Mini-review 50mW Green module from Fasttech

[IsaacT]

Does anyone know how to buy two of the wallbuys modules? It is just a buy now thing :/

 

[Soulero]

Does anyone know how to buy two of the wallbuys modules? It is just a buy now thing :/

Buy one and then buy another? They were too lazy to add a cart system I guess

 

[Pman]

Well, have more info. and pics to report plus once again USPS pulled a fast one on me and all the 532nm 3V modules plus a couple singel aaa pens MIGHT get delivered today.

The 5V 532nm that I posted about earlier can pot adjust. Messed with the one that was reading in the 30s and got it to double output. Ended up just setting it to 57mw because it was pretty constant there at a decent amp draw. Threw it in a harvested pen.

Could not clear the glue off the pot enough on the 405 so just left it alone and put it in a spare flashlight head that was the same as laser I built with a 50mw Fastech 532nm module. Awaiting more labels.

Pics of 405nm parts on left and 532nm on right

 

[Laik]

Do the 5V modules press fit into the pens? That looks like the one that doesn't have a threaded cap and the module inside is press fit. If it is the press fit, how did you get the original module out?

 

[awillis2589]

interesting the 405nm I got from them had like a aixiz plastic lens that was glued in place.

 

[Laik]

interesting the 405nm I got from them had like a aixiz plastic lens that was glued in place.

Very interesting... :thinking:

 

[Pman]

Got the original module out basically by brute force. Once I get the cap off,pull out the spring spacer and rip apart the board saving button (try to get the spring out without wrecking it too) go at it with a screwdriver or nut driver (something that will fit inside the host well. Most are REALLY hard to get put. You can put the front end down onto a piece of wood and then basically pound away. Once the module gets to even with the front end, it gets worse as you try to hold the top half with your hand and continue to pound it out. Problem is that it can take awhile because you can't stop your hand from taking a lot of the force. As I said, it is a PAIN in the butt!

Pens come in different diameters even though most look the same. It's a good idea for conductivity to bridge any gap between the module you're putting back in. You can wrap some thin gauge wire around the module but what I use is a very thin sheet of copper cut to size with test fits so it goes in an can almost hold the module in even with battery pressure on it. Can't remember where I got it but it must have been at some hardware store. Problem with it is that one side has adhesive and it's not fun to scrape it off.
In case you missed my earlier post, the 5V module runs with basically the same output from 5V+ and starts dropping power like any normal module below about 2.6V so it is very versatile.
This module however is rather long and you will find that the front threaded part will stick out up to just being able to get the front cap glued back in place (front of module hits inside of cap when button is aligned to switch). I did have to dremel down the cap slightly to not push the module in (keep the button aligned correctly.
I had another pen that looks the same as the one in the pic that has a slightly smaller diameter and would have been a bigger pain to fit properly so it looks normal.
If someone knows another way to get that stupid module out I'de like to know about it. May mess around with drilling to see if that helps or just makes things worse.
You jsut need to keep checking what you are doing and don't get too impatient or you will mess up the host. Be careful while pounding that you don't mess up the button hole.

It CAN be done as I've gone through it maybe 10 times. NOT fun though. You can see that the pen looks like new

Just got the 5 3V 5mw modules and the pens to test
Have to take a shower first though and then I'll report. The 532nm do have pots so that's a good sign

 

[IsaacT]

I think someone makes a tool that threads into the front of Aixiz modules for keeping them straight when turning. Seems like you could also use it to pull modules out. Just an idea, might require more force than applicable.

 

[Pman]

Would like to see that tool.

I'll try to post as I notice things.
The 2 single aaa pens are 55 and 35mw and I will be pulling out the 35mw one and test the pot.

Here's a pic of the 5 modules. Notice that sometimes the resistor is in the opposite way (doesn't matter), 4 of the 5 use the same resistor but one is physically smaller. Will be intersting to see what the one with a different resistor tests at.
I will do a quick test of each one at 3.2 and 4.2 V on my variable DC power supply and an IR test on any that have a different resistor (size or ohm). One of the leads has fallen off one but that's also normal.

 

[IsaacT]

I have a spare driver board from my old fasttech module. The beam was crooked so I messed with the pot too much and ruined it. If anyone wants the driver board to compare parts between it and the new 5mW ones just let me know. Pay for shipping and I will send it to you.

 

[Pman]

Good for you wannaburn Can't tell you guys how much I apreciate members that look out for and help eachother. I won't need it as I also have one I messed with too much and turned it into a 2mw that I can pass across a very reflective sign to get the point across of just how bright/dangerous these units can be if not treated with respect.

Here's the results so far with no adjustments. Testing at 4.2V showed no gain in output so here's the results with 3.2V.
47, 70, 60, 38, 55mw
What's very impressive is that I couldn't get more than 5% IR on any of them using glasses or an IR filter.
The milliamp readings were in line with their outputs from .26 to .39
Going to mess with the pot on the .26ma/38mw unit and see what happens.

Messed with every pot and the pens went from 35 to 42mw and 55 to 60.
Final results for the modules are 55, 80, 74, 43, 66 so you can get about 10% on average.
Takes a lot of messing around to get to the max output. The way I do it is write down the amps and mw turn off the power, let it sit for 2 minutes while making an extremely small adjustment (metal screwdriver when off) and then remeasuring. What I've found is that it is too easy (at least for me) to short the switch and blow the module/diode unless you use a non-conductive screwdriver to turn the pot while it is on. Going to just make a couple out of plastic I think.

 

[Laik]

Thanks for that :beer: These are a little weaker than the 50mW modules but 5 bucks cheaper. I think i can live with that :undecided:

 

[Pman]

You are most welcome guys

Have young kids or grandkids....
Why did Tigger look in the toilette?
He was searching for Pooh!

Now what did I do with all that stuff anyways?

Gordon flashlight from Harbor Freight. 2 aaa batts

Greenie that can run off 16340 or 18650

Couple of Jayrob pens (chrome and black). Haven't figured out what to do with the fronts yet as the Jayrob pens caps will never fit these.

So, how many pieces can I link on a module from a single aaa pen before I run out?
Front lens cap screws right off of them by the way.

What I actually did with that module was put it in a pen (single aaa). Can still put the star cap on.
Notice the big rubber? Button that is:crackup:

Likely will get the 5 more single aaa pens I ordered by the end of the week Still have some hosts to mess with

 

[Laik]

Just ordered a violet module to put in my shiny waterproof host and some eagle pair glasses. Nice builds and thanks once again

 

[Pman]

Most welcome.
By the way, not surprisingly the single AAA modules draw twice the current as the 3-5V modules.

 

[Lazerbeak]

:crackup: You're a nut! :crackup:

Nice work Pman, thanks for sharing

~ LB