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Many of us are receiving our new 445nm laser diodes in the next couple of weeks and some have a good idea on what to do when they arrive.
Update: Laser diodes are now arriving, hope this thread is helping bulid your portable lasers.
To make things easy, I would like to start a thread where we talk about building on what it has been learned in the past when working with high power laser diodes, such as the 405nm 8x and 12x diodes and be ready by the time diodes to arrive. This does not mean that we should look at other host, test and push these diodes to their limits, it is just to get us started on how properly build and used the new diodes.
From early test and builds, it has been seen that these diodes will require at least three things:
- Large capacity batteries,
- since it produces a lot of heat, a good heat exchanger (or sink),
- since it requires larger currents than other laser diode normally used here a drive that can deliver
- and a clicky switch that withstand the high current and heat, and not melt while in use.
We know that Jayrob has available many builts and he has learned quite a lot regarding building laser pointers. The one that I see as the best option for the new 445nm laser diodes is his 18650 Build Kit. This built has become the standard for long running lasers and it meets the battery requirements for the 445nm diodes, a large capacity battery, the 18650.
Update: I went for one of these and it was very rewarding experience, (http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/b...sing-445nm-laser-diodes-51454.html#post715438) and the bottom line is all I really had to do is press the LD, solder the LD and assemble it.
The second requirement is a good heat exchanger. Although Jayrob an aluminum version and a copper version; cooper being an excellent heat conductor making it a better choice as a heat sink for the 445nm laser diodes. And he has one made specifically for his 18650 Build Kit.
Update: during my testing and running the LD at around ~1000mA, the aluminum worked great for up to 4 minutes YouTube - Temperature (4mins); for longer cycles and at this current, copper could be a better option. But for around 300mA, aluminum should be enough.
As for third requirement, voltage and current, there are a couple of options and I still have not decided on which one to use. But we have several options, Micro-Drive laser driver by rkcstr and drlavas’ MicroFlexDrive, Micro Boost Drive V1, or Groove 2. I have not decided which one I will be using when my diode arrives, I would like to hear opinions on which one would a good choice.
Update: the current posts have been around the flexdrive and the boost drive and setting anywhere around 200mA to 600mA for extending the LD’s life. If you want higher power you can set them up to a max around 1000mA. Some have set it up even higher but building their own using the LM317 or the AMC7135.
And for the clicky switch, I am looking for one that will withstand the high current and heat. Those available from DX are out of the question, they are made out of plastic. The switch needs be rated 1.2Amp or higher.
Update: No longer an issue, regular clicky switch work fine. A shortcut in the initial builts where causing concern.
One item for these laser diodes that is mandatory, no matter what, you are building a Class 4 laser, there is no question about it: you MUST wear protective glasses before you turn on these lasers. I already have a pair goggles (one for me and one for my guest) that I use when using my 405nm 200mW. They are rated >5 for optical density around 445nm wavelength. Mfo has opened a “feeler” for goggles for these diodes and their highest density (>4) is right on the button for 445nm. I may get an extra set: Feeler: Protection goggles for new 445nm diodes and there is some good discussion here A Plea for EYE Safety!!
Update: NOTHING HAS CHANGED, YOU MUST ALWAYS PRACTICE SAFE “LASERING” AND USE SAFETY GOGGLES. There a few 445nm safety goggles Group Buys going on, read then before purchasing a pair.
Optional: Jayrob’s or LarryDFW’s glass lens for 405nm lasers. Not verified yet, but they may increase the output of the 445nm laser diodes by as much 30%(??) vs an Aixiz lens.
Update: I am using a regular Aixiz glass lens for now, gives a nice "roundish" point Just a quick note on the lens I am using:
Jayrob now has custom focus for it. FS: 445 Custom Focus Knob for AixiZ Glass Lenses http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-445-custom-focus-knob-aixiz-glass-lenses-51727.html#post720940
If you are unable to build your own, there are some LPF members that would be more than happy to build you one, at a very reasonable cost. I am not mentioning names since I have not talked with them about posting their names here.
Update: LPF members have started to make them available, search for the in the 445nm Lasers, the Laser Pro Shop or the Buy, Sell, & Trade forums.
