Yet Another 445nm "First Build" :D

Hey folks,

Well maybe you are all sick of blue builds ... now everyone wants one or two
but I wanted to build a 445nm handheld since I learned about their existence so here is my try..

the host is from DX - I really like this one it's big and dangerous oh and scary :crackup:

I got the diode and lens from the famous forum member - DTR (thanks man :bowdown neatly packed and all in perfect condition
it's sad to say that I crushed one of those diodes in my first attempt.. because of my custom heatsink i couldn't get it out of it properly ... I had to buy another one ... but I did well on my second attempt

the driver is from DX again ... I had built my own using LM1085 but I found the round shape of the DX one more suiting for my needs so I used that one ... I modded it to 1.67A using 0.15ohm resistor instead of the factory 0.20ohm.

the heatsink is custom made i did all the measurements and sketches and also a custom focusing ring which I put right under the "crown" of the host. The threads of the upper body are long enough to be able to set the focus how I want without the body falling apart .. I am using 3 x 16340 unprotected now PROTECTED batteries...

I can't actually measure the output of the diode ... I don't have a LPM ... with these batteries on my test load I get 1.5A, I am assuming it's 1.67A when the diode is attached... or 1.5A I don't know.. wish I had a LPM.. at least it is getting enough juice I hope it is efficient

ah well.. I hope you didn't fall asleep because......

here come the photos and maybe later a video of me being stupid

p.s. if any questions pls ask ....

EDIT: I am using safety glasses and no one is around.... just to let you know

some more...

and some videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n8ZfvSm7Qw - VERY STUPID ME
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnicdOH8eUQ - BURNING SOME CD CASE

Very nice. Sorry to hear about your first diode.:beer:

DTR said:

Very nice. Sorry to hear about your first diode.:beer:

Click to expand...

yep it can happen to anyone :can:

I thought I would get some comments at least how bad it is but not even that (( I am sad.... :undecided::crackup: UP UP UP come on some comments please ...

Nice to see all the DIY in your build

+

It is always great to see someone do a nice DIY build. That is really the most fun way in my opinion, and usually cheaper.
Congratulations on your 445nm build, seeing that blue light come out the end is gratifying.:beer:

Keep'em coming!

thanks fellows, finally some comments

I wish I could make my own hosts and everything but I can't afford it anyway I can barely save some money for a laser project ... but I keep saving for the next one .. I am thinking about doing a 405nm or IR I am not sure yet ... I would want the next one to be able to be ON indefinitely...

so I may build a labby style one .. with BIG heatsink ... or maybe a spirograph ... i just saw some small mirrors the other day and I will buy them today to have some fun :san: :beer:

Yes, looks good. Did you do the machining yourself? It's interesting that you made the diode press fit in from the front of the sink. :gj:

rocket689 said:

Yes, looks good. Did you do the machining yourself? It's interesting that you made the diode press fit in from the front of the sink. :gj:

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yes I have a neighbor who owns a lathe, I messed up a couple of pieces before I did the final heatsink... the bed for the diode was getting wider than expected ... I had to drill tighter holes ... I even did the final widening of the diode bed by hand with the drill very slowly to achieve the exact press fit diameter... the aluminum is somewhat soft and can easily overshoot yourself ..... I did the diode in front because of the focus... to be able to get a tighter focus when the focus ring is in the middle position .. and get a wider focus when the ring is fully tightened... (hope you understood that.... I didn't )

EDIT: i think i miss read your post there... now I see it .. yes I made the press fit in front cuz I wanted to make a whole piece like those LED "drop-in" modules... the diode and its driver in one body and it fits perfectly

:beer:

foulmist said:

yes I have a neighbor who owns a lathe, I messed up a couple of pieces before I did the final heatsink... the bed for the diode was getting wider than expected ... I had to drill tighter holes ... I even did the final widening of the diode bed by hand with the drill very slowly to achieve the exact press fit diameter... the aluminum is somewhat soft and can easily overshoot yourself ..... I did the diode in front because of the focus... to be able to get a tighter focus when the focus ring is in the middle position .. and get a wider focus when the ring is fully tightened... (hope you understood that.... I didn't )

EDIT: i think i miss read your post there... now I see it .. yes I made the press fit in front cuz I wanted to make a whole piece like those LED "drop-in" modules... the diode and it's driver in one body and it fits perfectly

:beer:

Click to expand...

Very cool. "A" for effort. We always enjoy someone who has the initiative to make stuff themselves. :beer:

Yea, I always make my heatsinks a "drop-in" module if possible. Makes maintenance and assembly easier. (less things for the customer to break as well when they take the laser apart out of curiosity. )

I just can't figure out how you adjust the focus. The only thing I can think of is that the focus adapter is attached to the assault crown and you turn that, or it is just 'fixed' and you turn it with a screw driver.

benmwv said:

I just can't figure out how you adjust the focus. The only thing I can think of is that the focus adapter is attached to the assault crown and you turn that, or it is just 'fixed' and you turn it with a screw driver.

Click to expand...

hi there, no you got it all wrong... the crown is just holding the focus adapter in place ... I turn the whole upper part .. wait just look at the pictures ... i think you will figure it out :beer:

I didn't want to put an Aixiz module and use the focusing ring of it... it is just not comfortable and with that power it is even dangerous ... I personally don't like aixiz modules... :undecided: not to mention adjusting it with a screwdriver... :X :X

Oh ok that makes much more sense. That's awesome that you just turn the whole head.

I did some polishing on the focus ring .. it's not a perfect mirror but it is almost like it it sure looks better now


I might be selling this laser ... but I am not sure yet.. :undecided:
I need money but I don't want to part with it .... anyone interested? PM me :beer:

Dude thats a sick host, very agressive. I might even use it for my own 445 when the time comes; That is, if i can stop being in love with the stainless steel cree hosts

I also dont like aixiz modules, and I think a bunch of people here don't like them either but have to settle with them because of lack of tools. Aixiz modules are chrome plated brass if i remember right, which is an ok heat transmission for low powered builds. However, when you crank up the power you really do need aluminum or copper. :/