Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build!

[jayrob]

Here's a nice side button host from DX that takes 3 X AAA batteries... (clicky button - on/off)

The DX SKU number is 5387. It's body is nice and sturdy, the aluminum is thicker than the 4171 host... and it only costs $6 bucks!
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5387

If that $6 dollar host is sold out, you can get this $10 dollar host: (same exact host - just a little better LED in there, SAME MOD - use this tutorial)
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5095

New! I just found these cool silver ones! I ordered some to make sure they are the same:
http://www.qualitychinagoods.com/mxdl-luxeon-flashlight-fl3wv4-p-391.html

More sources...
From Cool Gadgets: http://www.gadgetsdirect.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=110&products_id=10995
From LED Shoppe: http://www.ledshoppe.com/Product/ledp/LP1011.htm

Please post a link if you find another source!

Here's the FlexDrive: http://hacylon.case.edu/ebay/laser_diode/Micro_FlexDrive.php

Key - My new heatsink design for this host, and the use of a FlexDrive, makes this an easy build for anybody!

With the FlexDrive/3 x AAA battery combination, this 'side button' MXDL makes a nice red burner build, as well as a blu-ray! The heatsink can be fit for either an AixiZ module, or a Meredith!

Here's how...

Notice the last picture here (lower right), the heatsink is drilled out at the bottom to allow room for the FlexDrive.

Tip: Use very fine, flexible wire. The best I have found is from a mouse cord.

Then just set the driver current, install the diode/module, and your pretty much done! For the FlexDrive, you must use a load to set the current. (Six silicon diodes (1N4001) in series, work perfect for a blu-ray) Here's a good diagram from rog8811 on how to set up a 'dummy load' for a red diode/DDL driver (works the same for the FlexDrive), for a blu-ray, just use 6 instead of 4:
http://laserpointerforums.com/laser_pointer_forums_3/forum/showthread.php?t=26349#2

Now...
Since this host has a head that must screw on (instead of a retaining ring, like the other MXDL hosts), I have designed the heatsink to 'sit on top of the driver mount' like so...

You can then, carefully screw the head on... just don't let the heatsink turn or twist! Because this is after the driver/diode is installed, and you do not want to let the wires get twisted.

The length of the heatsink is fit, so that the head of the MXDL host will hold it solid, when you screw it down into place...

The result is a nice and solid, easy DIY laser build with a side button clicky!

These heatsinks will be $25 dollars plus shipping... I have to do an extra 'drilling process' to make this one. But it allows you to use a much cheaper host, which is not only better, (side button) but with the use of my heatsink design, it is also a very easy build! (A 1.5mm Allen wrench is needed for the set screw)


P.S. The battery holder has these small 'tabs' at a couple of points where the POSITIVE end of the batteries need to make contact with the flat metal contact points.

Use a knife and 'snap' or cut the tabs to make sure your batteries make good contact. The thickness of the tabs can cause a weak connection, or no connection at all...

P.S.S. If you do not want to use the Lithium primaries, but like rechargeable batteries better, the Sanyo Eneloop batteries are the best...

Kryton EzFocus Adapter! - Must See!
http://laserpointerforums.com/laser_pointer_forums_3/forum/showthread.php?t=22510

Key Chain Laser Build!- Awesome!
http://laserpointerforums.com/laser_pointer_forums_3/forum/showthread.php?t=20124

Side Button Build Kit!
http://laserpointerforums.com/laser_pointer_forums_3/forum/showthread.php?t=22607

 

[Murudai]

Re: Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build!

Is it a clicky button or a push button?

Nice build

 

[jayrob]

Re: Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build!

Is it a clicky button or a push button?

Nice build

Thanks!

Good question... I will edit the first post to mention that it is a clicky (on/off) switch.
Jay

 

[el-taco]

Re: Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build!

Looks nice!

Its times like now when I wish my paypal wasnt limited.

You take google checkout for your heatsinks, jay (just a question)?

 

[jayrob]

Re: Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build!

Looks nice!

Its times like now when I wish my paypal wasnt limited.

You take google checkout for your heatsinks, jay (just a question)?

