Hi jayrob. The 18650 kit looks awesome.
Was going to PM you, but figured I'd ask here before ordering so that others may see your answers.
1.
It looks like people are able to get a 1W 445 reliably running in there? (I guess there are "better" options, but I like the form factor of the 18650). Is this correct?
2.
Should an AixiZ module be ordered separately? (
5x Aixiz module for 5.6mm laser diodes (adjustable focus) [M0018] - $16.99 : Modwerx Shop) Can you do a partial copper module like this image?
http://www.sonic.net/~jayrob/Copper module 3.jpg I'm assuming that helps conduct heat away from the diode...
3.
Can you sell/adjust a FlexDrive to drive a 1W 445 diode? What output amperage would you set it at for 1W? What's the max that would be reliable? -- Assuming the driver needs to be set at about 1A for a 1W diode, this means that you don't recommend a flat machined (heatsinked) pill? That's only recommended for 1.5A+?
4.
You've said it's better to mount the driver inside the stock pill because it allows the heatsink to be slightly extended, but this seems counter-intuitive to me -- I would think that machining the stock pill would create more room for the diode heatsink... what am I missing?
5.
Regarding lenses, I seems to me that there are maybe 3 major options...
i. Aixez 405 (cleaner, less powerful)
ii. 405-G-1 (less clean, more powerful)
iii. 405-G-1 with a special retainer (cleaner than without retainer, not as clean as Aized 405, but powerful)
iv. Is there such a thing as a 445-G-1? or a 405-G-2? I feel like I saw these...
Are all these lenses suitable for a diode @ 1W
Thanks! Looking forward to your reply!