(Work in progress) First build: 635nm 500mW in C6 host

[FroyoShark]

So I've decided to repurpose my no longer working 445nm C6 into a 500mW 635nm. I'll be updating this post as I work on it, but the updates may be few and far between since I don't really know what I'm doing right now. If anyone has any parts that I'll need that they're willing to sell, let me know.

Here's the diode+module: Mitsubishi 635nm 500mW Red Laser Diode ML501P73 02 in Copper Module w Leads | eBay

Would I be able to use the heatsink from the 445 module? I'd like to do this for as cheap as possible. I'll also be using my old bare G1 lens, so I'm going to need to find a nut for it as well. (Anyone selling? )

Any and all tips and comments are greatly appreciated
Thanks for reading and check back to see my progress :beer:

Current status: Working! Not completely assembled in host yet.

 

[Livinloud]

as long as the heat sink is for a 12mm module then yes you can use it

 

[FroyoShark]

as long as the heat sink is for a 12mm module then yes you can use it

Thanks. I'm pretty sure it's a 12mm, since it has a standard G1 lens/lens nut in it. Now I just need to figure out how to get the module out and get the new one in...

 

[Livinloud]

set screw on the side of the heat sink

 

[FroyoShark]

set screw on the side of the heat sink

Aha, it's out. Thanks
Now I wait for my 635 to ship
EDIT: I know I'm going to need a driver. I'm thinking about using a mohgasm linear driver, but I'm not sure where I'm going to fit it in. Should I get the round one or the regular one? Where do I put it?

 

[Livinloud]

if you have questions when that arrives just ask

 

[FroyoShark]

if you have questions when that arrives just ask

Take a look at my edit please

Also, once I get this done and kind of get a general idea of how to make lasers and such, I'm probably going to throw something together with an old guidesman flashlight and sell that to hopefully make a little money to support this money draining hobby.

 

[Livinloud]

depends, does the C6 have a pill in it? if it does then get the round driver. if there is no pill you can purchase one from survivallasers

 

[FroyoShark]

I don't think it has a pill in it. There's no driver in it at all, and I can't find a spot where one would go. I think it's just a direct driven 445 module.
I'll see if I can find a pill for it somewhere. Thanks again
EDIT: I think I found the pill. I thought it was just a connector for the host.

depends, does the C6 have a pill in it? if it does then get the round driver. if there is no pill you can purchase one from survivallasers

 

[Livinloud]

pretty sure there is a driver in the laser somewhere. if im not mistaken you cant run a laser straight off 2x 16340. at least on blords 501b the driver is pressed into the base of the heat sink and when you take it apart it just looks like a contact board

 

[FroyoShark]

pretty sure there is a driver in the laser somewhere. if im not mistaken you cant run a laser straight off 2x 16340. at least on blords 501b the driver is pressed into the base of the heat sink and when you take it apart it just looks like a contact board

Check my edit. How do I get the driver out of the pill to adjust the current? I need to set it to 700-800mA otherwise I'll overload the module.

 

[Livinloud]

what does the other side look like? youll have to pop it out, maybe a sharp knife if an edge is exposed? idk never had to take a driver out. you may also want to buy a new driver preset to your desired output, SL has those as well and they are also in the BST section here

 

[FroyoShark]

Here's the other side. Full size: http://i.imgur.com/6erOVmB.jpg

I'd rather not buy another driver if I don't have to; like I said, I'm trying to do this for as cheap as possible.

what does the other side look like? youll have to pop it out, maybe a sharp knife if an edge is exposed? idk never had to take a driver out. you may also want to buy a new driver preset to your desired output, SL has those as well and they are also in the BST section here

 

[Livinloud]

that'd be the driver right there. pop it out with as little damage as possible if you plan on reusing it. looks like its soldered on both sides so need to get that removed first.

 

[Blord]

The driver is only soldered to the brass ring and then pressed into the pill. It is pretty hard to get the driver out.

 

[Livinloud]

i didnt see the brass at first but after you said that i see it now. looks like your best bet is to get another pill and brass ring for like $4 then get a cheap driver and change the current. SL has both, 1.25A driver is like $5-6