first build

[Matti]

hi all,
just thought id document my first ever construction attempt . it is a 50mw 532nm module from ebay, fitted in 'custom' washer heatsink with a cree XM-LL host. it took a lot longer than i expected, however i can put this down to my nobbish first time soldering attempts :/. it feels surprisingly solid in hand, dispute the ghetto appearance (its worse on the inside :crackup. the only thing i dislike is that it is very temperamental, but i suppose that is enevitable.
overall I'm happy with how it turned out, and i look forward to developing my hand at this hobby,
(sorry about the picture quality) check it out !!

 

[cheech226]

good job! keep practicing your solder skills, you'll need them if you keep it up. it's very satisfying to "roll your own".

 

[SerpantSlayer]

you could get a custom focus adapter and make the front a lot sexier

heres some examples: http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-custom-focus-rings-any-build-52448.html

 

[mikesnap99]

That isn't that ghetto at all. What kind of soldering iron do you have. I learned the hard way that the right tools make building so much easier. I went through 2 diodes and a driver before I got my new iron, haven't kill anything yet. If you would like I can post the link to the station I have. It beats the $100 Weller stations at my school and its only a fraction of the cost. Once again nice job!

Mike

 

[Matti]

ok cool yea those focus adapter do look good , it just tops it all off. thanks mike, that would be great. yea it would be worth investing in a new iron, the one i have is not going to cut it with the smaller diodes and drivers.
thanks again,
Matti

 

[mikesnap99]

Here you go! Velleman 50W Soldering Station : VTSS5U . It comes with a different iron holder, mine was metal. They are fantastic! I personally like it more than any other station I have used. Also there are extra tips on there site to by. You may want to pick one up so that you don't have to pay shipping a second time.

Mike

 

[Matti]

fantastic thanks Mike

 

[mikesnap99]

Anytime! A friend passed it on to me, and I loved it so why not spread the news.