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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Laser Contest #1 - Best Laser under $100

Who has the best laser under $100?

  • Pman

    Votes: 1 2.8%
  • scumbagatheist

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • jayrob

    Votes: 1 2.8%
  • Atomicrox

    Votes: 3 8.3%
  • wannaburnstuff

    Votes: 3 8.3%
  • wheedy

    Votes: 1 2.8%
  • grainde

    Votes: 19 52.8%
  • styropyro

    Votes: 12 33.3%
  • bloompyle

    Votes: 1 2.8%
  • Speedy78

    Votes: 2 5.6%

  • Total voters
    36
  • Poll closed .

Gun

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:wave: The contest is over :wave:

First Place: grainde
Second Place: styropyro
Third Place: Atomicrox



Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the first laser contest :wave:.

Category

For the first comp, the category is 'Best Laser under $100'. This can be of any wavelength or output. Remember, it has to be yours!

Submission

To submit your laser, simply post a description and photos of your laser, below. I'll edit it into the OP once I've seen it. There is a limit to 3 photos or less, all of which must be 800*600px or smaller.

There will be a 1 week submisson time, submitting time will finish on 10/06/13. Any laser submitted outside of the submitting time will not be accepted into this competition.

Voting

After the submission period has finished, a poll will be added and everyone will be able to vote on which laser should win! After 1 week of voting the winner will be chosen, hands will be shook and prizes will be given!

Prizes

First Place:
Lifegear 150 (Donated by tonyt!), Ebay 405nm pen! (Donated by Lazerbeak!)
Second Place:
3d Maglite (Donated by tonyt!)
Third Place:
Mini Mag (Donated by, you guessed it, tonyt!)

Thank-you very much tonyt and Lazerbeak for your generous donations!

If you're entering the contest, it's recommended that you donate $2 to LPF! But it's not mandatory of course :D.

So yeah. LET'S GO! :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

ENTRIES!

Entry #1 - Pman

Harvested one of these Fasttech single AAA 532nm pens with star cap (changed the white color on some of them as Fasttech only sells them in white)
p1010238fj.jpg


To make this with a BIG rubber button:D
p1010301sq.jpg

p1010299u.jpg

p1010298s.jpg


Sorry, couldn't help myself:) About $9 bucks. Someone had to get this party started:p

All kidding aside, I'll donate the exact laser I modded in the tutorial below (keeping my Viagra pen) as a prize plus a 405nm pen so you can try to do it yourself (the one in the tutorial is 650nm). Shipping is on me:)
http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/h...-focusable-new-bonus-section-added-82902.html

Entry #2 - scumbagatheist

Here are the stats on my entry into the competition:
MXDL host, complete w/ Mrcrouse heatsink: <$40
DTR 650nm LPC-826 @ 360mw(peak): $20
Mohgasm linear, self assembled: free
GITD rings: $5
Total: $65 before batteries (do they count?)

xMV0MMv.jpg


What this host lacks in crisp, clean appearance, it makes up for in sheer robustness!

cFzouOE.jpg

Mrcrouse makes excellent heatsinks, and I pull this one out of it's host to test all my diodes. It allowed >3 min w/ a 9mm @ 2.4A!

cU734iR.jpg

Here it is, borrowing my SSW's G-2 lens for the LPM. The batteries must be low...This diode averages >350mW
glr5t9x.jpg


And, finally, here is the divergence @ 9m with the acrylic lens. That's 4.5mm.
RgOyOFN.jpg


And, we all know and love the MXDL for the solid, sturdy host that it is. That combined with a trooper of a diode and that fabulous heatsink for less than $70 is my submission for best <$100 build.

Thank you for your consideration.

Entry #3 - jayrob

Custom Mag build

Making your own custom parts is your time, but not any money out of pocket other than the material...

This build can use a C or D Mag, with an X-Drive to put out over 3 Watts if wanted...

My proof of concept is a C Mag with a Jib driver at 2 Watts output: (1.8 with cheaper lens listed)




http://laserpointerforums.com/f42/c-mag-custom-445-build-65622.html


* Host - $20
* 445 diode - $45
* AixiZ 445 lens - $10
* AixiZ module - $3
* Driver - $14
* Custom parts - Made at cost of material - $7

Total - $99 dollars.

