My first NUBM44 build

[94Z28]

Please note that this is in the planning stages as of right now, I have decided that the next complete build I do will be with a NUBM44 diode from one of the guys here.


*Update > 7/29/16
What I do know is it will be running a NUBM44 diode.
*Maglite 2D Black Host
Jayrob's aluminum heatsink
Arctic Alumina Thermal Paste
2x Feilong 32650
SXD @ 4.5A - maybe copper sink then pasted to mag head sink.

*****************************************
Started prepping host tonight. Some pictures and such, I cannot give you as good a guide as other guys here have done but I will share what I have.

First, squeeze your switch button/cover and pull out.

Then, find the proper allen key and insert down the middle of the switch like so. You will turn it counter-clockwise (Lefty-Loose) as normal, until the switch is moving freely inside the host. All of the 2D Mags I have modified have a C-Clip inside on the top end of the switch, it's no issue as I just push it out the bottom. You will need to have the end cap off to do this of course!

This is what your switch will look like once removed.

I removed the allen screw inside the bulb holder, it seems to be a limiting screw/guide screw, we have to remove it because we are going to eliminate this part of the switch.

After taking the switch assembly out off the housing, you will have a ground tab and the action side of the switch with the two positive terminals. These are my soldering points. I break out the flux bottle give em a drop each and solder it up; and then cut the top of the bulb holder off, I chose to cut it right at the top of the little flights that run horizontally for now although I may take more off later.

Reverse steps and put your switch assembly back into the housing, i opened up the ground tab hole with a drill bit for ease. Voila, it's not the prettiest work i've done but it'll work.

 

[BowtieGuy]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

Congrats on your upcoming new build! :beer:
While I am a sinner host fan, and a titanium host junkie, I personally wouldn't use these beautiful hosts for an NUBM44 build.
Although any one of those will work for your theoretical 5 second run time, none are very large, especially the bottom one. Titanium is by far my favorite host material, but it is a poor heat conductor.
According to the specs on those sinner hosts, they are less than an inch in diameter, IMO, marginal for a diode as powerful as this.

If I were to pick one of these three, it would be the solid copper one!

While not as nice looking, the Mag host you mentioned would probably be your best bet.

Edit: Either of those sinner hosts would look sweet with one of these - NDG7475 or a NDG700 520nm

 

[94Z28]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

I'm really a fan of 445nm although the reds and greens are nice I want to do a very high powered blue next. I agree the mag is probably a great option for the sizes of heatsink it can hold versus some other hosts. I only put those pictures to show ideas.

What about a solid copper tube with a large threaded head for heatsink

 

[BowtieGuy]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

Check out DTR's site, he has some nice options to choose from besides the traditional 12mm modules; he offers three sizes of copper heat sinks (20mm, 25mm, and 35mm) that can be made to fit most any host you'll come up with, and provide plenty of cooling.

 

[94Z28]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

Check out DTR's site, he has some nice options to choose from besides the traditional 12mm modules; he offers three sizes of copper heat sinks (20mm, 25mm, and 35mm) that can be made to fit most any host you'll come up with, and provide plenty of cooling.

Dtr has NUBM44 listed as 6w+ so the biggest heatsink I can find is probably what it needs.. time to pull out the caliper I guess.

What drivers work best for these diodes? I'm guessing it needs something 2 cell so maybe an xdrive buck or the pmod3 like jayrob uses. NeXT what amperage to push;

 

[diachi]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

Dtr has NUBM44 listed as 6w+ so the biggest heatsink I can find is probably what it needs.. time to pull out the caliper I guess.

What drivers work best for these diodes? I'm guessing it needs something 2 cell so maybe an xdrive buck or the pmod3 like jayrob uses. NeXT what amperage to push;

Should try using the search bar at the bottom of the page - all this information is already out there.

This might be a good start: http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/nubm44-6w-450nm-laser-diode-94119.html

As for drivers - looks like DTR uses the SXD driver for his modules - that'll require 2x Lithium cells (7-12V input).

 

[Lifetime17]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

Hi,
Nice hosts but as it was said already not large enough for heat . You mentioned a Mag Lite now thats a host for these awesome diodes paired up with an SXD with ramp up of 9 milliseconds and sinked to the back of the main sink you will be in for some seriously long duty cycles . Check it out my man..You can sink the driver two ways as shown in my builds and if you mod the tail cap you can use these monster 32650's cells...Good luck buddy hope to see your 44 come alive soon..

Rich

 

[94Z28]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

Hmm I guess after all the comments I may just go back to the mag build.. Gonna order the heatsink from jayrob, start sourcing some 32650, and then the diode/module + driver. Thanks so far pics will come as soon as stuff starys arriving.