Yes! I can accept payment through PayPal, Google, or Western Union. Let me know if you would like me to send you a Google invoice...and where the shipping is. If in the U.S., shipping and handling is a flat $3 bucks. Usually $4 bucks will send it anywhere...
Jay

 

[styropyro]

Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build

Another great tutorial jayrob! Because the host is $6 I may have to try this one someday.

 

[jayrob]

Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build

Another great tutorial jayrob! Because the host is $6 I may have to try this one someday.

Thanks!

I would imagine that there will be others who are interested in this host and build. The side button 'clicky' is very nice! But it is also a very versatile set up... red, blu-ray, AixiZ, Meredith. You can see how easy it is with my heatsink design.

Anyway, I ordered some material for the heatsinks...
Jay

 

[daguin]

Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build

I just did (and sold) a side button unit. I like 'em better than tail clickys.

Peace,
dave

 

[jayrob]

Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build

I just did (and sold) a side button unit.  I like 'em better than tail clickys.

Peace,
dave

I will be selling these as a complete build as well, but it is such an easy DIY build, that all you really need is the heatsink...
Jay

 

[daguin]

Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build

[quote author=daguin link=1217045236/0#7 date=1217089097]I just did (and sold) a side button unit. I like 'em better than tail clickys.
Peace,
dave

I was thinking of selling these as a complete build as well, but it is such an easy DIY build, that all you really need is the heatsink...
Jay
[/quote]

The one I did was with a different host

http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1215319362

It required a "front load" heat sink (no retaining ring) and had less space available.

This does, indeed, look "easier" to build. I would NOT recommend the Dorcy host I used as a first laser build. However, this MXDL one looks "doable" and your heat sinks are the cat's pajamas. <snerk>

Peace,
dave

 

[jayrob]

Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build

...and your heat sinks are the cat's pajamas.  <snerk>

Thanks Dave!

That's a nice looking Dorcy build you did there! Nicer than this MXDL host.

I think for the price, and most of all the 'easy build' quality, this MXDL host is a great alternative. People can build it into a red, or a blu-ray. And order the heatsink to fit an AixiZ, or a Meredith!

Also, with this design, it is easy to replace the LD if it ever dies...
Jay

 

[el-taco]

Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build

Jay, not sure if you would be able to do this, but my paypal was limited so I'll ask anyway.

Could I perhaps pay you for the heatsink AND the flashlight (plus a fee of 50% or something on top of the flashlight) and you send me the flashlight with the heatsink?

I have no way of buying the flashlight since Ive been royally screwed by paypal.

I was going to do a dorcy jr build, but since this is my first DIY Id rather an easier host.

 

[jayrob]

Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build

Jay, not sure if you would be able to do this, but my paypal was limited so I'll ask anyway.

Could I perhaps pay you for the heatsink AND the flashlight (plus a fee of 50% or something on top of the flashlight) and you send me the flashlight with the heatsink?

I have no way of buying the flashlight since Ive been royally screwed by paypal.

I was going to do a dorcy jr build, but since this is my first DIY Id rather an easier host.

Tell you what, since I have this host already:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5095
Which is the exact same thing. It cost more than the other host, because it has a better LED in it. I bought them both together, trying to find a side button host to mod.

I would sell it to you for the same amount that it cost me. - $11 bucks.
Heatsink - $25
Cheapest to Australia is First Class International. I would charge you $12 bucks for shipping and handling. (no insurance)

You take your chances with customs or lost. (I have not had any problems shipping this way)

I would mark the package as a gift, with a description of 'LED Flashlight', and a low value. ($15)

Total is $48 dollars. PayPal: jayrob@inreach.com

Or, I can send you a Google invoice...
Jay

 

[el-taco]

Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build

Is that an easy one to make into a laser?

I'll crunch some numbers on how much cash I can allocate to a host and a heatsink and get back to you

 

[jayrob]

Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build

Is that an easy one to make into a laser?

I'll crunch some numbers on how much cash I can allocate to a host and a heatsink and get back to you  

It is the exact same as this tutorial. It cost a little more only because of a different LED. All other parts are the same. Just follow this tutorial. Very easy mod...
Jay

 

[artix]

Re: Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build

where did you get these? Can they be shipped to Canada? Toronto, to be more specific?