Tutorial - Easy MXDL 'Side Button' Laser Build!

[jayrob]

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

I don't remember now exactly where I got them. Probably E-bay. But just do a search like so:
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=eneloop+batteries&ei=utf-8&fr=b2ie7
I'm pretty sure you can get them shipped anywhere.

The eneloop batteries will hold their charge for a long time. (unlike normal rechargeable batteries) Their performance is as good as Lithium primaries! Gazoo did a lot of testing and comparisons with these batteries. Scroll down this post:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1192227112/12#13

He did another graph here:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1192501841

They are a little pricey, but worth it!
Jay

 

[el-taco]

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

jayrob, I have $46USD at todays conversion rate from AUD.

DARN IT!

 

[jayrob]

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

jayrob, I have $46USD at todays conversion rate from AUD.

DARN IT!

That's close enough man... (Shipping will be as described above)
Jay

 

[el-taco]

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

Yay!

I'll PM you with my google checkout stuff so you can send me a receipt thing.

 

[el-taco]

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

NOOO!!!!

Google's Aussie dollar conversion is BAD!!!gimme a few weeks jay, Ill have this sorted.

 

[thesk8nmidget]

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

great write up i plan on making one myself

 

[jayrob]

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

NOOO!!!!

Google's Aussie dollar conversion is BAD!!!gimme a few weeks jay, Ill have this sorted.

No problem, I've got heatsink material, as well as some more of these hosts on the way. (some have been interested in the complete build from me)

Anyway, just let me know when you are ready, and I'll get you the host and heatsink!

great write up i plan on making one myself

Thanks! I had these hosts for some time now, and did not try to modify them because of the way the head had to screw on (twisting wires).

It just needed a heatsink design that would allow the head to screw on without the heatsink twisting!

Had to show it... An awesome, side button host that I thought would be a difficult build, turned out to be the easiest build of all!
Jay

 

[el-taco]

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

[quote author=el-taco link=1217045236/20#20 date=1217491682]NOOO!!!!

Google's Aussie dollar conversion is BAD!!!gimme a few weeks jay, Ill have this sorted.

No problem, I've got heatsink material, as well as some more of these hosts on the way. (some have been interested in the complete build from me)

Anyway, just let me know when you are ready, and I'll get you the host and heatsink!

[/quote]

Thanks for understanding, things REALLY arent working well for me in terms of online payment as of lately.

 

[jayrob]

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

[quote author=jayrob link=1217045236/20#22 date=1217565335][quote author=el-taco link=1217045236/20#20 date=1217491682]NOOO!!!!

Google's Aussie dollar conversion is BAD!!!gimme a few weeks jay, Ill have this sorted.

No problem, I've got heatsink material, as well as some more of these hosts on the way. (some have been interested in the complete build from me)

Anyway, just let me know when you are ready, and I'll get you the host and heatsink!

[/quote]

Thanks for understanding, things REALLY arent working well for me in terms of online payment as of lately.[/quote]

LOL! Now I messed it up even worse! ;D I just refunded your Google payment! I got you mixed up with someone else...

So, I sent you another invoice.

Sorry about the mix up...
Jay

 

[el-taco]

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

[quote author=el-taco link=1217045236/20#23 date=1217580025][quote author=jayrob link=1217045236/20#22 date=1217565335][quote author=el-taco link=1217045236/20#20 date=1217491682]NOOO!!!!

Google's Aussie dollar conversion is BAD!!!gimme a few weeks jay, Ill have this sorted.

No problem, I've got heatsink material, as well as some more of these hosts on the way. (some have been interested in the complete build from me)

Anyway, just let me know when you are ready, and I'll get you the host and heatsink!

[/quote]

Thanks for understanding, things REALLY arent working well for me in terms of online payment as of lately.[/quote]

LOL! Now I messed it up even worse! ;D I just refunded your Google payment! I got you mixed up with someone else...

So, I sent you another invoice.

Sorry about the mix up...
Jay
[/quote]


Haha, no worries. We just dont have much luck, do we?

I tried to pay again, turns out I have to wait for the funds to be refunded back to my credit card since Im a little low at the moment,

Lets just hope google checkout arent as incompetant as paypal and can refund to my card quickly so I dont have to keep waiting. (lol)

 

[nein166]

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

Nice Tutorial
I should have waited to see what came out before I jumped on the BF Driver GB

 

[gunsimon0077]

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

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

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

With the FlexDrive/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.

Then just set the driver current, install the diode/module, and your pretty much done! The FlexDrive current must be set using a 'dummy load'. Six silicon diodes (1N4001) in series, work perfect for a blu-ray. Use four for a red. Here's a good diagram from rog8811 on how to set up a 'dummy load':
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1197651171#1

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!

If you want me to do the complete laser build using a Pioneer 115D open can diode, AixiZ module, and a FlexDrive, the cost is $190 plus shipping. For the blu-ray version with an 803T diode and a FlexDrive, I charge $215 plus shipping.
Note: I do not use any heat on the diode harvest. My method, is to use very fine tipped snips, to 'clip' the pins clean. The only heat applied, is when soldering the wire leads to the pins. (about 1 second or less per pin)
Jay

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...

Pocket Pal blu-ray build tutorial! http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1213338268/0

Can you explane more when you say "just cut out the LED"

 

[daguin]

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

Can you explane more when you say "just cut out the LED"

When you look at the diode, you will see the "legs" of the diode going down into the board under it. Just clip those "legs." the diode will then lift off of the board. You then solder your driver's leads to the positive and negative "pads" (they are marked +-) on the board.

Peace,
dave

 

[jayrob]

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

[quote author=gunsimon0077 link=1217045236/20#27 date=1218106239]Can you explane more when you say "just cut out the LED"

When you look at the diode, you will see the "legs" of the diode going down into the board under it.  Just clip those "legs."  the diode will then lift off of the board.  You then solder your driver's leads to the positive and negative "pads" (they are marked +-) on the board.

Peace,
dave[/quote]

Thanks for your help Dave!

Correct, it is a very easy mod... If you had the host in hand, you will see how this is done. Of course, you have to have some basic building skills, and understand how to use a 'dummy load' to set the FlexDrive. This too, is easy...
Jay

 

[jayrob]

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

Rudie, your nice pair of blu-ray lasers will ship on Monday at the latest! There is a possibility that I might make it to the Post Office on Saturday.

Both set at 90 ish mA's for longevity as we discussed!
Jay

 

[rocketparrotlet]

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

What lens should I buy for this? (I will be using an Aixiz housing and a Blu-ray diode.) Aixiz acrylic?

Also, what power level would you suggest it at? I've heard that everywhere between 100 and 150 mA would be the limit for longevity and power; but I'm not sure. 120mA maybe? 130?

-Mark