IsaacT
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- Aug 25, 2010
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AQUARIUS II
Note: My 5000th Post!
--
This is to be a multimedia thread regarding my newest build. This laser makes use of the laser host
I designed and Ehgemus fabricated(SEEN HERE) and the brand new Nichia diode carried by DTR. Notable links
regarding the latter can be found HERE(spectroscopy of), HERE(output measurements of), and HERE(sale of).
--
In this thread I will touch briefly upon the design of the host and summarize the previous thread,
I will go over the build and the challenges faced, I will give measurements of beam output and
other specs, and lastly I will present various multimedia for your viewing pleasure.
-
THE HOST
Here are the diagrams I drew up, followed by the host Ehgemus produced for me from them.
The host is built exceedingly well and feels quite solid in the hand.
-
THE BUILD
I faced a few challenges when putting this build together. Firstly, due to the large momentary AV
switch used in this build, there was very little space inside the host. Unfortunately I did
not think to inform DTR of my space limits before hand, and the module arrived with the back
half of the module on. After trying many different methods of removing it, not the least of which
was twisting with a vice, I used my dremel to cut the back half away. I managed it, however
the first cut made went slightly too deep and I ended up with this:
For those who may not know, the driver is not supposed to have that groove in it, strictly speaking.
So, after messaging DTR and being scolded for my use of force and affirmed that the driver would
most likely kill my diode, I got the bright idea to simply pillage a previous build and replace the driver.
A most spectacular repurposing I must say, and it turned out to be quite a boon to the laser.
Another challenge I faced was that I did not pay attention to the polarity of the diode pins when
I removed the driver leaving me with no idea of how to connect the new driver. However, I
figured that the old 9mm diodes and the newer, higher wavelength ones would share a pinout so I
used the diode I new and luckily it worked out.
So I carefully stuck my soldering iron into the back half remaining of the module and desoldered
the BORKED driver. I then soldered on some wires as I knew I wouldn't be able to get a good connection
sticking the soldering iron in again and trying it directly.
Once I got everything wired up, I stuck some batteries in and fired her up. Blue. Everywhere.....
But mostly in front of my face. Yay! Now to keep the module in there.
Well, this build is not a set screw one, so I needed to adhere the module to the inside of the host.
Luckily, the module was a tight fit, so I merely put a dab of superglue on one side. I may need to
service the build in the future, so epoxy is the last thing I want in there.
Finally, I got the lens to the best focus position and pushed the module in such that the focus
adapter I designed would be nearly flush when focused to infinity. Then I let it sit for 30 seconds
(superglue aint no joke yall) and bada bing bada boom! Laser!
SPECIFICATIONS
The specifications for this laser are as follows:
Wavelength: 462nm < x < 474nm
Output: 1.8W
Battery Configuration: 2 x 18350/16340
Switch Type: Momentary
Lens Type: 3-Element Glass
As you can see, there is much I do not know as of yet. Divergence is the same as your standard 9mm Diode.
--
PICTURES & VIDEO
And lastly, the first victim of this laser chose to guard my back door. I gained my entry swiftly.
--
CONCLUSION
I hope you all enjoyed this build. I am running at 2.4A and have ZERO regrets...so far.
This build runs a little hot, but the main reason for that is that the host has that trench around
the module. This is terrible for heatsinking. But I am very happy with it all around. The most
perfect blue I have ever seen.
Thanks,
Isaac
PS! Did a nice comparison of 445 and my 469. A bit hard because the 445 is more powerful, but here is the best I got. Really makes the 445 look purple!
Note: My 5000th Post!
--
This is to be a multimedia thread regarding my newest build. This laser makes use of the laser host
I designed and Ehgemus fabricated(SEEN HERE) and the brand new Nichia diode carried by DTR. Notable links
regarding the latter can be found HERE(spectroscopy of), HERE(output measurements of), and HERE(sale of).
--
In this thread I will touch briefly upon the design of the host and summarize the previous thread,
I will go over the build and the challenges faced, I will give measurements of beam output and
other specs, and lastly I will present various multimedia for your viewing pleasure.
-
THE HOST
Here are the diagrams I drew up, followed by the host Ehgemus produced for me from them.
The host is built exceedingly well and feels quite solid in the hand.
-
THE BUILD
I faced a few challenges when putting this build together. Firstly, due to the large momentary AV
switch used in this build, there was very little space inside the host. Unfortunately I did
not think to inform DTR of my space limits before hand, and the module arrived with the back
half of the module on. After trying many different methods of removing it, not the least of which
was twisting with a vice, I used my dremel to cut the back half away. I managed it, however
the first cut made went slightly too deep and I ended up with this:
For those who may not know, the driver is not supposed to have that groove in it, strictly speaking.
So, after messaging DTR and being scolded for my use of force and affirmed that the driver would
most likely kill my diode, I got the bright idea to simply pillage a previous build and replace the driver.
A most spectacular repurposing I must say, and it turned out to be quite a boon to the laser.
Another challenge I faced was that I did not pay attention to the polarity of the diode pins when
I removed the driver leaving me with no idea of how to connect the new driver. However, I
figured that the old 9mm diodes and the newer, higher wavelength ones would share a pinout so I
used the diode I new and luckily it worked out.
So I carefully stuck my soldering iron into the back half remaining of the module and desoldered
the BORKED driver. I then soldered on some wires as I knew I wouldn't be able to get a good connection
sticking the soldering iron in again and trying it directly.
Once I got everything wired up, I stuck some batteries in and fired her up. Blue. Everywhere.....
But mostly in front of my face. Yay! Now to keep the module in there.
Well, this build is not a set screw one, so I needed to adhere the module to the inside of the host.
Luckily, the module was a tight fit, so I merely put a dab of superglue on one side. I may need to
service the build in the future, so epoxy is the last thing I want in there.
Finally, I got the lens to the best focus position and pushed the module in such that the focus
adapter I designed would be nearly flush when focused to infinity. Then I let it sit for 30 seconds
(superglue aint no joke yall) and bada bing bada boom! Laser!
SPECIFICATIONS
The specifications for this laser are as follows:
Wavelength: 462nm < x < 474nm
Output: 1.8W
Battery Configuration: 2 x 18350/16340
Switch Type: Momentary
Lens Type: 3-Element Glass
As you can see, there is much I do not know as of yet. Divergence is the same as your standard 9mm Diode.
--
PICTURES & VIDEO
And lastly, the first victim of this laser chose to guard my back door. I gained my entry swiftly.
--
CONCLUSION
I hope you all enjoyed this build. I am running at 2.4A and have ZERO regrets...so far.
This build runs a little hot, but the main reason for that is that the host has that trench around
the module. This is terrible for heatsinking. But I am very happy with it all around. The most
perfect blue I have ever seen.
Thanks,
Isaac
PS! Did a nice comparison of 445 and my 469. A bit hard because the 445 is more powerful, but here is the best I got. Really makes the 445 look purple!
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