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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

My first build!

Joined
Dec 5, 2007
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Well there are hundreds of threads like these. But I think it wouldn't hurt to have one more! After a few years of having a laser project in the back of my mind I finally got some time and built one. I'm using the standard LM317 driver. But sadly I'm powering it by 5 AA batteries. So it's a little bulky. Also in a 2.5"x2.5"x5" Radioshack project case. Sadly not using a heatsink on this one, but I'm being VERY cautious with duty cycles. I don't think it's been on for more than 30seconds. And I don't really plan on using this one for much longer periods. I did make a quick headsink for the regulator though, pretty ghetto. It's just an M5 bolt from my headset on my bike, and a nut going through the hole on the regulator. Here is the only picture I have of it at the moment.

What do you think?

David.
 

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Hey, looks pretty sweet. I like the sticker on there too. What kind of diode you got in there?
 

LaZeRz

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That looks pretty cool :)

If you contact one of the many members here who own a lathe im sure they can make you a round aluminum heatsink for under 20 dollars shipped :)

Also, what current are you running it at? If your using a lpc-815 then you should be running it at around 280-300ma max without a heatsink.

+1 :beer:
 
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
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Points
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That looks pretty cool :)

If you contact one of the many members here who own a lathe im sure they can make you a round aluminum heatsink for under 20 dollars shipped :)

Also, what current are you running it at? If your using a lpc-815 then you should be running it at around 280-300ma max without a heatsink.

+1 :beer:
I have access to a lathe, just not at the moment. I spend most of my free periods in school at the machine shop, making things for my bike, now for my lasers. So I can't really see myself paying for something I can make in a few minuets. And yes, it is an lpc-815. And I'm running it at 280ma. Seems to be pretty good at that current. Having it on after 20 seconds the diode only feels room temp.

I got the sticker for free when I ordered from Hightechdealz. :beer: I've very happy with the output. The laser lights unsharpied matches almost instantly and the beam is pretty solid at night. But the dot does seem to have some very noticeable "wings" to it. I've cleaned it with a tissue but still pretty noticeable. Is this common with the aixiz modules? The wings aren't horrible at all. Just wondering though. It becomes more obvious at some ranges then others.


Thanks!

EDIT: Wow I really need to do a soldering tutorial on here. Every person I've read on here is giving some very sub par soldering advise... ie: "put a blob of solder on the tip and put it on the diode lead". I have a digital soldering station and I wouldn't use anything less when soldering something so expensive (compared to what else I've been soldering)
 
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Sep 29, 2010
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divindavid

But the dot does seem to have some very noticeable "wings" to it. I've cleaned it with a tissue but still pretty noticeable. Is this common with the aixiz modules? The wings aren't horrible at all. Just wondering though. It becomes more obvious at some ranges then others.

First nice build, second The wings that you see are common to the LPC-815, I have many builds using the LPC-815 and LPC-822 LOC Diodes, LPC-815 are slightly more powerful than the 822.

The attatched image is a home build using an LPC-815, A modified LM317 Driver board using a AMS1117 Regulator, due to its small size it fits neatly inside the host that is 4 inches long, and runs off 2x CR2 3.6v Batteries.

Carl
 

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LaZeRz

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I have access to a lathe, just not at the moment. I spend most of my free periods in school at the machine shop, making things for my bike, now for my lasers. So I can't really see myself paying for something I can make in a few minuets. And yes, it is an lpc-815. And I'm running it at 280ma. Seems to be pretty good at that current. Having it on after 20 seconds the diode only feels room temp.

I got the sticker for free when I ordered from Hightechdealz. :beer: I've very happy with the output. The laser lights unsharpied matches almost instantly and the beam is pretty solid at night. But the dot does seem to have some very noticeable "wings" to it. I've cleaned it with a tissue but still pretty noticeable. Is this common with the aixiz modules? The wings aren't horrible at all. Just wondering though. It becomes more obvious at some ranges then others.
Thanks!

EDIT: Wow I really need to do a soldering tutorial on here. Every person I've read on here is giving some very sub par soldering advise... ie: "put a blob of solder on the tip and put it on the diode lead". I have a digital soldering station and I wouldn't use anything less when soldering something so expensive (compared to what else I've been soldering)

1.) All lpc-815's are like that ;)
2.)Another soldering tutorial would be good :)
 
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
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Well the battery life with 5 AA batteries is much better then expected. I've used it quiet a bit lately as it's been very foggy at night around here. And it seems just as strong as when I first built it. Still pretty stoked about it. I already have a few builds planned. I'm going to do a 405nm next and work on machining some hosts and heatsinks. I'd love to get my hands on a 635nm 40mw diode but their so expensive... When I build my next laser I'll do a soldering tutorial. School starts up this week (goodbye summer...) but I gain access to a full machine shop and CNC mill.


Anyone in the upstate NY area with an LPM?
 
Joined
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Nicely done! I had originally planned on building pretty much the exact same thing as my first build but decided to build one in a pen host instead. :p

If you want a decent 635nm modwerx sells 20mw diodes for 18 bucks. I have one on the way now.

Welcome to LPF and your new addiction. I'd stay away from gas lasers if you value your wallet. :eg:
 
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Nicely done! I had originally planned on building pretty much the exact same thing as my first build but decided to build one in a pen host instead. :p

If you want a decent 635nm modwerx sells 20mw diodes for 18 bucks. I have one on the way now.

Welcome to LPF and your new addiction. I'd stay away from gas lasers if you value your wallet. :eg:

I can already tell that I'll be putting a lot of money into this hobby... Why do I choose such expensive hobbies? Biking and lasers. Very addicting and very expensive.
I have quiet a bit on my "to buy/make" list, 405nm diode, 10440 batteries and charger. And a host. Well it'll be worth it! What are some other sites that carry laser parts? I'd rather to only place one order from one site if possible. So far I've seen; HighTechDealz, Modwerx and StoneTek. Any others? I'd just like to see what I have for options.


Thanks!
 
Joined
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Of the ones you listed I've only bought from modwerx and each time it's been a smooth process. You may want to check the BST and LPS forums since lot of people sell stuff here as well. It's pretty easy to spot the long time trusted sellers. One recommendation while just about everyone uses paypal (or google checkout) is to always use a credit card to fund the payment just in cause things go sour. In a worst case scenario you could do a charge back if you get screwed.
 




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