Amazingly a year later this laser pointer is still running fine. I currently use Duracell Ultras and have never put a driver in this pointer. I've given it pretty good use but have always used it less than 30 seconds continuously at any one time.
It still burns electrical tape without a problem...
Well it has been a little under two weeks and the diode is still going strong with regular batteries. I try to keep it on for less than 30 seconds and give it a rest between uses. We will see how long it lasts....
How long did your 3rd diode last before it burned out? I've been running direct off batteries for a couple weeks and all is well for the moment... I'm using the GB diode.
Thanks for all the tips. I will make a thermal mod to it but no resistor or cap at this time. I run it at 10-15 seconds at a time max and give it a long rest in between. I have extra diodes and I'm curious how long this one will last. Has anyone stress tested the GB diodes? I'll let you know...
Agreed. I could burn the diode out. But I am using rechargeable batteries at about 2.4 volts so I think I'm in range. I made one last mod, I drilled a hole in the mag light lens so the aixiz focusing element would fit through.
I gotta get to bed and get some sleep before work!
Your right. Taking the lens off makes a bigger difference than I thought. It burns with the lens on, but it burns faster with it off :) I'll put a little grommet in there to hold the diode in. Thanks for the tip on the lithiums and the cap.
I just built a laser pointer with the GB diode and a AAA mini mag. It took about 15 minutes. Take a standard AAA mini mag and remove the head. Then remove the bulb and the reflector. Mount the diode in an Aixiz module (described in other doucments). Put the pins of the diode in where the light...