FS: Star Trek Phaser 'Hot' Option! Or, Individual Parts...

[jayrob]

seems pretty sexy, but i think you dont mention the price for a reason

Actually, the price will depend on how much of it will be DIY, or if you want the complete 'Hot' option kit. Which is the complete build except for the laser diode...

In the first post, all the pricing is listed for the 12X build. (right above the 445 build)

The 445 build will be priced very similar, just a couple of added expenses for the voltage regulators, extra LED to illuminate out of the vent plate (which can also be done for a 12X build), a little more time involved in the parallel Li-Ion build with wiring and stuff, plus a driver heatsink, etc...

It's a very comparable price as is shown for the 12X. It will also depend on what lens choice. For a 12X, you will most likely want a 405-G-1. But for a 445 build, you may choose the AixiZ 445 glass lens.

But yes, as you look at the list of parts and stuff in the first post, you can see that the parts do add up on this build. But I'm not trying to hide it. It's there for you to see...

 

[Deckard]

First I must mention that proper eye protection is needed:
ARG - Blu Ray, Argon, Blue, KTP [NR-ARG-EN207] - $80.50

I recommend getting the diode pre-installed into an AixiZ module with lead wires soldered on... (yes the heatsink is fit for an AixiZ module)

In that case, all you will have to do, is connect your diode leads to my driver leads.

In the first post, there is a section on '445'. Take a close look at it. It involves using 2 X 14500 Li-Ion batteries in parallel for a 1.5 Amp set up. (people are pushing them to 1.8 Amps and maybe even a little higher, but 1.5 Amps is plenty good. And also better for longevity - that said, nobody knows how long the diode will last at 1.5 Amps either)

Yes, highly recommended is the EzFocus adapter with a 445 build.

Send me a private message for ordering the 'Hot' option kit! (I keep several mint condition phasers on hand)

Hey Jay,

Thanks for the fast response! I'm definitely aware of the need for eye protection, especially at these outputs. My general approach is to treat any laser of class III B or above exactly the way I'd treat a loaded firearm: always assume it's "loaded," always be aware of where it's pointing, always know what's behind your target, always ensure your line of fire is clear, always keep the "safety" on and your finger off the "trigger" until you're ready to fire, and always wear hearing (eye) protection. You really can't be too careful.

A few more questions occurred to me. First, do you know if daguin uses the 445 glass lenses in his AixiZ modules? I'm assuming that's the case, but I figured it's better to know for sure. From everything I've read, I gather the AixiZ 445 lens is the preferred way to go.

Second, do you have a rough idea of the "average" output these are getting when driven @ 1.5 amps, assuming the AixiZ 445 lens? I'll be extremely happy with anything over 1W, but I'm just curious.

Finally, with the driver and diode heatsinks in this build (assume copper for the diode), what kind of firing duration and cool-down times do you run (keeping it conservative)?

Thanks again,

Doug

 

[jayrob]

You'll have to check with Dave, but I would imagine it comes with an AixiZ acrylic lens. Which is what comes with an AixiZ module.

I have the AixiZ 445 glass lenses for $11 bucks, and it's better that I sell one with the kit anyway. Because I use the lens (installed into the EzFocus adapter), and a blank module as well, in order to align the heatsink and glue it in place. Then it's better to ship everything assembled like that.

Normal efficiency 445 diodes will give you about 1.3 Watts @ 1.5 Amps with an AixiZ 445 glass lens.

About duty. It will have a copper heatsink for the module. (recommended)

And I'm sure it will do more, but I always recommend a 1 minute duty. It's a good habit to get into for normal use. Usually, with a phaser, your run times will probably be much shorter than that though...

 

[Deckard]

Hey Jay,

Really appreciate the lightning response! :thanks:

You'll have to check with Dave, but I would imagine it comes with an AixiZ acrylic lens. Which is what comes with an AixiZ module.

