Jayrob's Large Maglite Monster Kit

[Shadowspawn]

I thought people might like seeing the results of a laser built using Jayrob's wonderful Large Maglite Monster Kit:

http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/f...exmodp3-side-button-forward-clicky-57278.html

In the picture, I include another laser I own, just for fun. The Jayrob Large Maglite Monster is the physically largest laser I have. The other one (a Wannaburn built unit) is the physically smallest laser that I have. Both are 445nm, in the 1000 mW range. Interesting contrast, eh?

I received this kit in mid-March, but it unfortunately sat in the closet for a month, because when I took it out of the mailbox on an evening, I was leaving for Japan at 3 AM that night.

Got home recently, and got back to this, and you can see the results above.

As I requested, Jayrob configured this with a removable custom sleeve with machined tail cap and spring mod, so that even though I am using 32600 batteries now, I have the option of using 26650 batteries in the future if I can't get more new 32600's; with the FlexModP3 driver 'Hot' option set at 1.6 Amps; and with a Knurled EzFocus adapter.

Assembly was straightforward. It took a lot longer than the "5 minutes" which is supposed to be typical with the 'Hot option', but that is because I don't have very steady hands, need a new eyeglasses prescription for close-up work, and my soldering skills are kind of rusty.

Got it all put together, fired it up, and it worked!

No beamshot pictures, because the pictures in Jayrob's "for sale" thread pretty much show what the beamshots look like.

I love having this host mounted in a pistol grip as shown above. The comfort, control, and ease of pointing with the pistol grip far exceeds holding a laser pointer like a flashlight.

I'm kind of disappointed with the output that I am getting. It meters at about 1200 mW; with the FlexModP3 driver set at 1.6A, I had expected better than 1200 mW. But, that's only my problem, not a problem with the kit. I used a random diode that I had on hand, with unknown and possibly low efficiency. And my soldering skills are not that great, so I might have a high-resistance connection in the sequence somewhere.

All in all, a very cool unit, which I am happy to have.

 

[lazeerer]

Now that is sexy. I love Jayrob's work. He has skills to say the least.

I still call him JayRobot.:crackup:

Nice Review.

+:beer:

 

[jayrob]

Glad you like it!

About the output. You must have the AixiZ 445 lens huh? That, plus maybe a slightly lower efficiency diode...

Still plenty bright I'm sure.

But if you want to turn it up a little, the instruction sheet that I included, has a picture of the driver, and shows which pot is the one to adjust.

Normally, you would disconnect the diode, and use a test load for getting an exact setting. But these FlexModP3 drivers are so solid in the adjustment, you can pretty much just turn the pot 1/2 turn, and it will be 100mA's... (clockwise for more current)

In other words. If you turn the pot 1/2 turn clockwise, it will be at 1.7 Amps. These drivers are so consistent, that I could recommend that, even without disconnecting your diode...

 

[Shadowspawn]

A couple of people have PM'd me as to where I got this monster kit.

See here:

http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-large-maglite-monster-kits-flexmodp3-side-button-forward-clicky-57278.html

 

[Shadowspawn]

About the output. You must have the AixiZ 445 lens huh? That, plus maybe a slightly lower efficiency diode...

Still plenty bright I'm sure.

But if you want to turn it up a little, the instruction sheet that I included, has a picture of the driver, and shows which pot is the one to adjust.
.
.
.

Yes, I do have the standard (old) AixiZ lens.

It is PLENTY bright, and the instructions for adjusting the power were very clear and helpful ("touch only that potentiometer screw at the end of the line of three screws on the driver"):

http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-large-maglite-monster-kits-flexmodp3-side-button-forward-clicky-57278.html

I do plan to experiment with it in a couple of weeks -- but I am still pretty busy digging out of spending most of the last month dealing with things in Japan (I have not done my Income Taxes yet, yikes!), and I really don't have time to do much detail work yet, and so I'm pretty pleased just to have gotten this unit put together and working.

In a couple of weeks, I'll start experimentally making changes to it. Maybe try one of the other diodes I have on hand, maybe play with the pot setting, check the quality of my solder joints, etc...

To be clear, I consider the (currently low) power output totally a hobby issue for me. It's all my diode, my soldering, and an easily adjustable driver should I choose to do that.

 

[Prototype]

If you're using the aixiz acrylic you need to switch lenses fast. The acrylic starts to degrade beyond a few hundred milliwatts, and it will smoke and can get on the window of the 445 diode, which is bad. You'll see a nice power boost as well, though 1200mW is plenty much for a portable laser.

 

[Shadowspawn]

If you're using the aixiz acrylic you need to switch lenses fast. The acrylic starts to degrade beyond a few hundred milliwatts, and it will smoke and can get on the window of the 445 diode, which is bad. You'll see a nice power boost as well, though 1200mW is plenty much for a portable laser.

Not a problem When I did the assembly, I used an older (several months ago sales) AiZix 3-element glass lens.

I am interested in trying one of the more recent, "improved" AiZix lenses.

 

[lazeerer]

^^ You can try it sooner then you thought. The Laser you are getting Has the New improved lens in it.