With a D Mag, other options can fit. Such as a voltage monitor, key switch, or both! :cool: (that will of course take you over the $100 bucks though)

Entry #4 - Atomicrox

Here is.... The Green Box!
It was modded from a "300mW" pen that fell and broke.
The pen costed me $50 on DX. I also had to swap the broken lens, the new one was from a $8 10mW module. I already had the box + switch + battery holder but I'm pretty sure they didn't cost another $42 :p

top.jpg

beam.jpg

open.jpg



I'm quite sure I can't compete with the builders around here but I really like this laser because:
-It's a freaking box. It can stand on the "tail" or any other side. You can even use it as a room illuminator if you want to :)
-It's still small enough to use as a pointer. Not unconfortable to hold, either.
-It has a double switch and you can leave the batts in without fear of discharge. You also don't have to keep pressing it and it doesn't look like a clicky XD
-It did 145.3mW peak, 135.6mW avg on my Ophir yesterday. Not quite the 300mW the pen was announced as but surely bright enough to show off.
-Last but not least - I built it out of very cheap stuff!


As a side note, I really think we should have more non-round hosts - besides the labbies that need external power.

Edit: better beamshot and added lens cost.

Entry #5 - wannaburnstuff

Here is my entry, just made it tonight :) It is a 160mW Single Mode 638nm Laser in a Stainless Steel Aurora Host w/ Gold Plated Copper Heatsink and Aluminum Focus Adapter.

Parts List:
Host/Heatsink/Focus Adapter = 30 Dollars via Cheech226
Diode/Module/Lens = 45 Dollarsm Dollars via DTR (2x for 90)
Driver = 20 Dollars via Cajunlasers (a little less when coupon is taken into account)
Total Cost: 95 Dollars

If you count batteries, it puts me up to $99.60.....cutting it close :D

HERE is the thread for this build for those who wish to see more :)


Entry #6 - wheedy

Overspec Fasttech 50mW 532nm module and a Survival Lasers stainless steel unmarked host.

This is, in my opinion, the most elegant host ever. With one of the best colors, to boot. I want to put a 520nm in it soon!

Nb6sbM5.jpg

2T0z5Xe.jpg

34oBpRW.jpg

zs6G8EL.jpg

Beamshot taken with no smoke, etc. and with regular exposure.

Entry #7 - grainde

Hi guys. Id like to enter my Polished phobos PL450B build.

The host was actually free, cos Eud sent it to me in error and was kind enough to let me keep it:bowdown:...(but you'll probably want to add it to the price though...:whistle: $40 or $55)
Diode PL450B $37
Lens acrylic free with Aixiz module - Ebay. Gives a better dot and more power than the 3 element!
Moh linear at 206 mA $5.50 - with Mohs 20% discount
Copper Module 3.8 mm $2 - AnthoT group buy


Price without free host ;): $99.50 or $84.50

But with the free host!! It actually only cost me: $44.50!! :san:

Here are the pics:

7279-phobos-pl450b-1.jpg


7253-phobos-pl450b-11.jpg


7255-phobos-pl450b-13.jpg


This is definitely one of my favourite lasers. Its not so powerful that I cant use it indoors and I have to say the beam is really beautiful. Being single mode the dot is amazing too!:beer:

Entry #8 - styropyro

Total cost of parts and shipping was $86. Parts include OSRAM PL450B laser diode, copper module, Aixiz glass lens, Microboost driver, and JayRob pen host kit.

thumb1.JPG



1partspl450b.JPG



The camera picks up the color as more violet than it really is. The color of this laser is much closer to true blue.

1pl450b.JPG



I'm a big fan of small builds, even at the cost of battery life and duty cycle. The real pro of this laser is the nice single mode beam! I'd chose one of these over a multimode 1W 445nm laser any day.

