Newbie here, looking to build a 1 watt blue. Where do i start?

[Richie89]

I know sometimes when youre first starting out it can be a little overwhelming, and scary but once you do it for the first time and that feeling of "OMG" it works, I wired it right, then you feel like you can build the AIRBORNE laser with all the confidence you have now LOL!! no but seriously, with most the lasers being case neutral that DTR sells, its more difficult to wire it wrong than it is, to do it right. its really just red on red and black on black. and making connection with the case

 

[Golden Duck]

I think i’ll go with the G8, seems like the best of all of them combined into one. So, i know the parts and specifics of said parts that i’ll order, now i’ll start reading a whole bunch about laser builds and such. Thanks for all the help so far everyone, i’ll let you guys know if i have more questions.

 

[hakzaw1]

WOW!!!
You got a LOT of help with this-- we have some awesome members here.
Just in case to see these and are not sure what they mean...
JAD is 'Just Add Diode' and JADD is 'Just Add Diode and Driver'. two kinds of kits.

There is a lot to know to avoid the many possible fails-- diodes are very sensitive -- one diode killer is ESD.
IT can happen a easy as touching with a finger to the wrong place/time--we say ALWAYS SHORT ALL CAPS.
and correct polarity is a MUST.
good luck-- we want to see your pics!!
hak

 

[Snecho]

I think i’ll go with the G8, seems like the best of all of them combined into one. So, i know the parts and specifics of said parts that i’ll order, now i’ll start reading a whole bunch about laser builds and such. Thanks for all the help so far everyone, i’ll let you guys know if i have more questions.

A couple more things about the options:

As far as I know, the build process is identical to the C6 if you get the S4 host. It's identical in size, so if you like the look of it, you can get that host instead.

You'll also need to choose a pill and heatsink option. I believe the pill you need is just the standard aluminum pill if you're going with a SL driver. As for the heatsink, you have a good amount of choices. Since you're building a mid-high power blue, you'll probably want to go with one of the two extended copper ones to dissipate that heat. Which one you pick is ultimately what looks better to you.

As for the module itself, if I recall correctly, the half-length solid back half fits perfectly into the heatsink, and keeping that back half on just gives you that much more heatsinking.

The G8 is the best all-around lens, good choice and good luck.

 

[Richie89]

WOW!!!
You got a LOT of help with this-- we have some awesome members here.
Just in case to see these and are not sure what they mean...
JAD is 'Just Add Diode' and JADD is 'Just Add Diode and Driver'. two kinds of kits.

There is a lot to know to avoid the many possible fails-- diodes are very sensitive -- one diode killer is ESD.
IT can happen a easy as touching with a finger to the wrong place/time--we say ALWAYS SHORT ALL CAPS.
and correct polarity is a MUST.
good luck-- we want to see your pics!!
hak

you know what is crazy about that? I have never actually used any ESD pad or wrist, and I have successfully put together about 15 lasers now with just bare hands. im actually surprised I havnt at least blown one up with ESD. im either really careful or just lucky lol!