questions for first 445 build

(hope you all won't burn me immediately)

I've been building 200 and 300 mW 650's before, with good results, but those were rather easy builds with off-the-shelf O-like/Rayfoss drivers and components.

Now, I want something different, 445/450, but not your typical high power 445.

I want to work with the single mode OSRAM PL 450B (50-80mW) and I want it to run at low power, say 100mW at most (preferably lower, say 50 or so). Can't find a driver for that...

Now, I'm not a complete noob, but really not much more than that when it comes to DIY laser building.

I've been reading through this forum over and over, went several pages through the drivers section, went allmost completely trough the 445-450 section, and I can't find what I need.

As of now, I decide to go with DTR for the diode and a module, and preferably for the driver, too, but I don't know which one. I'm also overthinking a Eudaimonium's heatsink and a straight rayfoss focussable host. www.rayfoss.com or maybe even the pen host www.rayfoss.com

As an aside : the laser will be used in cold outside temps only, and only for short amounts of time (seconds at most). Burning power is not my issue. Beam spec on the other hand, is far more important to me. All I need is a gently visible beam in the night sky.

I know that just building a 1.5W 445 with an M140 is in a way easier than what I want, but a 1.5W is just not what I need.

And just for the record, I know that I can buy low power 450's from the 'Bay, but making it myself just seems like a lot more fun. Who knows it may push me for a higher powered build?

I used a $6 Moh linear for my build @ 206 mA and it works flawlessly. Some people might recommend a boost due to the slightly higher Vf, but its not really necessary. Here's a link to my build if you're interested: http://laserpointerforums.com/f40/polished-phobos-pl450b-pic-heavy-77149.html :beer:

Edit: If you want lower power Blord has the 24.3 Ohm (51 mA) and 12.1 Ohm (103 mA) options available. Here Blord did a comparison of output vs current :http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/osram-pl450-450nm-80mw-power-chart-71645.html and it looks like 100 mA is perfect for your needs!

OK, thanks grainde, I 'm about to order 2 Moh linears at Cajunlasers, and a PL450B module with 3 elt. glass lens at DTR.

Question : I've been looking at those X-drivers, too. I see they are fixed setting. Is there any point in using a testload for fixed drivers? (Moh's are also fixed settings).

The 24.3Ohm and 12.1Ohm story above also got me thinking!;-)

If the drivers have fixed resistors they should be ok. Having said that however, anyone can make a mistake, so I always check just to be sure.

Lazeerers X-drive is a much better driver though, if you want to spend that little extra! :beer:

The X-drives I was talking about are indeed the Lazeerer build.

Parts ordered.

100mA Mohasm at Cajun's and PL450B + 3 elt. glass lens at DTR.

Also ordered 1.8mA X-drive at Cajun's and a M140 module + 3elt. glass lens at DTR

Tomorrow I'll see for a couple of hosts.