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FrozenGate by Avery

Odicforce Entry Level Laser Kits

Any pics? What host, diode, driver, catteries, kennels, etc, etc, did you use?

Well done. It's been worth waiting for hasn't it?!!!

(^I misspelled batteries and just went with it!)

M
:)
 





Morgan said:
Any pics? What host, diode, driver, catteries, kennels, etc, etc, did you use?

Well done. It's been worth waiting for hasn't it?!!!

(^I misspelled batteries and just went with it!)

M
:)
Click to expand...

Haha, this thread is for the OdicForce kit. That's what I used. No special host/diode/driver. Hence why I put "built" in quotes.

The only difficulty was holding the driver and soldering it onto the diode at the same time... I need three hands.
 
I'm trying to take a picture of the dot so I can show you guys what's wrong with it, but the only camera I have is on my phone, and the exposure is so long (and can't be changed) that it just appears as one big bright blob rather than as it actually appears.

Basically, if I pull the focus back all the way, it shows up as a little perfect circle. As I focus it out, the center of the circle focuses into a dot which I discovered is actually focused enough to burn if I can hold it still enough. However, the dot, even when focused perfectly, has a very large (maybe 8 inches in diameter) halo around it. Then I focus it further, and the dot disappears and it just becomes a huge circle as most beams do when you focus them beyond a dot.

Not too worried, as it was only $25, but I would like to figure out why it's doing this.
 
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Sounds like too much of spherical aberration. Usually happens if you mount the lens backwards. But I think this laser uses 2 same plano-convex lens in symmetrical configuration, so it should not matter. Anyway check it out.
 
DrSid said:
Sounds like too much of spherical aberration. Usually happens if you mount the lens backwards. But I think this laser uses 2 same plano-convex lens in symmetrical configuration, so it should not matter. Anyway check it out.
Click to expand...

See, I thought that might be the issue, but the little spanner-wrench/screwdriver holes on the lens are facing the diode right now, which I assume is the correct way, as you wouldn't be able to reach them with a spanner-wrench if it were turned the other way.

I'll try it, though.

EDIT: Nope, turning around the lens makes it unable to focus into a dot. It just remains a massive circle with a huge (like four feet) disconnected halo around it.
 
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Mine looks more or less the same, and turning it around gives the same bad result.

Somehow I have not considered it a problem, maybe because I did not expect perfect optics in a £15 kit.
I am going to check out this place, for parts for fancier builds.
Surplus Shed
 
You can shoot your photos through a pair of sunglasses. That should cut the glare, and give you a better shot. But as Toke said, you cant expect much from a ~$24 kit.

I wonder if you can finagle a AiziX lens in there. :thinking:
 
I think you've got the lens the wrong way round. The spanner notches normally face AWAY from the diode with these lenses as they normally mount to a module like an Aixiz, (you may just be able to see the notches in the assembly photo in post #1 and in the photo above that, those notches should be facing away from the diode and in the direction of the aperture). This could also be causing the spring to be clipping the beam prior to going through the lens causing reflections as it may not be being held square. When you turn the lens round and replace the head, make sure you hold the laser perpendicular to the ground so the spring sits correctly and mates with the groove between the edge of the lens casing and the lens retaining ring.

When soldering the driver, you can pre tin the pads and legs, turn the heatsink so it's face down and apply gentle pressure to the back of the drive ensuring it is flush and square with the heatsink. A light and quick touch with the sodering iron should now bond the pads and legs. Only two hands needed for this technique! :D

@ TJ - Finagle? What is this that it is?

M
:)
 
Tech_Junkie said:
To finagle is to cheat. Its not done proper but will still work.



Great find, thanks man. I read that the threads are the same as an AixiZ so you should be able to use any lens.

Queue Jayrob...:whistle:
Click to expand...

Thanks TJ, a new word for the thesaurus!

This is true about the thread size but due to different focal lengths there are considerations. You should ask the supplier directly for compatability.

Whilst we're swapping words, shouldn't it be cue Jayrob? :p

M
:)
 
You'll have to join the cue for that TJ! LOL! :tinfoil::crackup::beer:

[EDIT: Thanks for the link!]

M
:)
 
A bit of experimenting with distance between module and lens shows that correct orientation of lens can give me a really nice dot from close to infinity, without spill.

I have then turned the lense the wrong way again to enjoy the pretty large and ringed dot. :D

agravlin,
Try turn the module out a ½ or full turn unstead of tightning hard. It gets closer to the lens that way.
 
Morgan said:
I think you've got the lens the wrong way round. The spanner notches normally face AWAY from the diode with these lenses as they normally mount to a module like an Aixiz, (you may just be able to see the notches in the assembly photo in post #1 and in the photo above that, those notches should be facing away from the diode and in the direction of the aperture). This could also be causing the spring to be clipping the beam prior to going through the lens causing reflections as it may not be being held square. When you turn the lens round and replace the head, make sure you hold the laser perpendicular to the ground so the spring sits correctly and mates with the groove between the edge of the lens casing and the lens retaining ring.
Click to expand...

Like I said, I turned it the other way yesterday. That made it worse - made the beam project a massive blob with a huge halo around it, and it was unable to focus into a dot. I can only get a dot (a burning dot, none the less) with the lens turned what you call "the wrong way".

Tech_Junkie said:
But as Toke said, you cant expect much from a ~$24 kit.
Click to expand...

Actually, I was surprised at how good the lens is. AR-coated glass lens as just part of the $25 cost.
 
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