2pl450b.JPG



Here it is compared to a 520nm laser build using the Osram PL520. These colors go very well together. Now I only need a 635nm single mode build to complete the trio! I have already bought an Opnext 638nm laser diode from DTR, now I just need to decide on a host/driver combo.

3pl450b.JPG



So it's no "lightsaber", but it is one of my favorite builds!

Entry #9 - bloompyle

685nm pen in a refurbished WL E2 ... You have no idea the challenges here. Since we're limited to 3 shots, I tried getting of of the module (most irritating part), the host, and the best beamshot I could get of a 20mW 685nm laser with a little smoke. I tried...

This was hard because I couldn't just use the case pen, these diodes are case neutral with only TWO pins. Got a little advice from Jay here to just find a way to get contact with a wire for the negative. So I took a long~ish length of black wire, stripped most of it, then sandwiched it between a module cover and the module itself, and screwed it on there. Then in the crevice left over, I wrapped it a couple times. This wrap, and the extra, got jammed TIGHTLY between the module and the pen shell/host. This thing isn't going anywhere. This also double for the issue of the module being a hair too narrow, and sliding through the host. All in all, after all the irritation, it's a decent pen in a wonderful host! Also, 685nm isn't used too often.

Part:
Host: DOA WL E2 host ($40 shipped)
Diode: 685nm diode (3 for $10 on ebay)
Driver: ghost drive V2 ($7)
Module: 5.6mm copper from GB, ($4)
Lens: 635-650 3 element ($6)

TOTAL: $67

img0746z.jpg

img0742ic.jpg

img0748pp.jpg

Entry #10 - Speedy78

Fast Phobos.

Host: 35$
Fasttech 50mW 532: 15$
Sink repair kit (black o-rings): 3.99$
Old hard drive (additional aluminum ring): I'll say 5$. In reality it was free.
Total:58.99$




Entry #11 - TheDukeAnumber1

3-Mode M140 builds

These little beasts are great EDC lasers. Pushing 330am on high, 90am on low, and strobe.

Cost of the black one-
$54 - diode in module w/ lens
$15 copper heat sink
$5 host + driver
$1 for flux & epoxy

$75 - Total

- The silver one comes in a little higher with the tricked out lenses on it.

Build threads for both lasers are here.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/sharp-looking-3-mode-mini-pic-heavy-79016.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/cree-q5-made-into-3-mode-445nm-78739.html

dsc00546km.jpg


dsc00547fs.jpg

Entry #12 - jander6442

After some consideration and understanding this is more "just for fun" I submit my Ed Hardy build.​

It is a 12x with a Groove 2 driver set at 525mA 3 element lens. I have had it for a while and when I was building it I was in the dabbling with the thought of a steampunk theme <shiver>.:na::crackup::shhh:
669520a3-041d-4c52-9cad-0e7e57dff680_zps6e578683.jpg
98803afb-6830-4792-a44f-fe478b436299_zps807dbc98.jpg
IMAG0034.jpg

Any way I hope this inspires people to keep some of their builds, if it wins or even is considered just remember I have enjoyed this little 12x ever since I built it, less than 3 years ago, and pulled it out yet again for your viewing pleasure:thanks: and have a great day.:beer:

Entry #13 - bdgreenb

http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/tiny-700mw-445-first-home-made-host-mod-81954.html

Host >$8
Diode $20
Driver $5
Heat sink $11
445 lens $7
>$1 wires/ solder

Total:
~$52

Entry #14 - lazerphase

I'd like to enter what I call "Lazer's Phaser" heh hence the name:)

This build only cost me $40 so it's definitely on the cheaper side.

Airsoft Gun/Host (sporting goods store) - $20
50mW 532nm laser module (DealXtreme) - $16
2AA Battery Pack (ebay) - $2
Momentary Switch/Trigger (ebay) - $2

I wanted to do a unique build because I figured most would enter a typical host specifically designed for a module.
Pic2_zps87ad85c5.png


Fitting the module and batter pack into the host was fairly difficult with having to tear out all the contents and then making many cuts and adjustments to fit everything in. Also, the trigger was hard to establish within the gun as well.
Pic1_zps47766583.png



This laser has respectable power, especially for being under $50. I chose a clear gun so the module was visible in the host and it gives it a more techy laser feel if that makes sense.
Pic3_zps467e667c.jpg


Overall, it feels pretty sweet owning a sort of phaser/laser gun and knowing that it was only $40.

