Build Thread Illustrating Fixed Focus in Hobby Lasers

[IsaacT]

Update on the 638 build: the divergence is crazy good. I mean the beam stays so thin and intense that it looks like a damn DPSS laser. I will measure it shortly and report back. Hopefully I can get my other builds to similar infinite focus.

 

[jayrob]

Nice job! :gj:

Just to let others know that I don't have the ones with the extra hole above the side button hole these days... (your first picture)

Just the single side button hole...

 

[IsaacT]

No, I definitely only got the single hole ones. Very VERY nice hosts. I never expected I would fall in love with temporary on button hosts, but the feel is very tactile, very natural. Very smooth.

Also, I measured the divergence on the 638 laser out to about 9 meters(28 feet), and here is what I got:

Diameter at Aperture: 3.63mm
Distance measured: 9m
Diameter at 10meters: 5.15mm
Divergence Calculated: 0.169mRad

I did this using some quality calipers. According to an online calculator that gives me a divergence of 0.169mRad. I am going to find a place to measure farther out, but even when I am using it for star pointing, it is brilliant. Looks like a thread in the sky. Honestly thinking about holding onto it just for beam specs....atleast until I get my new diode in.

 

[firelaser]

and the sale price???? #icalldibs

noooo don't beat me to the steal deal again lol :cryyy:

 

[Gun]

Beautiful collection, nice work Isaac

 

[ktroy]

What's the difficulty of this for someone with zero experience. This is amazing.
If you have some free time, would you care to build me one at 445nm?

 

[scumbagatheist]

That's a fabulous host for a single-mode collection! I only went with Krytons because I know the host build and heard the Leadlight is difficult to assemble.
Do you find the assembly is easier than expected?

I notice you're doing a 532nm build in one. Does the standard sized module fit in these?

Did you find yourself a case yet? Should you decide against a metal case, I'm just gonna say I'm loving this new case of mine. I didn't plan on going plastic, but it's sooooo durable and hold so much!

I cannot wait to see the rest of your collection. Do us a favor and give us a build thread to let us know what you went through in assembly.

+1 for you, my friend!

 

[IsaacT]

Will do! :beer: yesterday I finished the 520. The difficult part for this build stems from the way I keep the cap on it. Everything has to be as well fitted as possible. Also, centering the button thing is fairly difficult.

As for the 532, I am going to have to really contemplate it since it won't quite go in.