to turn it into a 445. It is a MagLite XL100, its normally an LED Tactical flashlight with a 5 mode momentary switch with built it safety lock. I used an A140 diode and cree flashlight parts for the driver and pill since the internal threads on the maglite are the same

The driver is set to 1.25 Amps and the estimated output should be around 1000mw but with the 2 10440s i used i think it is less but without an LPM i have no idea. I know that it burns at a distance of about 2.5 ft though

Anyway let me know what you think of my build


MY custom heatsink

very nice build, I actually have the flashlight and i'm wondering if the different modes actually work w/ the build?

Thanks! Yeah all the modes work needless to say strobe is the best. Its just as fast as with the LED but with some 445 and like i said really the ony modifacations to the light are heatsink with a mounting point for the AixiZ module, modification to the battery holder and replace the intenals with the Cree flashlight pill with the driver.

Very nice!
+rep

neat, you should take a vid of it and go through all the modes w/ how it detects the motion of your wrist!

Yup sounds like a plan I'll post one as soon as i can! (Im going out of town this weekend so it will be a few days) I think it makes this host just all that more awesome!

And i'll put some more in depth pictures of the host modifications with the vid (since it seems like your interested )

You should never use 10440 for current requirements more than 600mA. You're trying to draw more than double from them, and they will die really really fast on you.

You should upgrade to 2x 16340 at least, if not bigger batteries.

If your host allows space, and by my guestimate it does, just extend springs or whatever contants you're using, on both sides, and fit two CR123 sized Lithium ions, called 16340.

Thanks for the advice! Yeah 2x 10440s dont really cut it I plan on revamping the contact structure to accept 2x 16340s and so i can continue to use the stock end clicky switch (anything bigger wont fit)so it will up the mA from 600 to 880 if im correct. the 10440s are a temporary setup until get some rechargies in

You're getting your therms confused a little. Using 16340 will not up the mA from 600 to 880.

What you are reffering is a "declared" capacity of a battery and note it's in mili-amper-hours, "mAh" . If your battery has a capacity of 500mAh - that means at 500mA of current draw it will last exactly one hour.

Most common 10440 batts have measured capacities around 300-350mAh.
Rate of discharge for lithium ion cells is around 2C, which means two times the capacity (without hours, ofcourse), so if you have 300mAh capacity battery, safe current is 600mA for long life of the cell.

16340 are more beefy batteries and by having larger capacities, can supply larger currents.

There, I think that explains it a little

Yup, i still have a lot to learn Thanks the battery info and im already working on my conversion kit for the 16340s

cant 1 18650 fit if you mod the host a little?

I believe it could, if my info is correct 1x 18650 will occupy the same space as 2x 16340s. With this config i would have to swap drivers since it would go from ~8.4 with 2 cells to ~4.2 with one cell but nonetheless it would work Is one way more preferable over the other? Other than the having only on cell over two.

you can get a lot of current with 1 18650. i cant speak for the 16340s because i have never used them.

ill try them both and see what the ouput is like. Thanks for the advice!

With only one lithium cell, like 18650, you as you noticed, have half the voltage to work with.

You'd need a boost driver circuit to power your diode. DC/DC converter, also called.

Constructing your own is very difficult for a begginer.


That board is aproximately 14x9 mm in dimensions.

Keep to your 2x 16340 idea. It's much easier. Having that worked out and understood, we'll move on later on boost drivers. Baby steps first

^^^euda, thanks for that adder. while they are hard to construct on the hobby level they are easy enough to purchase. and they are very efficient. i get about 1.5 hours out of mine set at 1600ma

michael.

I appreciate the input on this thread form you, but I think it's not a goal to just buy everything and put two wires together, it's more of a goal to explore the science and see what is needed for laser diode to become operable.

So let's stick to the basics and let's not "run before we walk" otherwise somebody could be finding himself pressing "Order" or "Send Money" all over again.

you know, i actually agree with you. i used to preach all the time to start with the lm317 in a project box but, i've gotten used to the " i want it now" attitude. you know what they say/..... if you cant beat them, join them Lol....


michael.

Thanks guys you are AWESOME! I can not explain the appreciation i have for you guys trying to set my straight with my build. But i have to agree maybe (absolutely) a 445 was a bit preemptive for my for first build but i want to be able to understand the function and workings under the hood for these builds. With the help of you guys and the support of this community i feel absolutely confident i will be able to bring you guys some awesome builds

Thanks guys

Just finished fitting my maglite from using the 10440s with the triple AAA battery holder to 2x 16340s. I had to remove the stock swith circuit and replace it with press fitted tail switch. I also made a battery retaining spacer so that the batteries arent moving around in the laser due to the host being 2xdiameter of the batteries. Below are some pictures of the machined parts to make it all happen

Nice work. I like that host and have thought about using it for a build!

Wow, that's really great job, on them machined parts.

We can haz some beamshotz nao?

Nice machining and nice idea +1 i love to see complete DIY

Thats one sweet looking laser nice work.

Nice build! The host kind of reminds me of the Krytons, with their barrel shape. +1