First Build: Do These Parts Look Good?

So building my first laser, and I wanted to get your guys opinions on my current parts list. Let me know what you think or if I should change anything. Thanks.

- Host: I think I am going with the C6 from here . Let me know if anyone knows a cheaper C6.

- Diode/Module: DTR's 445nm M140 Diode In Copper Module With Leads & Three Element Glass Lens
here, going for the $60 option
OR
DTR's 445nm 9mm Diode In V4 Copper Module W/Leads
here, going for the $88 option

Driver: Depends on which diode I get. If I get M140, then I would get
DTRs 450mA-1.8A X-Boost V7 16.8mm round adjustable output here getting the $30 options, so it comes prewired and I will have him preset it to 1.7A since that is supposed to be ideal for M140
If I get 9mm, then I would get
this one and set it at 2.3A since DTR says that is ideal amps.

Batteries & Charger: I do not know if the 2 RCR123s or 1 18650 will be better for my scenario. The tutorial I was looking at say to use brand name batteries for best performance, here are two panasonic 18650s on amazon; if the RCR123s are better for my scenario then I would get 2 of them here from light hound; and here looks like the high quality charger I have seen. Of course the panasonic ones are unprotected versus protected for the light hound ones, but I think with the nicer charger over-charging shouldn't be too much of an issue (but idk).

Some questions I have:

- Is this everything I am going to need, no matter which route I take considering the diode/driver combos? I think it is but I want to make sure.
- Is the both the 9mm and the M140 in the C6 host with baseline aluminum heat sink going to be enough to keep the 2-3W the 9mm is putting out cool enough. I don't want to get the M140 or even nicer 9mm only for it to overheat.
- Do I need thermal paste? If so does anyone have a the cheapest/best paste that you recommend?
- Which type of battery is going to be better for my needs?

Let me know what you guys think, the 9mm will only end up being $18 with the different driver so that isn't really a problem, I just want to make sure this will be absolutely everything I need (besides safety glasses) and that the 9mm will be okay in a C6 host with baseline heat sink. Thanks a lot!

You need a heatsink for the laser module in that host.. Otherwise that will be a solid little build!

NKO29 said:

You need a heatsink for the laser module in that host.. Otherwise that will be a solid little build!

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Yeah I wasn't sure about that. If you click the link on the page for the host you choose what kind of heat sink you want, so at no extra charge I think you get the unanodized aluminum heat sink. But let me know if I am wrong. Thanks!

alexk403 said:

Yeah I wasn't sure about that. If you click the link on the page for the host you choose what kind of heat sink you want, so at no extra charge I think you get the unanodized aluminum heat sink. But let me know if I am wrong. Thanks!

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Yes, the link you used in the OP has it set to the unanodized option; however, you might want to use copper, it's supposed to handle heat better... I have the regular size copper heatsink and a M140 with the driver set to 1.5 amps and I can keep it running for 5 minutes before it starts getting hot :yh:

The $88 option you have selected for one of the two possible diode will not have a lens. You need to select at least a 3-element lens, or your laser will not be able to focus.

I do not recommend any laser over 500mw in a C6 host, but it is up to you.
The duty cycle will be VERY short with either of the diodes. Less than one minute.

:beer:
-Matt

J0SHUA said:

Yes, the link you used in the OP has it set to the unanodized option; however, you might want to use copper, it's supposed to handle heat better... I have the regular size copper heatsink and a M140 with the driver set to 1.5 amps and I can keep it running for 5 minutes before it starts getting hot :yh:

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An M140 in a C6 host should NOT be kept running 5 minutes straight. What is probably happening is that you do not feel any heat because the anodizing is acting as an insulator. Also, copper is great with heat capacity, but releasing heat not as much. If you run any multiwatt diode for 5 minutes straight in such a small host you will risk diode death.

To the OP: If you have a chance, I would recommend:

1. One of these host: HERE. They are double 18650 hosts so you can use the following driver recommendations.
2. An M140 diode with driver preinstalled. See the 95 dollar option HERE. Go for the 3 element lens, not the more expensive g lens.
3. 2 x Panasonic 18650 Lithium Ion Batteries. HERE. You can usually get them a bit cheaper from Fasttech but they are sold out.

Total cost would be:
1. Host: 65 dollars
2. Diode: 95 dollars
3. Batteries: 30
4. Safety Glasses: 20 dollars
-------------------------
210 dollars. For a damn good laser.

Reasons:
1. That host will give massive heatsinking, looks cooler, and supports 2x18650 batteries instead of 2x16340 batteries.
2. 18650 batteries are important to be able to give you decent runtimes. My first 445 was in a C6-like host. I hated it because of the short runtimes and it got too hot too quick.
3. The driver preinstalled will work really well in that host because Ehgemus already has a lead coming out for your positive driver wire to connect to the battery. Then you just solder the negative input wire to the M140's case pin, put the module in the host, and turn it on. Easy peasy.

