"PicoBlue" - Tiny 445 Laser

[rhd]

This was something fun I designed today. Perhaps the smallest 445 I've built. Lipo powered, and AK007 driven. It charges with alligator clips, and I think puts out around 250mW peak. Very short duty cycles, and tiny runtime. For size comparison - the body is a shortened aixiz housing (ie, not even the full length of a normal aixiz)

Video of it in action:
YouTube - April 16, 2011 10:12 PM


Here's the final product:

For size comparison:

Because of the size, it required an SMD cap right on the diode pins (nowhere else for it):

The AK007 driver fits right in the cutoff aixiz housing itself (which is kind of cool, because it creates an all-enclosed laser diode module - hook up any voltage up to 4.5V and you've got a working laser)

Not really sure why I built this, or what I'll do with it - but it was a fun build.

 

[cbrian4]

Awesome! I love how you use lipo instead of li-ion. I always scratch my head as to why they don't make them into standard sizes with protective PCB circuits. Maybe even then its too volatile?

 

[532 with Envy]

Now THAT is compact!

Nice one! There doesn't always need to be a reason to build a laser....to know that you can is enough.:beer:

 

[Elektrotechniker]

cool! Add it to your keychain

 

[rhd]

cool! Add it to your keychain

I would, except that the charging wires are semi-exposed to the world (so that the alligator clips can charge it).

As small as that battery is, it can discharge something fierce... I'm sure my keys would end up killing the battery in no time

 

[rhd]

Video of it in action is up

 

[Helios]

Thats awesome! Tried to +rep but gotta spread the love.

Smallest 445 I know of. Did you meter it?

 

[alf638]

I think you may just own the worlds smallest 445 +1 for a super mini build.

 

[danefex]

you have some of the coolest builds rhd, absolutely love this micro-445! +1 if it lets m.. rrgh it doesn't, I owe ya one :beer:

 

[laser_freak]

Very cool! My only concern is that the heat from the diode could be problematic for the battery. I have heard heat and lipos do not mix well.

 

[Gryphon]

^ yeah lipos can be nasty beasts, but treat them right and they can provide oodles of power!

 

[rhd]

Thats awesome! Tried to +rep but gotta spread the love.

Smallest 445 I know of. Did you meter it?

I'll give it a metering tomorrow. Anecdotally, it can't be very powerful. Though it did pop a balloon, it took about 3 seconds to do it, and it barely stings my skin.

 

[viperx1101]

Definately the smallest build I have seen!!!

Only someone with amazing build skills could pull off something that tiny.

Good gob!!! +1 rep

 

[shhh]

Awesome!
+1!

 

[rocket689]

Awesome job on such a tiny build. I'd give +1, but I gotta spread the rep first.

 

[NetGod3Com]

Love that tiny little build. And yes LiPo going flamethrower is ugly. There is no way I would pocket that. Unless I was wearing asbestos underwear.