WTB: 445nm 5mw

Yep. That's sure one purdy host, and small too. It's almost as short as a pocket mini. Unfortunately, it blows your budget;
Host/heatsink-kit = $59
Diode = $59
Driver = $25
Lens = $11
Here you are already at $154 (without tax/shipping) and this is the bare cost building it yourself.

(note: I have an empty Rayfoss Black waterproof host, exactly like your picture)

Ash said:

Yep. That's sure one purdy host, and small too. It's almost as short as a pocket mini. Unfortunately, it blows your budget;
Host/heatsink-kit = $59
Diode = $59
Driver = $25
Lens = $11
Here you are already at $154 (without tax/shipping) and this is the bare cost building it yourself.

(note: I have an empty Rayfoss Black waterproof host, exactly like your picture)

Click to expand...

Yes, it does. But, I am willing to pay more, I was just ballparking around $100, I've never built one before, and this is the build I really want.
I'd hate to get something less expensive and not be satisfied with it. And one of the problems I have is that I don't have the means or tools to test the power output.
Although I think it would be a fun project to build my own, I'd really like someone else to tweak it so the power is lower, around 25-30mw or so.

Perhaps someone here would like to build it for you.
I may be able to do it after the holidays, but I want you to know that it won't be cheap.
I'm thinking I could get it built for you for ~$200. (the Jayrob host you linked to)
I would be willing to make you the waterproof one (same power) for a bit less $ (as I already have the host).
Again,... Maybe, and after the new year.

Ash said:

Perhaps someone here would like to build it for you.
I may be able to do it after the holidays, but I want you to know that it won't be cheap.
I'm thinking I could get it built for you for ~$200. (the Jayrob host you linked to)
I would be willing to make you the waterproof one (same power) for a bit less $ (as I already have the host).
Again,... Maybe, and after the new year.

Click to expand...

I could possibly do ~$200, but it may actually be even later for me.
I am somewhat undecided. Being new to this, I would like someone to build it for me, but at the same time, this would be really fun to build myself, and I'm certain it isn't all that difficult while using LPF for reference.

The main problem I have is I don't have tools to measure the power output of the laser after its built, and I am not familiar with adjusting the operating current to lower the power myself - not sure how to do this, or calculate it. I'm sure its on here somewhere, but I haven't come across it yet. Not had a whole lot of time to study that yet.

If I knew how to do the things listed above, I would buy the needed parts, a few at a time as funds allow, and do it myself.

There is a much (much) larger reward in doing the building yourself.
Since you are really just going for a range (20-40mW), you really don't need an LPM.
For adjusting the current you just need a test-load and and a DMM.

Ash said:

There is a much (much) larger reward in doing the building yourself.
Since you are really just going for a range (20-40mW), you really don't need an LPM.
For adjusting the current you just need a test-load and and a DMM.

Click to expand...

Thank you for your help with this, and for those links. I do have a multimeter and soldering iron, etc... but not a test-load
So now my next questions: for the build I want with a low powered 445nm around 30mw or so, what would be the best, or ideal driver to use, and could you explain why? - I'm trying to learn here

Also, with me not being familiar with the drivers themselves, what do you adjust on them to change the operating current?
EDIT: Ok, I read some info on the micro flexdrive and how to adjust the current by jumping the resistors with a bit of solder. Appears the default is the lowest mA, which is where I would want it for my build. Not sure if this would be the ideal driver or not though...

And, is there a way to calculate, or guesstimate the power output of the laser based on the operating current of the driver?

EDIT: Another question: on the 50mw 445 diode, does it put out any IR? If so, does the Aixiz glass lens filter IR? Which also leads me to another question: what would be the best lens choice for the build I'm looking for?

Thanks in advance

Sorry for being such a noob :yabbem:

:bumpit:

Not sure about the single mode blue diodes,
but if you were to use an M140 LD, You would want the current around 200mA.
I couldnt find a power vs current graph for the single mode diode, but there are a few for the A140 diodes
(Graph)

I dont believe a stock aixiz lens will filter IR
But A blue laser diode will not emit IR So you are fine,
IR would come from green DPSS or Blue 470nm DPSS, because these devices are "Pumped" by an IR laser diode

Have you decided if you want to have the laser build, or if you want to do it your self?

justinjja said:

Not sure about the single mode blue diodes,
but if you were to use an M140 LD, You would want the current around 200mA.
I couldnt find a power vs current graph for the single mode diode, but there are a few for the A140 diodes
(Graph)

I dont believe a stock aixiz lens will filter IR
But A blue laser diode will not emit IR So you are fine,
IR would come from green DPSS or Blue 470nm DPSS, because these devices are "Pumped" by an IR laser diode

Have you decided if you want to have the laser build, or if you want to do it your self?

Click to expand...

Thanks a bunch for this info. The only info I know of on the single mode 50mw diode is on the site to purchase it from, and it states the operating current starts around 90mA, but I don't know what the power output would be at that current. Here is a link.

I'm thinking I want to build this myself at this point. So, the 2 things I still have unanswered are:
For the build I want with a low powered 445nm around 25mw or so, what would be the best, or ideal driver to use, and could you explain why? - This is a question for anyone to jump in on, I'm trying to learn here
And
Is there a way to calculate, or guesstimate the power output of the laser based on the operating current of the driver for this particular diode? - I don't have a laser power meter, and don't care much to spend money on purchasing one at this time. I want to make sure the laser build I do is somewhat "safe" to use without goggles (of course I would never project toward anyone's eyes or do anything stupid with it)