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FrozenGate by Avery

From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking orders)

Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

You know, looking around at all the various other hosts which are really just gutted flashlights and checking their pricing... $70 isn't bad at all! Especially since Phobos contains a built in focus adapter and doesn't use a Pill (I'll be using DTR's driver-in module).

Only a few more questions: Will you offer the 17mm contact boards? What actually retains the contact board in place? I assume it is just cut to be a tight fit? If so, pinching the negative lead between it and the host is probably the way to go, right?
 
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Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

Sigurthr said:
You know, looking around at all the various other hosts which are really just gutted flashlights and checking their pricing... $70 isn't bad at all! Especially since Phobos contains a built in focus adapter and doesn't use a Pill (I'll be using DTR's driver-in module).
Click to expand...
Thanks! :) I was already beggining to think you folks gonna say "That's too much, you freak" :p

Sigurthr said:
Only a few more questions: Will you offer the 17mm contact boards? What actually retains the contact board in place? I assume it is just cut to be a tight fit? If so, pinching the negative lead between it and the host is probably the way to go, right?
Click to expand...
Only a few? I'm disappointed :p

Indeed, it's cut to fit the board tight, should not require glue to hold it in place, only a firm push. Can also easily be pushed out from the diode's way.

Pinching negative lead is one way, using diode's case pin is another. Or both. Can't hurt.

Now, since I was creating Phobos in mind with practicality... re-doing a 18650 battery host would step away from that design.

So, Phobos will remain 16340 host. I am now announcing that 18650 accepting host, named "Deimos" will be available soon - Bigger and more massive heatsink, direct pressfit design, accepting even 2x 16340 and 2x 18350.
 
Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

Oooh interesting!

Forgive the noob question, but 16340 is the size designation for RCR123a cells, correct?

I may have to give in and grab a Phobos for this next build after all and save Deimos for the next one, hehe. I dislike direct pressfit because tolerances are so critical, and getting it all apart again can be a nightmare.

Edit: also, I think extra heatsinking would be a waste for a 405 build like I have planned; only going to be running at 450mA! The build after this next one will be a 445 though, so Deimos would work well for that, can't have too much heatsinking at 1W+!
 
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Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

Sigurthr said:
Oooh interesting!

Forgive the noob question, but 16340 is the size designation for RCR123a cells, correct?

I may have to give in and grab a Phobos for this next build after all and save Deimos for the next one, hehe. I dislike direct pressfit because tolerances are so critical, and getting it all apart again can be a nightmare.

Edit: also, I think extra heatsinking would be a waste for a 405 build like I have planned; only going to be running at 450mA! The build after this next one will be a 445 though, so Deimos would work well for that, can't have too much heatsinking at 1W+!
Click to expand...

Yes, 16340 is lithium ion equivalent of CR123.
Also, notice that 18350 are beefier versions, better alternative if they fit in the hosts.They fit in mine :)

For 405nm build, you cannot have too much heatsinking - those are some of the most fragile diodes I've seen - they really have a noticable drop in power after a while of usage with only a few dozen miliamps above reccomended long-life current, or being ran hot in tiny hosts.

Not that Phobos is tiny, It'll do well for all 405nm builds - and one 18350 cell can supply all the current you'd need for that. It'll also do well for sub-1 W blue builds I'd say. Any more than that and you lose 100% duty cycle.

Ah, I believe I missed out on the previous question, will I supply the 17mm boards? No, unfortunately, I don't have a supply of those beside a few boards here which I stripped of components.

So do I put you down for one host for now?
 
Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

Good to know about the 18350's!

I agree about tiny hosts, it makes me cringe when I see a 1.3W monster in a host barely bigger than an 18650.

Yep, put me down for a Phobos. I've got enough funds for that right away as well, it's the ~$125+ of other stuff I've got to save up for.

Know a source of 17mm contact boards? I can't even get blank PCB's out here locally, not that I'd be able to cut them up properly anyway...
 
Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

Sigurthr said:
Good to know about the 18350's!

I agree about tiny hosts, it makes me cringe when I see a 1.3W monster in a host barely bigger than an 18650.

Yep, put me down for a Phobos. I've got enough funds for that right away as well, it's the ~$125+ of other stuff I've got to save up for.

Know a source of 17mm contact boards? I can't even get blank PCB's out here locally, not that I'd be able to cut them up properly anyway...
Click to expand...
Well,

You can have some of AMC7135 boards...
Quality AMC7135 350mA Regulated Circuit Board for DIY Flashlights 20-Pack - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

Cheap per quantity, even usable as drivers. You have different configuratiosn of AMC driver, up to 1.4A output, but very inefficient and starts dropping out as soon as it's warming up without proper heatsinking.