All suggestions are to be posted in THIS thread, not here.

Thanks,
Gun :)






[/CENTER]
 
Last edited:





Joined
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Subbing so I remember to add my laser tomorrow :D
 

IsaacT

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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Reserving. I will add my laser tomorrow or the next day(since I work all day tomorrow).
 
Joined
Jan 29, 2012
Messages
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Hi guys. Id like to enter my Polished phobos PL450B build.

The host was actually free, cos Eud sent it to me in error and was kind enough to let me keep it:bowdown:...(but you'll probably want to add it to the price though...:whistle: $40 or $55)
Diode PL450B $37
Lens acrylic free with Aixiz module - Ebay. Gives a better dot and more power than the 3 element!
Moh linear at 206 mA $5.50 - with Mohs 20% discount
Copper Module 3.8 mm $2 - AnthoT group buy


Price without free host ;): $99.50 or $84.50

But with the free host!! It actually only cost me: $44.50!! :san:

Here are the pics:

7279-phobos-pl450b-1.jpg


7253-phobos-pl450b-11.jpg


7255-phobos-pl450b-13.jpg


This is definitely one of my favourite lasers. Its not so powerful that I cant use it indoors and I have to say the beam is really beautiful. Being single mode the dot is amazing too!:beer:
 
Last edited:

Laik

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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

I got no chance... :D
 
Joined
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

thats an awesome idea gun, keep the competitions going :D, although ^^ i've got no chance either ;)
 
Joined
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

I'm sure you guys can come up with something creative to even up the odds ;)

Maybe laser guided wallabys :thinking:

~ LB
 
Last edited:

Laik

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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

... maybe ... :thinking:
 

Pman

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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Harvested one of these Fasttech single AAA 532nm pens with star cap (changed the white color on some of them as Fasttech only sells them in white)
p1010238fj.jpg


To make this with a BIG rubber button:D
p1010301sq.jpg

p1010299u.jpg

p1010298s.jpg


Sorry, couldn't help myself:) About $9 bucks. Someone had to get this party started:p

All kidding aside, I'll donate the exact laser I modded in the tutorial below (keeping my Viagra pen) as a prize plus a 405nm pen so you can try to do it yourself (the one in the tutorial is 650nm). Shipping is on me:)
http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/h...-focusable-new-bonus-section-added-82902.html
 
Last edited:
Joined
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Lol, that some "stiff" competition there Pman :D

~ LB
 

Laik

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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

I know now.... :eg: Yes Pman, that will be "hard" to beat :p
 
Last edited:

Gun

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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

OP updated with Pman's submission, thanks! :)
 
Joined
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Here are the stats on my entry into the competition:
MXDL host, complete w/ Mrcrouse heatsink: <$40
DTR 650nm LPC-826 @ 360mw(peak): $20
Mohgasm linear, self assembled: free
GITD rings: $5
Total: $65 before batteries (do they count?)

xMV0MMv.jpg


What this host lacks in crisp, clean appearance, it makes up for in sheer robustness!

cFzouOE.jpg

Mrcrouse makes excellent heatsinks, and I pull this one out of it's host to test all my diodes. It allowed >3 min w/ a 9mm @ 2.4A!

cU734iR.jpg

Here it is, borrowing my SSW's G-2 lens for the LPM. The batteries must be low...This diode averages >350mW
glr5t9x.jpg


And, finally, here is the divergence @ 9m with the acrylic lens. That's 4.5mm.
RgOyOFN.jpg


And, we all know and love the MXDL for the solid, sturdy host that it is. That combined with a trooper of a diode and that fabulous heatsink for less than $70 is my submission for best <$100 build.

Thank you for your consideration.
 
Last edited:
Joined
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Messages
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Best is determined how? Most powerful? Oddest wavelength? Cheapest? Smallest? I have an idea, but not sure how this is determined.
 




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