*//CLOSED//* Options for Lenses

[airy52]

What are my options for lenses? All I see is the aixiz acrylic or glass, or a merideth. I just need the little metal enclosure, and the lens, so that I can put my diode in it and make a heat sink for it.
Can someone give me a summary of the different lenses, and their size or use. I know their are different "coatings.?" and such but am not well versed with their effects. Thanks so much!

 

[SenKat_Stonetek]

Re: Options for Lenses

Both Aixiz lenses are the same diameter, and will only fit an Aixiz module....the Meredith lens will only fit their module (which is MUCH more expensive than the Aixiz ones... I tried to get good pricing from Meredith on their diode housings and lenses, but failed miserably - I only was able to get the Aixiz ones at a decent price. I don't have a Meredith one handy to measure to get the exact dimensions, but those are listed on their site - the Aixiz modules are 12mmX30mm for the most popular type. If you are just pretty much starting out, get the regular Aixiz module with Acrylic lens - you can always buy just the glass lens at a later time if you wish Http://shop.stonetek.org

 

[airy52]

Re: Options for Lenses

I appreciate your help. But I will be making my own heatsink, meaning I will be using a metal lathe to mill a round aluminum cylinder with a hole and set screw for the diode. I just need to know the size of the lens casing. So I cant use the aixiz housing or lens because, I don't need a housing, and i dont plan on screwing the lens in. What kind of lenses can you use with Jayrobs heatsinks? I may be wrong about stuff I said I'm new, but learning quick.

 

[Glaserfan]

Re: Options for Lenses

Jayrob makes his heatsinks to fit a meredith or aixiz module inside, snugly fit with a set screw for good measure. If you need a heatsink for a host other than he has used, he will need dimensions.

If you are going to make your own, it is best to make the hole for the diode so that only the "can" of the diode pokes through, and the rest of the hole is made so the diode must be pressed in. A set screw holding a diode is a recipe for trouble. Also, a fixed lens setup will be difficult to get decent focus with. You will have to choose between "infinty focus"(hard to achieve without adjustablity), or a "burn focus". A lens in a threaded housing allows you to choose between these at any time

My suggestion is if you want to machine your own heatsink, make one that can fit either an Aixiz or a Meredith module inside.

 

[airy52]

Re: Options for Lenses

Oh I see... I am going to purchase the aixiz module then. How does he fit that long huge module, inside his short narrow heatsink..? you must have to modify the module?

 

[Glaserfan]

Re: Options for Lenses

You just simply do not use the "tail cap"- the longest piece in the pic below.

The pic shows, from left to right, the tail cap, "nut", lens spring, threaded lens housing with lens inside, and focusing ring. The diode presses into the end where the threads are for the tail cap. The focusing ring threads tight onto the lens assembly and makes focusing easier than turning the black housing on its own.

 

[daguin]

Re: Options for Lenses

You just simply do not use the "tail cap"- the longest piece in the pic below.

The pic shows, from left to right, the tail cap, "nut", lens spring, threaded lens housing with lens inside, and focusing ring. The diode presses into the end where the threads are for the tail cap. The focusing ring threads tight onto the lens assembly and makes focusing easier than turning the black housing on its own.

Or you cut it off so that it is flush with the bottom of the heat sink. That leaves the most metal possible still in contact with the heat sink to assist in heat exchange.

Peace,
dave

 

[airy52]

Re: Options for Lenses

Good idea Dave, thanks. And thanks for the help Glaserfan it makes much more sense now. Is their anything like the merideth case, it seems more durable and not plastic... and smaller..

 

[daguin]

Re: Options for Lenses

Good idea Dave, thanks. And thanks for the help Glaserfan it makes much more sense now. Is their anything like the merideth case, it seems more durable and not plastic... and smaller..

I'm not quite sure what your concern is here. You don't really "remove" the lens in an aiXiz module so it being "plastic" is not really an issue. Since this is in the Red board, I am assuming you are building a red laser. If so you can replace the plastic aiXiz lens nut and acrylic lens with a metal lens nut and a glass lens. Stonetek carries them. You will actually get a little more power through the glass lens.

Beyond that, there really isn't anything like the Merideth module. There is the Merideth module and the aiXiz module and the Sure module. The Sure module is like the aixiz module, but a little shorter. If none of these will work for you, you are pretty much left to your own ability to fabricate something.

Most people avoid the Merideth module because it is significantly more expensive than the aiXiz and the Sure and you have to purchase an adapter for the 5.6mm diodes we use.

Peace,
dave

 

[airy52]

Re: Options for Lenses

bought aixiz and glass lens. thanks greg!

 

[sk8er4514]

Re: Options for Lenses

You just simply do not use the "tail cap"- the longest piece in the pic below.

The pic shows, from left to right, the tail cap, "nut", lens spring, threaded lens housing with lens inside, and focusing ring. The diode presses into the end where the threads are for the tail cap. The focusing ring threads tight onto the lens assembly and makes focusing easier than turning the black housing on its own.

I like the pic there, who took that ???

(sarcasm, that's my pic, and i sell the Aixiz and Sure laser modules for $4 and ~$3 respectively)

just thought i'd mention that i own that picture and sell those items

 

[airy52]

stop advertising everywhere. build your own template. take some original pictures. sell something original. :-?