- Joined
- Oct 14, 2012
- Messages
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The "Anglehead"
Hey guys, here's my most recent build, it's based on the "Solarforce L2E" angle head flashlight.
While this is definitely not the first angle head (headlight) style flashlight to be modded into a "coherent light emittimg device"
, you don't see too many around.I've been wanting to do a 90° angle build ever since I saw a very cool vintage "Daimon" (German) angle head flashlight on ebay a couple of years ago.
I missed out on getting that one, but the idea stayed with me, so I started looking for alternatives, but most of todays angle head lights are used as "headlamp" lights and are rather small for what I had in mind.
I ended up going back to my favorite flashlight source for many of my laser builds ....Solarforce, where I found thier L2E angle head model; a much larger, heavier unit capable of multiple battery configurations.
This host turned out to be almost perfect for my purposes, it has an extra heavy HAIII anodized body with high quality threading, knurling, and overall build quality which also utilizes a spring at both the head and tailcap ends.
There is one other unique feature to be noted, it has a strong magnet mounted at the top of the head which allows this guy to mount to any magnetic surface available!
I decided to mate this host up with one of DTR's M462nm diodes that was purchased diring one of his special sales on Amazon way back in June; thanks Jordan!
Components used in this build:
- "Solarforce L2E" 90° flashlight host.
- "M462" diode. (DTR)
- 12mm copper module w/aluminum back. (DTR)
- SXD V-7 driver.
- Custom copper heatsink. (BTG)
- Custom matching focus adapter. ( BTG)
- 2 x 18350 Efest Li-Ion batteries. (Efest 900mAh)
- Battery reducer tube for 16340 battery usage. (BTG)
- Length w/o extension = 140.25mm (5.52")
- Length with extension = 208.75mm (8.21")
- Width of head with focus adapter at max. extension = 65mm (2.55")
- Diameter of head = 34.00mm (1.34")
- Weight with copper heatsink + 2 x 18350 batteries = 340g (12.0oz)
- Weight with copper heatsink + 2 x 18650 batteries & extension = 412g (14.53oz)
3 Element Lens -
- 1 x 18650 w/3E = 198mW
- 2 x 18350 w/3E = 2W
- 2 x 18650 w/3E = 2.023W
- 1 x 18650 w/G-2 = 268mW
- 2 x 18350 w/G-2 = 2.6W
- 2 x 18650 w/G-2 = 2.6W
- 1 x 18650 w/G-3 = 205mW
- 2 x 18350 w/G-3 = 2.157W
- 2 x 18650 w/G-3 =2.077W
Finally, it's time for some project photos!
The "Solarforce L2E" host.
Assembled host shown with optional battery tube for use with 2 x 18650 batteries.
Head and tailcap pieces showing the heavy, high quality construction, including heavy duty gold plated springs used at both ends of the battery.
Head detail showing the 90° transition of battery power, Pos. (+) is in center, and the Neg. (-) is the thin, unanodized ring around the outer pocket; they are saparated by a plastic disc.
Here is the location of the large magnet in the head, under a removable threaded cap. The magnet can be removed if desired.
Copper Heatsink & the backside of the focus adjuster.
Beadblasted focus adapter being prepped for paint & matte clearcoat to match the host.
Copper heatsink with battery board and spring.
Almost done!
First light, always satisfying!
Time for a few Beamshots!
The first photo beam, and the beam reflection on the table in the second photo most clearly approximate the actual wavelength color.
The following pic shows the laser being held in place by its magnet.
PS - extra credit for Len if he sees this and notices something familiar in this photo!
Finally, a few pics taken outside on a foggy afternoon.
Same shot, a little later (and darker).
That's all for now folks!
Thanks for looking, and making it all the way through, ....now back to your scheduled programing!