I have the AixiZ 445 glass lenses for $11 bucks, and it's better that I sell one with the kit anyway. Because I use the lens (installed into the EzFocus adapter), and a blank module as well, in order to align the heatsink and glue it in place. Then it's better to ship everything assembled like that.

Okay, I think I just won the Newbie award. I thought the EzFocus adapter had a separate lens in addition to the primary lens in the AixiZ module. I didn't realize the lens went into the EzFocus adapter instead of in the AixiZ module.

Normal efficiency 445 diodes will give you about 1.3 Watts @ 1.5 Amps with an AixiZ 445 glass lens.

Uh... wow. :takeit:

I'll probably be ordering my diode/AixiZ module from Dave tomorrow. I've already got a NIB 6118 phaser on the way. Then I just have to put the rest of the $$ together. I'll PM you when I'm ready to go.

Thanks again!

Doug

 

[Deckard]

Hi Jay,

How difficult do you think it would be to modify your phaser build to enable, say, two power settings - one at 1.5 A, and one at maybe 600 mA? The reason I ask is that I have concerns over being able to practically operate it in my home (which I definitely want to be able to do) at "full power" without worrying about setting things on fire :scared: ; yet at the same time, I want to be able to use it at "full power" outdoors.

I don't know enough about the organization of the electronics to know if the switch at the back that's used to select between the "stun" sound and the "kill" sound could also be used to select between two power outputs, or if that's simply not doable. Even if the electronics could work, would the switch be robust enough to handle the current load?

If it could be made to work, would you essentially need to have two completely independent FlexDrives to do it?

If you could do it, do you have a rough estimation of what it might cost in terms of extra parts and extra work? If you think it's a nonstarter, no problem; I figured it never hurts to ask, and hopefully it's a challenge you might enjoy chewing on.

Thanks again for answering all the questions I keep asking; your help is much appreciated. :thanks:

Doug

 

[jayrob]

Hmmm...

Well I never really thought about it.

I know that people are using cheap LED drivers on some builds because these 445 diodes are tough, and seem to be able to work with some switching drivers. But I have not experimented with any LED drivers in a laser build...

Then comes to mind that those drivers switch modes by turning them off / on in a short time. Like 1 second or so.

And since this build uses a momentary switch for the trigger, I would think that you will often switch modes when you did not plan on it. (possibly)

About having dual drivers with and external switch. I've never thought about trying to do that either... :thinking:

Not sure I could set it up like that, because of current back feeding into the unused driver could damage it. (just my first thought)

So in my initial response, I would not want to try messing with a dual power set up. Besides, even at low power, the laser will be very hazardous. And extreme care would be needed. The bigger hazard is eye hazard, not fire.

Proper eye protection is needed:
ARG - Blu Ray, Argon, Blue, KTP [NR-ARG-EN207] - $80.50

 

[Deckard]

Besides, even at low power, the laser will be very hazardous. And extreme care would be needed. The bigger hazard is eye hazard, not fire.

Proper eye protection is needed:
ARG - Blu Ray, Argon, Blue, KTP [NR-ARG-EN207] - $80.50

Absolutely. I don't take eye protection lightly, and I understand and respect the hazards that a 0.5W beam poses to the eyes.

As long as I don't have to worry about the walls or the carpet bursting into flames...

Hmmm...

Well I never really thought about it.

I know that people are using cheap LED drivers on some builds because these 445 diodes are tough, and seem to be able to work with some switching drivers. But I have not experimented with any LED drivers in a laser build...

Then comes to mind that those drivers switch modes by turning them off / on in a short time. Like 1 second or so.

And since this build uses a momentary switch for the trigger, I would think that you will often switch modes when you did not plan on it. (possibly)

Yeah, I definitely wouldn't want to use anything cheap or hinky. Everything I've read says that you do extremely high-quality work :bowdown: and I don't want to throw anything in that would lower the quality or dependability of the build.

About having dual drivers with and external switch. I've never thought about trying to do that either... :thinking:

Not sure I could set it up like that, because of current back feeding into the unused driver could damage it. (just my first thought)

:thinking: Couldn't you just drop a diode between each FlexDrive and the laser diode to prevent the current from back-feeding? Wouldn't that ensure that only forward-biased current would be able to flow through each circuit?

