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FrozenGate by Avery

Laser Contest #1 - Best Laser under $100

Who has the best laser under $100?

  • Pman

    Votes: 1 2.8%

  • scumbagatheist

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • jayrob

    Votes: 1 2.8%

  • Atomicrox

    Votes: 3 8.3%

  • wannaburnstuff

    Votes: 3 8.3%

  • wheedy

    Votes: 1 2.8%

  • grainde

    Votes: 19 52.8%

  • styropyro

    Votes: 12 33.3%

  • bloompyle

    Votes: 1 2.8%

  • Speedy78

    Votes: 2 5.6%
  • Total voters
    36
  • Poll closed .
Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Thanks guys! I was trying to go the unique route, plus I haven't built in a few days too long :p

Comparing them is hard... I'll try..

638 vs 658 is like comparing the real red crayon or colored pencil, to the red violet one. It's not quite purple, but it's not quite red. Like a light blood red..following?

658 vs 685 is like that same red violet, to a pure dark red. Like a brighter version of what you see out of 808nm. It's a more visible version of that, I'd even say the same, just more visible. It's very tricky to explain past 658.. When you first see it, it's like you can, but your brain tells you you shouldn't. It's almost not there, but color-wise, it's a higher visibility 780/808nm.

Does that clear anything up? I recommend grabbing them on ebay, they're frequently there for 3 for $10. That's the easiest way, just don't drive them past 50mA! These are VERY picky diodes!
 
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Are there any higher mW 685 diodes out there? Ugh now I will be needing 8 of Jay's pen hosts instead of 7.

Wavelengths planned:
405 (12X @ 400mA)
450 (PL450 @ 300mA) parts ready
520 (PL520 @ 300mA) parts ready
532 (Fasttech @ 115mW) parts ready
638 (Opnext Single Mode @ 290mA) parts ready
650 (DTR's @ 478mA)
660 (LPC815 @ 478mA)
685 (? @ ?mA)

This will please me :) then we just need some development on available yellow wavelength modules.
 
Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

You don't want me listing me listing wavlengths for you ;)

Unless you want to pay an arm and a leg, there aren't any higher ones. Last time I checked, though I will get that information for you and get back to you. Drive it around 50-60mA, the lower the better.

Where's your 642nm Opnext diode? ;) (you could ask me the same thing...just have the diode collecting dust) If you want, you could also do an IR with a 780 or 808nm diode as well.

Making a thread with this build in a min, got a couple more beam shots to add too.
 
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Where do you get an 642nm Opnext diode??
 
Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Fast Phobos.

Host: 35$
Fasttech 50mW 532: 15$
Sink repair kit (black o-rings): 3.99$
Old hard drive (additional aluminum ring): I'll say 5$. In reality it was free.
Total:58.99$



 
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Wow, a lot of entries! I believe I've added you all :).

Sorry wheedy, I hadn't seen your submission till just then, it has been added.

Also styropyro, there is actually a 3 picture limit but I'm not going to bother cutting out pictures from anyone's submissions this contest, I will next time. Instead I've just removed the video from yours :).

If you see any mistakes or if I've missed anyone, please let me know.
 
Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Thanks Gun! Sweet build Speedy :) Love the GITD.

~ LB
 
Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

3-Mode M140 builds

These little beasts are great EDC lasers. Pushing 330am on high, 90am on low, and strobe.

Cost of the black one-
$54 - diode in module w/ lens
$15 copper heat sink
$5 host + driver
$1 for flux & epoxy

$75 - Total

- The silver one comes in a little higher with the tricked out lenses on it.

Build threads for both lasers are here.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/sharp-looking-3-mode-mini-pic-heavy-79016.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/cree-q5-made-into-3-mode-445nm-78739.html

dsc00546km.jpg


dsc00547fs.jpg
 
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Very cool lasers..... bloompyle your laser is just out of this world... congratulations. I can't imagine the difficulty building such a nice unit.

I don't think I am going to submit my entry because after starting the modification of the laser I was going to post I realized I needed something that wouldn't make it on time for the end of the contest, and also I am quite busy in this days.

But I am glad to see that all of this is working, people are submiting very nice lasers, and amazing builds.
 
Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

TheDukeAnumber1, your entry has been added :beer:
 
Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Sweet Duke, love the silver build, bonus for multimode!

Disappointing Norbyx :( Look forward to a build thread though. I'll be posting one too ;)

~ LB
 
Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Wonderful builds/mods here! So many great things in so many ways I feel too overwhelmed to comment on individaul ones:)
What appeals to everyone is different and that's what is going to make the results so interesting.
 
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

^ I agree.

With the next contest, do you think I should set a limit the number of entries? Like 10 or 15?

Also, how can I change the title of the thread, do I need a mod to do that?
 
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Re: Competition #1 - Best Laser under $100

Click the "go advanced" tab on the OP and it gives you the option to change it :) IMHO i don't think the limit should be on No. of entries, i think it should just be a time limit.
 
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