3.1 Watt MX900 445nm Build/Rick Trent Heatsink Review

[TaterMay]

Hello again my friends. Just wanted to share another build and review Rick Trent's nice copper modules/heatsinks.

I really like the modules because the back half butts up to the back of the diode case. This makes for great heat dissipation, and it also allows me to actually leave the module sticking out just a bit in the Zombie Killer hosts so I can reach the focus adapter without nicking my fingers on the pointy bezel. When measuring diode case temp with both IR thermometer and thermocouple, extending the module out to where the front of the heatsink is almost even with the diode case only increased the diode temp a couple degrees F after 10 to 15 consecutive power cycles.

So, first up is soldering the diode. I actually went ahead and soldered two others I was building at the same time. I use a heatsink clip to protect the diode, use heat shrink on the connections, and use Arctic Silver to ensure good heat transfer between diode and module.

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Next up is the driver. I used a BlitzBuck driver from Budget Beams or Survival Laser USA. I soldered my leads to it, covered them with heat shrink, connected it to my 3A selectable test load, and set it to 2.45A. I then cut an appropriately sized section from an aluminum heatsink from Budget Beams, and used Arctic Alumina thermal adhesive to secure it to the IC. I have used these without a heatsink at this current before without the thermal protection kicking in, but I like to give it that little extra cooling.

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After that, I placed the module in the heatsink to see how long my leads should be, cut them, soldered them to the driver leads, and used heat shrink to prevent shorts.

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Finally, I cover the edges of the driver in thermal adhesive to prevent shorts, let it dry, then secure it to the heatsink with thermal adhesive. After that, solder on my (huge) battery spring, screw in the driver contact/retaining ring.

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And finally, the finished product, power output, and beam shots! I love these heatsinks. They handle 3+ watts with ease. 60 second duty cycles guaranteed. I need to do more testing to see how much longer it can be run safely. Let me know what you think!

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[BowtieGuy]

Nice neat build TaterMay! I really do like those massive, threaded copper heatsinks.
:gj:

 

[COMMANDR]

Nice neat build TaterMay! I really do like those massive, threaded copper heatsinks.
:gj:

Got the same build and I also really like the massive copper heatsink too.
But I must say it makes the pointer a little nose heavy. Just the price you
have to pay for good thermal heat sinking I guess.

 

[APEX1]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing. Where did you buy his modules???

 

[VanillahGorilla]

I like it! Good looking heatsink and host. I can see putting something similar together at some point.

 

[TaterMay]

I like it! Good looking heatsink and host. I can see putting something similar together at some point.

I'm about to build an NUBM44 and an NUBM07E in the same hosts/heatsinks tonight. Let's see how these things do with 6 to 7 watts!


So here's what I'm talking about with the modules. Notice how the Aixiz style module's rear section is completely hollow.

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[APEX1]

Where'd you buy his custom copper module? Or did it come with the host?

 

[TaterMay]

Where'd you buy his custom copper module? Or did it come with the host?

It came with the host, but I believe he will sell them separately as well. Just PM or email him. Super nice guy. DTR's 9mm diodes come with this style module as well if you order the diode with the module included.

 

[APEX1]

It came with the host, but I believe he will sell them separately as well. Just PM or email him. Super nice guy. DTR's 9mm diodes come with this style module as well if you order the diode with the module included.

That's what I figured. I always use the copper modules I just wasn't sure if he was selling them on a different site or what lol I'd like to try Rick's version of the module though. And I don't think DTR use's these exact modules, unless rick is supplying them to him. Thanks for the info bud

 

[TaterMay]

That's what I figured. I always use the copper modules I just wasn't sure if he was selling them on a different site or what lol I'd like to try Rick's version of the module though. And I don't think DTR use's these exact modules, unless rick is supplying them to him. Thanks for the info bud

Yea, I'm not sure. Haven't seen Jamey's yet. I will definitely be ordering some next order I put in though.

 

[crazyspaz]

Looks great! One thing I would do: run the laser for as long as the duty cycle allows (or if it's unlimited, just run it a few minutes), then test the resistance of that spring- it seems awfully long, and I could see it getting hot fast and causing connection problems. If it is super hot after running for a bit, change it out or add a wire from the battery side of the spring to the contact board- you don't want it desoldering itself and wiggling around lose inside your host! (Worst case scenario of course )

Sidenote: I commend your driver choice

 

[TaterMay]

Looks great! One thing I would do: run the laser for as long as the duty cycle allows (or if it's unlimited, just run it a few minutes), then test the resistance of that spring- it seems awfully long, and I could see it getting hot fast and causing connection problems. If it is super hot after running for a bit, change it out or add a wire from the battery side of the spring to the contact board- you don't want it desoldering itself and wiggling around lose inside your host! (Worst case scenario of course )

Sidenote: I commend your driver choice

I will definitely check it. I got a bunch of them because they are designed for sub ohm vapes. I figured with all the current those guys run, a couple amps or so should be no problem.

About the side note...do you make the BlitzBuck drivers?

 

[crazyspaz]

Yes, but I made them
Like I said, its not a definite that the spring will be a problem, just something to check on.

 

[Moe Ron]

Greetings,

Excellent build !!

I have built a few using Rick's heatsink's, the copper one being the best one he has.
The copper modules he has can also be purchased from DTR, as I have gotten a couple.
They both look the same, both butt up to the diode base and dissipate heat well.
Would imagine should get a good duty cycle with the new NUBM44 with that heatsink.
I built one into my Super Scorcher Custom host and have to run it for 3 minutes before
I begin to feel any temperature difference.
Of course my heatsink is HUGE;

cheers,
Moe

 

[TaterMay]

Greetings,

Excellent build !!

I have built a few using Rick's heatsink's, the copper one being the best one he has.
The copper modules he has can also be purchased from DTR, as I have gotten a couple.
They both look the same, both butt up to the diode base and dissipate heat well.
Would imagine should get a good duty cycle with the new NUBM44 with that heatsink.
I built one into my Super Scorcher Custom host and have to run it for 3 minutes before
I begin to feel any temperature difference.
Of course my heatsink is HUGE;

cheers,
Moe

Ha I'm just now seeing this. I actually did just build an NUBM44 into one of these. Peaks right at 7 watts at 4.5 amps, averages around 6.5 or 6.6 watts. Very impressed with the new(ish) diode. I'll be posting some pictures in this section in a few.

Do you build those hosts? I'm interested. I would really like to build another and run it with a beam expander.

 

[APEX1]

A little late but moe ron that's a bad ass looking beast