 

[jayrob]

:thinking: Couldn't you just drop a diode between each FlexDrive and the laser diode to prevent the current from back-feeding? Wouldn't that ensure that only forward-biased current would be able to flow through each circuit?

Honestly, I'm not sure??

I would have to do some experimenting to find out. Unless somebody has already done something like that...

 

[Deckard]

After watching another video of this specific phaser in action (it was the video that LKY2009 posted), as well as a few other lasers of similar output power being fired indoors, I'm not nearly as concerned about things "bursting into flames." (Chalk it up to n00b naivete)

If a dual power setup is something you'd like to dig into for your own curisoity, fantastic - I'm still interested - but if it's something you really don't feel like messing with, it's no problem. I will be extremely happy with the build as-is. :yh:

 

[jayrob]

After watching another video of this specific phaser in action (it was the video that LKY2009 posted), as well as a few other lasers of similar output power being fired indoors, I'm not nearly as concerned about things "bursting into flames." (Chalk it up to n00b naivete)

If a dual power setup is something you'd like to dig into for your own curisoity, fantastic - I'm still interested - but if it's something you really don't feel like messing with, it's no problem. I will be extremely happy with the build as-is. :yh:

It's pretty perfect as it is... (IMO)

I'd rather not try to set up a dual power build. Mostly because I don't know how I would do that. (admittedly)

But also, I don't see myself wanting to turn it down?? I know for me, if there is a high power, then that is where it will be at. On high!

Send me a private message for ordering a kit! (you will have to get your own laser diode)

 

[Deckard]

It's pretty perfect as it is... (IMO)

I'd rather not try to set up a dual power build. Mostly because I don't know how I would do that. (admittedly)

But also, I don't see myself wanting to turn it down?? I know for me, if there is a high power, then that is where it will be at. On high!

Send me a private message for ordering a kit! (you will have to get your own laser diode)

I retrieved said diode (installed in the appropriate AixiZ module, with leads soldered to its terminals) from my mailbox nary 15 minutes ago. :yh:

I think at this point I'm leaning toward going with it as-is. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I could see maybe down the line trying it out just to do it, but right now, with relatively limited funds, I'll stick with the outstanding build you've put together. :bowdown:

I'm putting the money together now (might take me another few weeks), and I'll PM you when I'm ready to go. If you have any other thoughts about how to do a dual-power build, let me know; I'm always interested in tossing ideas around.

 

[Deckard]

Re: FS: Star Trek Phaser Parts! 'Hot' Option Available! Or, Individual Parts...

Holy Mother of God!

:lasergun:

I ordered the 1.5 amp 445 "Hot Option" from Jay a few weeks ago, and I finally got around to installing the diode (pre-installed in an AixiZ module, complete with leads, from Dave Guin) last night.

This thing is AMAZING!

I had Jay mod the battery compartment to accept protected AW 14500's (which ended up working great, and I think he now offers it as a standard option), but otherwise it's the exact same build you see in the pictures and videos of the 1.5 amp 445 build. All the work is perfect - nothing sloppy, everything of the highest quality - from the arming switch (which looks like it came that way from the factory) to the last solder joint. The machining on the copper heat sink and the EzFocus adapter is, at the risk of overusing the word, perfect.

The beam this thing fires is scary (in the best possible way). If you don't respect the amount of power these things put out, you don't have any business acquiring one. And on that note...

I bought 2 pairs of Eagle Pair laser safety glasses the same day I put in my order with Jay - one for me, and one for anyone else who happens to be anywhere near where I'm discharging this. With the glasses on, you can't see the beam - they reduce the specific frequency comprising the beam by a factor of 10,000 (OD 4), which for all practical purposes completely erases the visual appearance of the beam from existence. But you can see the spot. If you want to see the beam (and trust me, you do!), shoot video - your eyesight is worth the trouble. Do not, under any circumstances, discharge one of these - or for that matter, even arm it by turning on the safety switch - without safety glasses on.

