xirrious
0
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2013
- Messages
- 591
- Points
- 28
Okay, once again this is NOT a very comprehensive review. I am going to break it down into several parts and include some photos. All I have are general measurements, and they are not the best. Here it goes:
Host: The host was another Eghemus host, nice design on it. The main reason I chose it for this laser knowing it would only have limited heat sinking was the fact that it matches my other laser (700mW 405nm) I also had built by Isaac. I like matching sets, and I like the simplicity of the host. I want to get some adapters made that are threaded on the outside to accept the diffraction gratings I have, that’s for another day though.
This picture also shows the focus adapters that went with the host and one of MrCrouses which I use on the 445.
Diode: It is just a 9mm 3w 445nm diode, runs as expected and average output is 3w with a range of 2.9-3.2w from the LPM photo’s I’ve seen and are shown below. Also the raw diode output is flawless. Its run with a 2.4A X-drive. Powered with 2x16340s at the moment, but I plan to upgrade that for more mAh and longer run times obviously.
High Power:
Low Power:
Lens: I asked for a G2 which is what I got, which I love and lets tons of light through for a bit of beam focusing sacrifice, I put a 3 element on it and got better beam specs, though a larger overall beam, but also a loss of power. So I may switch them as needed but I will keep the G2 as my main lens and keep the main adapter I got from MrCrouse a while back attached to that lens barrel. With both lenses the beam is much better the my other two 445’s with acrylics.
Beam: The beam is beautiful, the wavelength this particular diode emits is a very pure dark blue with little hint of the violet you get with many 445s. The beam measures at the aperture 2x1mm as its multimode obviously, and at 5 meters measures 14x2mm. I cannot measure at a further distance yet for a true divergence calculation, but with the G2 it diverges along one axis much more than the other and leaves a very thin line on the wall at distances, however overall it is still quite a bright and beautiful thing to look at. Twice the power of my other 445s, although I am not confident my LPM readings last time I tested the older 445s were precise.
Few beam shots, I only wish I had a camera to show the true brilliace.
Off into infinity
Overall: Isaac T did it for me again, built me a great laser and actually went under budget. Also has started me on a matching set thing that I must complete now, so I am hoping he can grab at least 2 more of these hosts from Eghemus. I thank Isaac and give him props for getting it done quickly (as far as I’m concerned) and building a very solid laser. For some reason the contact board floats inside the power source tube, not sure why or how really, but it works and doesn’t bother me, it doesn’t have any rattling loose parts when batteries are installed. Hopefully this wasn’t too boring of a read. Lastly, if anyone is considering a custom laser and doesn’t want to or feel confident enough to build one yourself yet or just don’t have time, Isaac I can say has built me 2 of my best lasers I own, and my 2 favorite next to my 589nm (Which I was convinced to buy because of him). Thanks again Isaac, and thanks LPF !!
I apologize for the horribly low standards of this review. I didn't weigh the host, who gives a fuck? And I didn't measure true divergence. Oops. In all seriousness though I wish I could have offered more specifications, perhaps Isaac has some details he can add as the builder. Once again thankyou LPF!:drool:
*edit* I will try to update asap with raw output and pics taken through a filter so actual dot (rectangle) shape can be seen. Thanks for reading.
*edit* Ok so I had to have the diode replaced and re host the whole thing. Now I have it back and it is amazing. Isaac did it AGAIN. Here are some pictures of the host and the beam compared to a normal 445. This diode lases around 455:
It has no hint of the violet typical of 445s. It also peaked at over 3.5w before burning Isaacs LPM. I love the laser more then ever. Also without anodizing and with themal paste it's duty cycle is notably improved.
Host: The host was another Eghemus host, nice design on it. The main reason I chose it for this laser knowing it would only have limited heat sinking was the fact that it matches my other laser (700mW 405nm) I also had built by Isaac. I like matching sets, and I like the simplicity of the host. I want to get some adapters made that are threaded on the outside to accept the diffraction gratings I have, that’s for another day though.
This picture also shows the focus adapters that went with the host and one of MrCrouses which I use on the 445.
Diode: It is just a 9mm 3w 445nm diode, runs as expected and average output is 3w with a range of 2.9-3.2w from the LPM photo’s I’ve seen and are shown below. Also the raw diode output is flawless. Its run with a 2.4A X-drive. Powered with 2x16340s at the moment, but I plan to upgrade that for more mAh and longer run times obviously.
High Power:
Low Power:
Lens: I asked for a G2 which is what I got, which I love and lets tons of light through for a bit of beam focusing sacrifice, I put a 3 element on it and got better beam specs, though a larger overall beam, but also a loss of power. So I may switch them as needed but I will keep the G2 as my main lens and keep the main adapter I got from MrCrouse a while back attached to that lens barrel. With both lenses the beam is much better the my other two 445’s with acrylics.
Beam: The beam is beautiful, the wavelength this particular diode emits is a very pure dark blue with little hint of the violet you get with many 445s. The beam measures at the aperture 2x1mm as its multimode obviously, and at 5 meters measures 14x2mm. I cannot measure at a further distance yet for a true divergence calculation, but with the G2 it diverges along one axis much more than the other and leaves a very thin line on the wall at distances, however overall it is still quite a bright and beautiful thing to look at. Twice the power of my other 445s, although I am not confident my LPM readings last time I tested the older 445s were precise.
Few beam shots, I only wish I had a camera to show the true brilliace.
Off into infinity
Overall: Isaac T did it for me again, built me a great laser and actually went under budget. Also has started me on a matching set thing that I must complete now, so I am hoping he can grab at least 2 more of these hosts from Eghemus. I thank Isaac and give him props for getting it done quickly (as far as I’m concerned) and building a very solid laser. For some reason the contact board floats inside the power source tube, not sure why or how really, but it works and doesn’t bother me, it doesn’t have any rattling loose parts when batteries are installed. Hopefully this wasn’t too boring of a read. Lastly, if anyone is considering a custom laser and doesn’t want to or feel confident enough to build one yourself yet or just don’t have time, Isaac I can say has built me 2 of my best lasers I own, and my 2 favorite next to my 589nm (Which I was convinced to buy because of him). Thanks again Isaac, and thanks LPF !!
I apologize for the horribly low standards of this review. I didn't weigh the host, who gives a fuck? And I didn't measure true divergence. Oops. In all seriousness though I wish I could have offered more specifications, perhaps Isaac has some details he can add as the builder. Once again thankyou LPF!:drool:
*edit* I will try to update asap with raw output and pics taken through a filter so actual dot (rectangle) shape can be seen. Thanks for reading.
*edit* Ok so I had to have the diode replaced and re host the whole thing. Now I have it back and it is amazing. Isaac did it AGAIN. Here are some pictures of the host and the beam compared to a normal 445. This diode lases around 455:
It has no hint of the violet typical of 445s. It also peaked at over 3.5w before burning Isaacs LPM. I love the laser more then ever. Also without anodizing and with themal paste it's duty cycle is notably improved.
Last edited:
