Important update:
The standard focusing adapter that comes with the Phobos Host does NOT properly fit a 405-G-2 lens and 12X 405nm diode. The threaded section of the focusing adapter is too long resulting in the lens being threaded in too far in to the adapter and thus the lens cannot go close enough to the diode to focus to infinity or even to a dot ~10ft out. The current work-around is to epoxy (NOT superglue) the lens in place in the focusing adapter at the apropriate position. Again if you install the lens in the focusing adapter until it is snug you will NOT be able to focus your laser beyond a very large spot a couple feet out.
Remember that the standard version for the Phobos has a head which features an aixiz-replacement press-fit diode recepticle and will NOT accept an aixiz module. My host was custom ordered to direct accept a standard aixiz module, so I cannot test if the problem arises with the press-fit aixiz-replacement piece Eudaimonium offers. The Custom Aixiz-Ready version is available upon request but you must be sure to request it.
I'm currently in talks with Eudaimonium for a custom focus adapter which will work with the 405-G-2 lens and will update accordingly.
Eudaimonium has been exceptionally understanding and very responsive to my custom needs and has been providing the best quality work I could hope for. Though my build is still ongoing (still waiting for the custom head section in the mail, and possibly the custom focus adapter) I'm still very pleased with this host. I just can't wait to finish it!
Just one update, I believe you missed it in the OP - the Aixiz replacement part shipped out with first 5 hosts are the only 5 hosts featuring that. After those 5, I have changed the machining process step a bit and now all Phobos will accept standard Aixiz modules.
Reason for that was, as I instructed my dad to machine those out, I found out that after using 12mm drill bit, the hole was far too wide (up to 12.7 mm), so simply using an Aixiz module in that resulted in it being offset too far (by tightened set screw) and focus adapter, having it's lens exactly in the middle, was prevented from fitting over the head of the host.
So that's why I made Aixiz replacements 13mm wide (and further widened the hole to 13mm) instead of all new hosts all together.
So yeah, from now on, don't worry, you can use Aixiz or whatever other standard 12mm modules you like.
This is actually true of quite a few custom focus adapters I've seen. For whatever reason, I find that custom focus adapters almost always thread further than stock Aixiz knobs.
The solution (I wouldn't even call it a "workaround", because it's a perfectly acceptable alternative) is as you've said, to affix the lens with something like epoxy.
The other alternative that works quite well is to use a small spacer between the lens and adapter. It can be almost anything - some aluminum, rubber, whatever you have access to.
It's common because you need to have some lead room to cut threads properly with a tap - even "bottoming" tap needs a few milimeters of headroom and that's where the problems begin, you need to get to the bottoming part of the thread with the lens, in order for it to fit snugly, so it always ends up being deeper than Aixiz rings. I believe they cut them with a cutter made for internal diameter cutting, not with a tap.
Thanks to Sigurthr for bringing this to my attention, I will see if I can't do a re-design of the focus adapter to fix the depth of the thread, I have a few ideas in mind, simple but should do the trick.
I will keep you guys posted.
P.S. Those damned switches still have not yet arrived, for last 4 of you who are waiting for their hosts, if they don't arrive this week, next Monday I'm shipping out all the hosts and organizing a shippment with a third party to have all the switches sent to you. You will need to install them yourself, but it's incredibly simple and you don't need any tools.
Anybody here who keeps 16mm clicky switches like these:
Clicky Switch for Flashlights (16mm 5-Pack) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
On stock?
I will pay you for them and shipping to these incredibly patient guys, so we can resolve this as fast as possible.
