Video Update!!! My "impatient" 445nm build

So, I've ordered a UltraFire KF-T60, and it will take some time to get here and fully design the build. So...what to do? Immediately order a MXDL host from Mrcrouse!
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Update 01/03/2013: It's done! It's done!

I finally got all of my parts in and my daughter and I build this bad bamma jamma over dinner!!

I just have a video for now. I will post pics of the build when I get a chance. In the mean time, enjoy this clip!

Edit: I can see that I am going to want to perform DTR's 18650 mod for this host. I just cannot get enough battery run time @ 2500mAh!

Host; Mrcrouse: MXDL host w/ heat sink.
Driver: 1.25A Benboost; Daguin
Diode/Module: 445nm M-140; DTR
Total spent so far: Host/Sink/Focus Ring: $42
Diode/Module/Lens : $60 M-140 DTR!
Driver : $ 7.50 Mrcrouse!
Charger : $9 Thanks Larry!
Battery : $16 3400mAh Panasonic 18650

The Host will be plenty big for the wattage I want.

Many big thanks to DTR for his diodes, deals, and tutelage, and to Mrcrouse for the beautiful and awesome host, to Flaminpyro for tutoring and wire, and to Daguin for the awesome driver. I am only too impressed with the burning power of this laser. I was considering going up to 2W, but now I'm not so sure I will bother.

Thanks for viewing!

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

well as you plan on doing other lasers down the road in particular the 405nm it wouldn't hurt because you could use it in your current build and when you do the 405 you could just swap it out for a 3 element in the 445 and g2 in the 405.

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

Thanks Awillis2589! I do plan on both builds having copper module mounted diodes with their own lenses. Ideally, I will have 3-4 hosts all housing the same modules. I envision being able to swap them out as need be (or rather as suits me).

I'm starting the design and machining for a custom "Hotlight" clone (?) as we speak. I just picked up the gold dollar coins for my driver heat sink. This is going to be a monster!

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

a g series lens will only do you good on an lpm. they increase divergence compared to the 3 element aixiz. if you want the nicest beam/spot save your money and go with a 3 element for your non-maxed out build. if you want bigger numbers on the lpm go with a g.

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

Thanks Cheech. I forgot, in my high power build research, about the lens divergence of the G series lenses. That just reinforces my good feelings about sending payment for the kit from DTR today!

Waiting sucks...

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

You will get use to waiting being in this hobby. I never like waiting before either but you will grow a costume to it.

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

especially during the chinese new year. I "grow a costume" almost every year...
this year i was a donkey.

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

bdgreenb said:

especially during the chinese new year. I "grow a costume" almost every year...
this year i was a donkey.

Click to expand...

Thank goodness all of my parts for this "impatient first" build are coming from the forum's excellent members!

Mrcrouse happened to stumble upon the fabulous host in his old stock, DTR is supplying the diode already housed in one of his copper modules with the 3-element lens for a nice pretty beam, and I managed to snag one of Daguin's last 4 Benboost 1.25mA drivers.

All I have to do is drill my gold dollar to sink the driver, wire it all up, drop in the module, and screw it all down...as soon as I locate some batteries and a few lengths of wire to finish the job.

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

dtr is pretty generous with the length of his leads. you will probably have enough good silicon wire already

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

Well, my parts arrived for my MXDL host that I'm expecting in the mail this week!

I got myself grounded, and wired up the 1.25A Benboost, then connected the diode after shorting the contacts on the driver. I finally connected the battery and...

Lasing!

Right up until I grabbed the module and noticed my wrist strap warming up. It was at that moment that the diode LED'd!

I've got an email in to DTR...man oh man..

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

ouch!!

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

Thoughts??

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

learning experience. i was very lucky and only have ever had i diode die because of me, and it happened just the other day.

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

So, it's definitely my fault then?

Here's some detail that I realize matters. I did not clip the wire that DTR soldered to the case pin. Rather, I soldered it to the (-)out on the driver. I was grounded securely, along with the Helping Hands via a wrist strap directly run into the wall socket ground. (neat build!)

The driver was held by my Helping Hands (which I was grounded to) So, all three of us are sharing a ground. The case pin and negative pin were connected to the (-) out. But, when the module was not connected to the helping hands, I got nothing; Well connected to the HH, it lased beautifully. The driver was powered by a 3-AAA sled giving 4.1V. The driver was held to the HH by the LM3410.

I picked up the module from the HH. It was at that point that the wrist strap got warm and the diode LED'd.

How did I become part of the circuit when I picked up the module?

Did I over-volt the diode when I disconnected it from the HH?

How did this happen with the case pin connected with the negative and powered by a 4.1V battery sled that was not grounded with everything else?

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

Thank goodness for such wonderful members like DTR!!

Yes, I killed it. Was it my fault? Undoubtedly. How? Not sure yet.

But, DTR took pity on me and gave me a very fair deal for a replacement diode!
He is a generous, patient, and involved member, vendor, and source of info.

Pics will be posted as soon as the host gets here. It should be very soon! Looks like I'll be waiting on that 1.8mA driver since I just blew a wad on a new diode...

Re: My new "impatient" 445nm build

scumbagatheist said:

Thank goodness for such wonderful members like DTR!!

Yes, I killed it. Was it my fault? Undoubtedly. How? Not sure yet.

But, DTR took pity on me and gave me a very fair deal for a replacement diode!
He is a generous, patient, and involved member, vendor, and source of info.

Pics will be posted as soon as the host gets here. It should be very soon! Looks like I'll be waiting on that 1.8mA driver since I just blew a wad on a new diode...

Click to expand...

SO what are your tips on making sure this doesn't happen to you again... or me