Cheap LOC build

[comradmax]

HOST: HomeDepot flashlight (2-pack for $5, so $2.5)
HEATSINK: Mohrenberg ($5)
LENS: Aixiz 650nm coated glass ($6)
DIODE: LOC ($10)
DRIVER: LD1117 (70c), two 3 Ohm resistors (20c)
I: 415mA (priceless)
BATT: 2x10440 in series ($5)
MODULE: Aixiz ($2.5)

The HD 2-pack flashlights come in red and silver in my example. The red's tail button strangely stopped working properly after a very short time, so I used the silver's back in the meantime. I later saw a different red flashlight for $2 at HD, it was cheaper to buy it for its tail, so now I'm back to all red for a little extra money wasted.

The original heatsink as made by Mohrenberg stood on a little mount and was a tad too long. I used a hacksaw and a $5 vise to make a straight cut to shorten the heatsink. The fit for diameter is nearly perfect. The stock pill was de-soldered of LEDs and solder mounds; it turned out a little too thick to make the flashlight do a full close - there is a gap now between the head at the body tube, I placed an o-ring over it to pretend like it's on purpose.

Not sure of runtimes yet, but so far a little over 30 mins from 8.4V down to 7.15V.

My previous 650nm coated Aixiz glass lens had a much cleaner spill. I bought 2 of these now and both have this same pattern. I am guessing it's the image of the inside of the optical cavity showing up?..:thinking:

 

[comradmax]

I took pictures side-by-side with my 1st LOC build, also using a glass Aixiz 650 lens. I bought 2 more, and the new ones seem to have more spill. I can make out the shape of the inside of the diode with the 2 pins and the hump in between. Does this mean the back of the new lens is not coated so it's reflecting more light into the optical cavity allowing it to be seen in the spill?

 

[jander6442]

nice build!!! what happend to the bottom ring that holds the other magnet. I like the red for red host.

LOL I have one on my desk right now.

 

[comradmax]

Thanx Jander! I liked your PHR build you did in this host.

The ring doesn't stay on anymore. I had to use a button from a diff red flashlight, and it's a little smaller diameter, so the ring falls off

 

[jander6442]

keep up the builds man!

 

[Benm]

Looks like a very good result, especially considering how little you spent on it. Did you order that heatsink specifically for this host, or was it a lucky fit?

 

[comradmax]

Very lucky, considering how good the fit is. OD=1", I bought 5 of these from Mohrenberg, then it was a matter of checking every flashlight everywhere I went - spent a lot of time at Target, for example...

 

[jander6442]

Thanx Jander! I liked your PHR build you did in this host.

The ring doesn't stay on anymore. I had to use a button from a diff red flashlight, and it's a little smaller diameter, so the ring falls off

Thanks I'm glad you like that host I have built 445nm units with that host
active cooled units of all ranges also.

Its nice to have the magnets to latch on to things very convenient.