650nm: Second build success

Assembled my second laser today, and it went like clockwork! Could not have asked for an easier build, unless it assembled itself. So, here is what I've got:
Host: S4
Driver:445mA Driver & Pill
Diode: 650nm ML101U29 red diode

As advertised, this diode is capable of 400mW. Recommended to give it 400mA, with the short amount of time I run this (or any) laser, I hope the 445mA will not kill it too quickly, if at all. As I do not own an LPM (yet), no clue on the actual mW. I do know, the beam is quite pretty, visible outside at dusk no problem, and even inside with some light I could see the beam a little. OK, enough yak, time for the pics.







As with the pics of the 405nm I posted the other day, my camera is being generous, the beam isn't quite that bright. Still I'm happy with it.
Speaking of that 405nm, took a few pics of it and the new 650nm side by side.



I am going to leave you folks with one final pic, and a funny story. While I was taking that last pic, both lasers on the table, looking at the business end, I got my left leg in the beams, and in case anyone was wondering, yes, the red one will burn stuff. Burned a tiny hole in my shorts...:wtf:... It didn't hurt me at least, just a tad surprised.

The hole isn't really noticeable, but I definitely noticed my shorts starting to smoke!

nice! i just finished my first build, it was a red as well, except its 638nm instead of 650nm. how is the divergence on it? the one on mine is, as i expected with the high power multimode 638's... terrible XD

Nice build and you really got some bright beam shots. I've purchased at least 20 of those diodes from that seller. If you get into just buying the diodes he sold me 5 for $5.50 each but it may have been because he knows me now. The chart he shows is pretty accurate for output.
3-element lenses are in most of my multimedia builds.

Good looking build, Vanillah! :beer:
Those are some nice beam shots as Pman said.
After all this time, I've yet to get myself a decent 650nm; got to put it on my to do list.

I feel your pain, I've burned my pants by doing the same thing; the good thing is, you're the first to know. (sniff, sniff...what's burning). :crackup:

micheal rosen said:

nice! i just finished my first build, it was a red as well, except its 638nm instead of 650nm. how is the divergence on it? the one on mine is, as i expected with the high power multimode 638's... terrible XD

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Divergence doesn't seem too bad, I have been able to focus the point down to nice fine dot, at least at the distances I've tried, around the yard etc.

Pman said:

Nice build and you really got some bright beam shots. I've purchased at least 20 of those diodes from that seller. If you get into just buying the diodes he sold me 5 for $5.50 each but it may have been because he knows me now. The chart he shows is pretty accurate for output.
3-element lenses are in most of my multimedia builds.

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Anomalytech is a good guy to buy from. If for some reason I'm not buying from DTR, I'll buy from Anomaly. My camera is definitely generous with taking beam shots, wish it looked that bright to my eyes lol! Maybe I'm just getting old, my wife (6 years younger than I am) says she sees the beams clearly...

BowtieGuy said:

Good looking build, Vanillah! :beer:
Those are some nice beam shots as Pman said.
After all this time, I've yet to get myself a decent 650nm; got to put it on my to do list.

I feel your pain, I've burned my pants by doing the same thing; the good thing is, you're the first to know. (sniff, sniff...what's burning). :crackup:

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:crackup: I was trying to get a good pic, looked down and thought "damn is that smoke?!?" LMAO! Just glad for a small burned spot and no skin damage, and I didn't actually catch fire

Thanks for the feedback everyone! :beer:

nice job man, which diode did you use? I've bought stuff from his as well! he's a good dude

noobphaser215 said:

nice job man, which diode did you use? I've bought stuff from his as well! he's a good dude

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ML101U29. I don't really know anything about this diode outside of what the seller lists. I'm happy with it though, no issues

that's a good deal... are you using a 3element lens or the acrylic it came with?

Yum yum, nice lasers Vanillah! Glad you got them working

noobphaser215 said:

that's a good deal... are you using a 3element lens or the acrylic it came with?

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Using this lens in the 405nm and this lens in the 650nm. Plus I have this other lens, came with the first red diode/module I tried. The body of the lens is brass instead of plastic, idk what type of lens that is, but I'd like to know...

Gabe said:

Yum yum, nice lasers Vanillah! Glad you got them working

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Thanks! I'm feeling more confident, in my build and soldering skills. Plus, all the feedback and encouragement makes me feel all warm and fuzzy
I'm honestly considering moving into the realm of Class IV handhelds. Those two JAD kits I picked up from Mohrenberg are begging for some heavy blue diode action:drool: That is why I chose blue anodizing after all....

Awesome, glad you're getting the hang of it. That edit note made me laugh.
Oh btw, I saw a fire exit at a Walmart with the original image your avatar was. Made me laugh too

Gabe said:

Awesome, glad you're getting the hang of it. That edit note made me laugh.
Oh btw, I saw a fire exit at a Walmart with the original image your avatar was. Made me laugh too

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No way really? LMAO that is awesome! You should snap a pic of it next time you are in there.

Welp, that Walmart was nearly 1000km (600mi) away from here, but I'll try my best

Took some video today, lit a match with this laser. If my hand was steadier I believe it would have lit quicker. My wife was kind enough to hold the match for me :yh: And of course we both wore our laser safety glasses!