Pretty Lifetime17 1x14500 Blue Build

I am a few days late posting this - life has been very full (typical w/5 children and a FT jobbie)...but I'm super happy to share this build with the community. As well as sing some more praises for some good peeps around these parts...no pun intended. :beer:

Build:
<488nm Sharp Diode (procured and measured via ZRaffleTicket and Paul1598419)
Pico Drive (by Astralist)
14500 Blue Coated Host (by Lifetime17)

The driver is set a 145mA - diode is putting out ~64 mW and according to some math by ZRaffleTicket, should be JUST under 488nm in wavelength. The diode was spectro'd at 487.6 nm @ 100 mA.

Host (w/o focus adapter):
IMAG2079 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr


Business of the host: I have to say, typically screwing together the pieces of a host can make you cringe...these threads are BUTTER smooth. I actually ENJOY screwing this thing together. Lovely job @Lifetime17!!!
IMAG2082 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr

Tail-cap clicky: Another great aspect of this host, nice feel to this switch.
IMAG2081 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr

Host was pre-wired to drop-in the module (nice silicone wires, plenty of length to work with):
IMAG2080 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr

Tailcap end of host:
IMAG2083 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr

Matching focus adapter w/lens installed (3eG) (was using acrylic, but the three-element was longer and fit better):
IMAG2092 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr

The Driver on a test load (very easy to set this diode to desired current, great size, too - kudos to @Astralist!):
IMAG2078 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr

Module wired up, ready for its new home:
IMAG2090 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr

MMMmmmmm:
IMAG2106 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr


A picture with the flash on - so you can see the host, too
IMAG2109 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr

Beam shot:
IMAG2096 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr

"Same" diode - 490ish on L, 488 on R:
IMAG2121 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr

A couple more beam shots, just for fun :beer:
IMAG2101 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
IMAG2146 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr

Awesome! I love the blue host, the small size and awesome color too.

Hi Lew,
Wow this came together great and an awesome diode topper it up with. Glad you like buddy it was my pleasure to machine this host for you. Great review on the build and some nice pics. + rep pal

Rich

Another very nice build, Lew. I like the look of the host and the beam shots are always a treat. Can't rep you again so soon, so I'll have to owe you one. :thanks:

Awesome looking host, love the colour and WL.
Well done Lew, very nice review/build thread.
I'm waiting on my hosts too from Rich, they'll be here in the next few days.
I've gone with the same looking host and similar colour coat.
Also have a couple of 510s in there with colour coats too.
Can't wait.

Thanks for sharing and +rep when I can.
Cheers
RB

:beer:

I just noticed you have the same bench heat sink from Gadget that I got. Mine turned out great. It is drilled and has a set screw for 12 mm modules. It was one of the best deals I have gotten in a very long time.

Great looking build, Lew, that host color/wavelength combo. really look good together! :beer:
Those beam shots turned out great, really like wavelength comparison ones! :yh:

You're correct, we have a lot of good "peeps" here, it's what makes this such a great place.
:gj: and :kewlpics: +rep!

The colors are really great - there were no less than 20 recent builds for this amazing diode, this is the color of the year.
Host is very compact and delicate.all great

Terrific build!! Color goes great with that host. Rich sure makes great stuff. I’ve been inquiring on the pico drive with A. Seems like a really good driver.
Great pics too, thx for sharing!! I’d rep if I could!
SGD:beer:

Great color and finish on the host and the 490 is a unique color too, I still take time to enjoy mine most days.

Now bring on the golden sun yellow LD and how about a black and yellow bumblebee striped host to go with......that could look cool.

Hi Red,
Yes a great color combo for the yellow diodes, good idea. I have some Translucent Orange coming to test out might be a cool color

Rich