The effect of having an actual phaser in hand, firing it at something and hearing the classic, unmistakeable sound of a phaser discharging, and seeing the brilliant flashing where the beam is hitting the target - followed by the target (in this case, a piece of paper) bursting into flame - is beyond cool. If you're a sci-fi geek, or someone who just has an appreciation for weapons technology, or science and technology in general - and you have an understanding and respect for the potential danger these kinds of power densities entail - do yourself a favor and get one. They're worth every penny, and you will not be disappointed.

 

[jayrob]

Re: FS: Star Trek Phaser Parts! 'Hot' Option Available! Or, Individual Parts...

Holy Mother of God!

:lasergun:

I ordered the 1.5 amp 445 "Hot Option" from Jay a few weeks ago, and I finally got around to installing the diode (pre-installed in an AixiZ module, complete with leads, from Dave Guin) last night.

This thing is AMAZING!

I had Jay mod the battery compartment to accept protected AW 14500's (which ended up working great, and I think he now offers it as a standard option), but otherwise it's the exact same build you see in the pictures and videos of the 1.5 amp 445 build. All the work is perfect - nothing sloppy, everything of the highest quality - from the arming switch (which looks like it came that way from the factory) to the last solder joint. The machining on the copper heat sink and the EzFocus adapter is, at the risk of overusing the word, perfect.

The beam this thing fires is scary (in the best possible way). If you don't respect the amount of power these things put out, you don't have any business acquiring one. And on that note...

I bought 2 pairs of Eagle Pair laser safety glasses the same day I put in my order with Jay - one for me, and one for anyone else who happens to be anywhere near where I'm discharging this. With the glasses on, you can't see the beam - they reduce the specific frequency comprising the beam by a factor of 10,000 (OD 4), which for all practical purposes completely erases the visual appearance of the beam from existence. But you can see the spot. If you want to see the beam (and trust me, you do!), shoot video - your eyesight is worth the trouble. Do not, under any circumstances, discharge one of these - or for that matter, even arm it by turning on the safety switch - without safety glasses on.

The effect of having an actual phaser in hand, firing it at something and hearing the classic, unmistakeable sound of a phaser discharging, and seeing the brilliant flashing where the beam is hitting the target - followed by the target (in this case, a piece of paper) bursting into flame - is beyond cool. If you're a sci-fi geek, or someone who just has an appreciation for weapons technology, or science and technology in general - and you have an understanding and respect for the potential danger these kinds of power densities entail - do yourself a favor and get one. They're worth every penny, and you will not be disappointed.

Sounds like you got your diode installed and everything...

Thanks for posting back with your comments!

That same build that you have there, recently caught the eye of a reporter for Popular Science magazine, and they did a short article on it for the July, 2011 issue...

Here's some information on this specific 1.5 Amp/1.3 Watt build:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f42/1-5-amp-445nm-phaser-build-62371.html

 

[Deckard]

I should probably re-post this in that thread... didn't know there was a separate one for this build.

 

[jayrob]

I should probably re-post this in that thread... didn't know there was a separate one for this build.

I'm glad you posted here! Gave my sales thread a bump...

I showed that build in the experiments and modifications forum because it has quite a bit of modification with the voltage regulators and stuff. This was in order to be able to use the Li-Ion's in parallel, but that meant regulating the voltage to the sound board and LED's...

 

[rpaloalto]

Re: FS: Star Trek Phaser Parts! 'Hot' Option Available! Or, Individual Parts...

Sounds like you got your diode installed and everything...

Thanks for posting back with your comments!

That same build that you have there, recently caught the eye of a reporter for Popular Science magazine, and they did a short article on it for the July, 2011 issue...

Here's some information on this specific 1.5 Amp/1.3 Watt build:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f42/1-5-amp-445nm-phaser-build-62371.html

Your our reagular celebrity here on LPF:wave: