Quick BDR-209 test

[Pman]

Finally got around to ordering (2) G7 lenses, a module heat-sink and a couple tripods from sanwu. The site is not setup phone friendly. Once I got on my computer I could see things much more clear but there are some things you click on that still go right to all chinese.
Also ordered a Mitsubishi 500 and driver plus a blu diode that I intend to push over 1W (both). Hopefully they will look like they can handle it with some testing.

 

[RedCowboy]

Yea the stuff off to the right of his page go to a Chinese sight.
I do like the wide G7's in the 5mm long housings, I use them without any spring and a thicker o-ring, it seems to keep a good useable burning diameter over a wider range than the shorter FL lenses and the 3 element.

 

[Pman]

For information sake my Mitsubishi 500 I built hits 1.3W
I'll have to see about some $ to get another 405nm to go for the 1W+ on that too. Cancelled the 405nm diode to save a few bucks at the last moment.

 

[RedCowboy]

@Pman
Have you tested any of the single mode 635's - 638's ?
I really like the beam quality of single mode laser diodes.
I hope we see more of them and more powerful direct single mode diodes.

 

[Pman]

You know, I haven't indulged in too many of the lower output single mode diodes and I really should get a few of them if I can come up with the money. Specs are fantastic on a lot of them and better divergence means a more visible beam too. Have a lot of 660nm diodes that cost very little from a US seller and if you are careful you can push them to hit 400mW with a G lens although to keep the cost low I just use standard plastic Aixiz lens which still puts out some serious power. LPC-826 found here:
650nm 400mW Burning Red Laser Diode LPC 826 Twin US Seller Fast SHIP | eBay
If you don't have any they are great little diodes. Have 3 left and I'm going to pair them with some really cheap tiny 3 mode drivers I found (lo/hi/strobe) that can run them with just a single AAA if I want. Just haven't decided what to put them in yet but I do have a few nice pen hosts and lots of smaller than normal Altoid type tins and little switches.
Have a couple of 685nm diodes at 35mW to throw in some thing small too plus ordered a 405nm sled that rich (lifetime) directed me too from China. Still need a ramp driver for it though as I am definately setting it for 1W+ this time. Still don't have much interest in that push to 7W diode (always forget their code names) especially since my 470nm hit 6W anyways and is brighter.

 

[BowtieGuy]

@Pman
Have you tested any of the single mode 635's - 638's ?
I really like the beam quality of single mode laser diodes.
I hope we see more of them and more powerful direct single mode diodes.

Hey Red, I've got two builds using the Opnext/Oclaro 120mW 638nm single mode diodes, with a third on the way from DTR for a new pen size build.
Even with all these new high power diodes arriving lately, this is still one of my all time favorite diodes; great wavelength, good divergance, and low priced to boot!
I haven't done any divergance measurements personally, but there are some threads out there with good info. in them.
My two builds (Coleman, and J/L Ti-B), that are using these beauties are the one's with links in my sig.