Comments?
José
Update: Laser diodes are now arriving, hope this thread is helping bulid your portable lasers.
To make things easy, I would like to start a thread where we talk about building on what it has been learned in the past when working with high power laser diodes, such as the 405nm 8x and 12x diodes and be ready by the time diodes to arrive. This does not mean that we should look at other host, test and push these diodes to their limits, it is just to get us started on how properly build and used the new diodes.
From early test and builds, it has been seen that these diodes will require at least three things:
- Large capacity batteries,
- since it produces a lot of heat, a good heat exchanger (or sink),
- since it requires larger currents than other laser diode normally used here a drive that can deliver
- and a clicky switch that withstand the high current and heat, and not melt while in use.
We know that Jayrob has available many builts and he has learned quite a lot regarding building laser pointers. The one that I see as the best option for the new 445nm laser diodes is his 18650 Build Kit. This built has become the standard for long running lasers and it meets the battery requirements for the 445nm diodes, a large capacity battery, the 18650.
Update: I went for one of these and it was very rewarding experience, (http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/b...sing-445nm-laser-diodes-51454.html#post715438) and the bottom line is all I really had to do is press the LD, solder the LD and assemble it.
The second requirement is a good heat exchanger. Although Jayrob an aluminum version and a copper version; cooper being an excellent heat conductor making it a better choice as a heat sink for the 445nm laser diodes. And he has one made specifically for his 18650 Build Kit.
Update: during my testing and running the LD at around ~1000mA, the aluminum worked great for up to 4 minutes YouTube - Temperature (4mins); for longer cycles and at this current, copper could be a better option. But for around 300mA, aluminum should be enough.
As for third requirement, voltage and current, there are a couple of options and I still have not decided on which one to use. But we have several options, Micro-Drive laser driver by rkcstr and drlavas’ MicroFlexDrive, Micro Boost Drive V1, or Groove 2. I have not decided which one I will be using when my diode arrives, I would like to hear opinions on which one would a good choice.
Update: the current posts have been around the flexdrive and the boost drive and setting anywhere around 200mA to 600mA for extending the LD’s life. If you want higher power you can set them up to a max around 1000mA. Some have set it up even higher but building their own using the LM317 or the AMC7135.
And for the clicky switch, I am looking for one that will withstand the high current and heat. Those available from DX are out of the question, they are made out of plastic. The switch needs be rated 1.2Amp or higher.
Update: No longer an issue, regular clicky switch work fine. A shortcut in the initial builts where causing concern.
One item for these laser diodes that is mandatory, no matter what, you are building a Class 4 laser, there is no question about it: you MUST wear protective glasses before you turn on these lasers. I already have a pair goggles (one for me and one for my guest) that I use when using my 405nm 200mW. They are rated >5 for optical density around 445nm wavelength. Mfo has opened a “feeler” for goggles for these diodes and their highest density (>4) is right on the button for 445nm. I may get an extra set: Feeler: Protection goggles for new 445nm diodes and there is some good discussion here A Plea for EYE Safety!!
Update: NOTHING HAS CHANGED, YOU MUST ALWAYS PRACTICE SAFE “LASERING” AND USE SAFETY GOGGLES. There a few 445nm safety goggles Group Buys going on, read then before purchasing a pair.
Optional: Jayrob’s or LarryDFW’s glass lens for 405nm lasers. Not verified yet, but they may increase the output of the 445nm laser diodes by as much 30%(??) vs an Aixiz lens.
Update: I am using a regular Aixiz glass lens for now, gives a nice "roundish" point Just a quick note on the lens I am using:
Jayrob now has custom focus for it. FS: 445 Custom Focus Knob for AixiZ Glass Lenses http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-445-custom-focus-knob-aixiz-glass-lenses-51727.html#post720940
If you are unable to build your own, there are some LPF members that would be more than happy to build you one, at a very reasonable cost. I am not mentioning names since I have not talked with them about posting their names here.
Update: LPF members have started to make them available, search for the in the 445nm Lasers, the Laser Pro Shop or the Buy, Sell, & Trade forums.
Comments?
José
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