Edit; are you meaning to thermal paste the driver to the rear side of the heatsink? Or to the wall of the head of the light?

 

[diachi]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

Hmm I guess after all the comments I may just go back to the mag build.. Gonna order the heatsink from jayrob, start sourcing some 32650, and then the diode/module + driver. Thanks so far pics will come as soon as stuff starys arriving.

Edit; are you meaning to thermal paste the driver to the rear side of the heatsink? Or to the wall of the head of the light?

You can do it either way, as per the pictures Lifetime posted.

 

[Lifetime17]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

hi, Yes jay rob might sell the 32650's if not go to the web and get the cells in the pics i posted. And yes use Arctic Alumina thermal epoxy to sink the drivers to the main or the tube inside. the SXD will not need a CU piece on the IC you can epoxy that right to the host or sink . the SXD 's IC stands high enough for no electrical contact to the host . I just do that for more heat sinking either way if fine..Oh and thank you Diachi for that input awesome buddy.. If you get those feeling cells you will need a charger to fit them get a good charger no cheap one. you will have it forever..

Rich

 

[RedCowboy]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

I know it's basically already been said but a single 18650 is not enough.

I use the SXD set at 4.5 amps and on the input side with 2 x 26650 IMR cells it draws 3 amps at 8 volts and if I run 3 x 26650's it draws 2 amps at 12 volts, and that's with the 95% efficient SXD, a boost driver would likely be less efficient.

So 24 watts from the batteries and 22.5 watts into the diode and 7 watts out of the diode before the lens, so in total you are looking at 17 watts of waste heat to dissipate and you will notice it, a beefy host is advisable.

 

[94Z28]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

I know it's basically already been said but a single 18650 is not enough.

I use the SXD set at 4.5 amps and on the input side with 2 x 26650 IMR cells it draws 3 amps at 8 volts and if I run 3 x 26650's it draws 2 amps at 12 volts, and that's with the 95% efficient SXD, a boost driver would likely be less efficient.

So 24 watts from the batteries and 22.5 watts into the diode and 7 watts out of the diode before the lens, so in total you are looking at 17 watts of waste heat to dissipate and you will notice it, a beefy host is advisable.

Thanks for the input I appreciate sharing your setup; this is exactly the kind of response I needed; thanks. If I do the mag host it should have plenty of area to handle the heat.

Now I have to decide to use the 2d mag or the 3d mag.. 2 cell is required, but adding a 3rd cell and increase wattage/decreasing amp draw would also increase the battery life in theory.

 

[94Z28]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

hi, Yes jay rob might sell the 32650's if not go to the web and get the cells in the pics i posted. And yes use Arctic Alumina thermal epoxy to sink the drivers to the main or the tube inside. the SXD will not need a CU piece on the IC you can epoxy that right to the host or sink . the SXD 's IC stands high enough for no electrical contact to the host . I just do that for more heat sinking either way if fine..Oh and thank you Diachi for that input awesome buddy.. If you get those feeling cells you will need a charger to fit them get a good charger no cheap one. you will have it forever..

Rich

I've got an XTAR VC2 and a product description I read has 32650 in the list of batteries but that has to be incorrect because I'm fairly certain I'll need that VC4 to charge these cells.

Also, really appreciate the input on thermal paste. This will be a high heating build so I'm gonna have to make sure I do this right the first time; cannot afford to buy multiple diodes!

SXD it will be.

//Sorry for the double bump.

 

[VirtueViolater]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

My advice to you is,
Place your driver where it is easily acessed and use as little thermal adhesive as possible because it's easier to remove when needed and bonded better thermally.

 

[Philipd7]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

I've got an XTAR VC2 and a product description I read has 32650 in the list of batteries but that has to be incorrect because I'm fairly certain I'll need that VC4 to charge these cells.

About the VC2, it can only fit one 32650. I have it, and the 32650's are too big to fit both in at once. If you want to charge both at the same time, definitely go with the VC4.:beer:

 

[Lifetime17]

Re: My first NUBM44 build.. need advice!

hi 94,
I have the same charger and it is awesome it will take 10440's to 32650's i use it well yes Arctic Alumina epoxy is the way to go you don't need gobs of it . Just let it time to set up under pressure buddy and you will be good to go. The SXD can do 5.5A with the 44 diode with that heat sink from Jayrob no problem. Add a G2 lens and burn away if thats your thing and a 3 element will bring that divergence down to a smaller condensed dot.. Flame on Johnny !!!!

Rich