Blue laser under $300

[leukoplast]

The diode gets pressed directly into the aluminum heatsink which screws into the body of host. IMO is is not anymore difficult to build. In many ways it's easier because like I said it's all one solid piece. You don't have to fuss with heatsinks and setscrews and what not. Everything lines up perfectly the first time. The lens screws into the focusing ring and also into the front body of the host. Yes it's true you'll have to make a diode press, if you don't have the back to an Aixiz module (but even the back of the module is not recommended). I got a 1/4in aluminum rod and drilled a 3/16in hole in one end of it. That allows the leads to enter so the press does not stress them. You'll need either a vice or a press of some kind to get the job done.

For any "first timer" the expense will always be a little greater because you'll need to buy any tools or supplies that are needed. But seeing as mcreed is an electrical engineer I'm sure he has a soldering iron on hand.

-Tony

How does it wire into the host? I realize the heatsink will be either case negative or positive, but what about the other connection?

 

[dnar]

Just another option for you to consider.

HighTechDealZ - Lasers

 

[Xplorer877]

K, I'll take some pictures for ya.

This is the 445nm diode. So both the positive and negative pins are NOT connected to case ground (which is convenient). Also the driver's input negative and output negative are not continuous. So the diode + and - gets soldered to the drivers output. The spring is + and the host itself conducts - from the battery. So to get the - for the driver the diode case ground pin is connected to it with a wire (the green one). It seems complicated but it would be the same regardless of the host. Soldering those tiny connections can be tricky, especially because the diode and driver are heat and static sensitive.

-Tony

 

[dnar]

You can get a diode, housing and coated lens here too: 445nm laser

 

[mikeeey]

Are you 100% sure WL actually refunded your order? Or did they just wait long enough that WorldPay just gave your money back? This happened to me before, then after a week or so they took back the money again.

 

[mcreed87]

Thanks for all of the help, I was out of town over the long weekend and didn't have any access to a computer. It looks like I have a few options here which is nice. I have to make sure WL actually refunds my money before buying parts. The told me it was cancelled and I got a refund email last week but I am yet to see the funds back into my account. I am going to give them a call later to get the whole mess fixed.