Trust me, the last thing you want to do is end up needing to buy a different host later on because you are dissatisfied. Additionally, you will be happier with the nonboost type because it will dissipate heat better.

Any questions feel free to PM me, im happy to help.
-Isaac

PS - with the host I linked, you COULD do 1.5-2min runtimes on occasion. If you so chose.

Thanks, any ideas on a more cost-effective host? And also, with this set up that you mentioned, what kind of mW or W am I looking at? Thanks.

That would be right around 2W. I'm sorry I didn't PM you back. I have been considering it for a while and have had difficulty thinking of anything. Hosts that are flashlight mods are cheaper than custom hosts, which is where you could save money....but not easy to find ones that support a better battery configuration.

Mrcrouse sells some maglite hosts with heatsinks. You might ask him how much he is selling those for. A Saik host with heatsink might be a good option as well. It will give you a LOT more heatsinking. May cost around 30 dollars for that one. If you cannot afford a double battery host you might ask a machinist for the cost on a VERY SIMPLE HOST US ING A SINGLE 32650 OR 26650 Lithium Ion. Then use a boost driver. You can't get as much power with the easily obtainable drivers but it will be an awesome first build.

Lastly, check out some member builds in the bst section. See what you like. Ask them about the pros and cons of the build through PM. If you want to do a c6 build, go for it. That was my first 445. I just know down the road you will likely want something better. If you are like me, money IS an object and you can't just whip out a ton of money on something after building something pretty expensive already.

You get what you pay for, and if you truly want something you save up for it. I consider my host tastes to be important and lasers are such an integral hobby in my life that I personally obsess over perfection. It is in my nature.

If you have any other questions don't be afraid to hit me up. I was on the road all yesterday which is why it was difficult for me to respond but I assure you I am here to help and glad to.

Cheers,
Isaac

you could go with a c11 type host which holds a pretty massive heat sink and would fit 2x 18350 cells. see mrcrouse and save a few dollars here http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/p...clicky-1x18650-or2x18350-host-kits-77205.html

you could get up to 3W+ with a good run time using the 9mm 445 diode

How does this look? It is from DTR's host shop instead of laser shop, idk if he is even selling those anymore maybe someone knows, but they look available to buy. This is also a 2x 18650 and will fit the M140 with built in driver. How would the heatsinking look on this? What kind of runtimes would I be looking at? It looks like a fairly nice host and for only $40. Thanks.

alexk403 said:

How does this look? It is from DTR's host shop instead of laser shop, idk if he is even selling those anymore maybe someone knows, but they look available to buy. This is also a 2x 18650 and will fit the M140 with built in driver. How would the heatsinking look on this? What kind of runtimes would I be looking at? It looks like a fairly nice host and for only $40. Thanks.

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Looks like an EXCELLENT solution! I like the design of that host as well. Which is nice, because usually I hate the flashlight conversions with a passion.

So with this one am I going to need any additional items besides the $95 DTR M140 with X-Drive? Or can I just get these two items and be able to just solder them together and be done? Is this one going to need a contact board? Thanks, not really sure how to understand the description sorry.

Also like i said before, what kind of runtimes would I be looking at with this set up? Thanks a lot

According to the DTR description, it already has contact wires meaning the contact board is taken care of. Lucky you ^.^

So yes, just buy and solder. Easy peasy fun stuff. The runtimes will likely be simply limited to the heat dissipation. With an M140 I could see you getting 60-90 second runtimes followed by 30 second cool downs. Batteries will last a LOT longer though which you won't even know how to appreciate having not owned a lower capacity host before.

wannaburnstuff said:

According to the DTR description, it already has contact wires meaning the contact board is taken care of. Lucky you ^.^

So yes, just buy and solder. Easy peasy fun stuff. The runtimes will likely be simply limited to the heat dissipation. With an M140 I could see you getting 60-90 second runtimes followed by 30 second cool downs. Batteries will last a LOT longer though which you won't even know how to appreciate having not owned a lower capacity host before.

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Haha awesome. So it looks like both the $68 one and DTR's $39 one have similar run times, are both buy and solder, and both take 2x 18650. So I guess it really just comes down to which one I think looks cooler. Thanks a lot for your help, looks like I am buying the diode and one of the hosts tonight.

Awesome, glad I could help! Pics or it never happened once you finish it!

If you go with the 9mm diode you will need the lens barrel DTR also sells then you could use that sweet lens that comes with the diode.