I am not sure if anybody sells blank 17mm boards as-is...


Anyway, you don't really need a 17mm board to make it work - the 3D desings don't show it, but a minor charge was introduced during production of the prototype, and that's the fact the battery barrel narrows down just before the thread for the heat part, so it stops the battery from being pushes all the way through,

So it's safe to have your driver directly soldered to the diode and just place a lenghtly spring on other end.
Provided you're Aixiz module is flush with front head piece (under the focus adapter), you've got just about one inch from the butt of the Aixiz to the metal cap of the battery.

Added to OP. Thanks :)
 
Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

Ah, that'l work. I don't need 20 though, haha! I found a listing for a single on DX, definitely an option.

Yeah the DTR module I'll be using has the driver inside the Aixiz module already wired up with battery leads protruding the small hole in the rear. I'm planning on just wiring up the module to a contact board, pinching the ground between the board and host and soldering the anode lead to a solderblob on the contact board. I don't really want to mess with having to find a suitable spring, and figuring out how to attach it to DTR's module and so on and so forth, haha.

It sucks having no tools, no real workbench (I use a sturdy plastic stack table/TV dinner table), and no access to common DIY items. We don't even have a store to buy tools at up here, unless you count WalMart.

Can't wait until they're (the Phoboses... or is it Phobi?) released!

P.S. If anyone else has a spare blank 17mm contact board they'd be willing to part with for a couple bucks + shipping, PM me.
 
Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

A'ight, I'll include one with your order. Free of charge :)
Thing is, I do have few spare ones for my projects, but not a steady supply of them.

Just be sure to remind me, include a note in your paypal saying "Don't you freaking forget the board, dumbass" or something. Otherwise I'll forget :p
 
Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

Oh wow, thank you very much Eud!!! Very generous of you, I really appreciate it!

Hehe, aye I'll be sure to remind ya when time comes. :D



Edit: (not double-posting!): Any update on the ETA?
 
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Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

Alright guys, sorry for the long time it took to update.

But here we are.

DSC02622.jpg

Sorry for image quality, my main DSLR camera died and I can't seem to find the charger for some reason.

Anyway, this is the host.

DSC02623.jpg

Stock 14mm contact switch will be included. It's a snug fit, but if you push a bit harder you can push it out of the tailcap no problems, so you can replace it with whatever you please.

You may notice this small part:
DSC02624.jpg


This is a small 13mm wide Aixiz replacement diode housing that will be included with those first 5 orders.

This is due to the bad condition of the drilling bit and chuck used to bore the 12mm hole for the aixiz. It resulted in 12.3 mm wide hole which resulted in too much offset when tightened with set screw, and the focusing adapter would not fit over the head.

Any further hosts ordered will not have the small Aixiz replacement, unless you want it, though it will cost $10 extra.

DSC02625.jpg


OK so, all in all, five of you who pre-ordered the host, shoot me a PM to let me know when you can pay, what adress to ship and the rest of the same ol' business stuff.

I will wait a day or two, if you don't contact me I'll shoot you a PM, in case you missed the update of forgotten about it.

Also, no strings attached, if you want to back out, no problems, I'll sell it somehow yet.

DSC02626.jpg


Some last minute updates.

The spring you use on your contact board must be at least 15 mm long to hit the battery, and the tailcap switch spring must be original 3 cm lenght, otherwise it may not hold contact very well.

Final confirmation is that yes, it will hold both 16340 and 18350 cells.

That's about it, any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
 
Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

I figure the thread deserves a bump now.

I've already purchased mine and tossed in for expedited shipping as I am rather impatient now that I have everything ready to go in the host, hehe.

Eudaimonium has done amazing work on these and has been really outstanding in customer service. I contacted him about my need for a precision fit and inability to change to a non-aixiz diode mount and he said NO PROBLEM! He reworked it for me in excellent time and has been truly accomodating every step of the way, including when I asked for expedited shipping.

I can't wait to receive this host and complete my 500mW+ 405nm build.
 
Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

Hey I receive my host today !
Well Done !
:beer:
 
Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

I can't wait!
I've got a 12x diode that's homeless right now!:na:
 
Re: From concept to reality - Phobos host (taking pre-orders)

I'll take one, tell me where to send my money! :-)
 
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