help needed from the laser gurus

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

Want to build a blue laser in a p60 host. Want it focusable, blue, as cheap and powerful as possible.

In the18650 low output thread I seen the p60 heatsink for like $6.50.

Found a focusable blue diode for around $60

Not sure what to get for a driver.

AlI want to build it in a l2m host. Will an 18350 be able to deliver sufficient power to drive it to its full potential?

Also welcome to any input on components. Different module? Different heatsink? Different host?

Would like it to be as powerful as possible. Would love it to be like 2w

2

Heatsink: $6.50 + $4 shipping

http://www.sflasers.us/501B_Heatsink/p2035127_10207418.aspx

Module: $59

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5-2W-445nm-Blue-Diode-in-Module-W-Leads-Aixiz-Glass-/170644449122

The boost driver that the ebay guy sells says it will only drive the module to about 1w. Could I use two 18350s and a standard flashlight buck driver about 1.6-1.8a regulated to drive the module, or will I need something special?

I wanted to use a host exactly like my l2m lego I just bought for a host for this, but I do not think it will be possible to get 2w out of one 18350....

I am lost here. I know I should go sign up at a laser forum... but I know there are at least two members here that know all the answers I will ever need here. That, and I do not need to get into an even more expensive addiction... Just want one super high powered laser that I can pop balloons with and light up matches and just play around with...

3


Here’s my 2w blue
First Dtr the guy on eBay has his own website with more items
Here it is
He’s got more drivers there I suggest this one if you wiring it up yourself
Or get a prewired one here from Dtr
From personal experience he’s a really good guy to do business with
I get pt54 LEDs from him
Even though I’m the one who posted that heatsink on the other post
I suggest this host/ heatsink
It’s much better quality for a few more dollars
Hope this helps

4

That driver you linked is sold out. He has another boost driver listed on eBay that he states will pit out about 1w with his 445nm module for $27. Think I am going to go with the p60 heatsink and module I linked, and the 1w boost driver in a Solarforce host. If I find out later I need/want more, I can always swap the driver and host/heatsink for less than the module costs most likely.

After thinking ir over, I really don't think I need 2w, probably 100mw would be plenty to satisfy my curiosity. Thanks for the help though.

Does he update stock on his site regularly? The driver you linked looks way better than the one I found and it's adjustable. If I can get that driver, I can just update the host/heatsink, and turn up the output on the driver. And it's cheaper than the one I found

5

Cajun lasers the one I linked to are great but there selling off the last of there stock
Dtr updates his inventory and has everything on hand
For a 445nm ” blue”
I suggest dtr’s Blitzbuck
It’s adjustable
Or he can set it for you just ask him
The one listed on eBay is a buck/boost

This one from cajunlaser is pot adjustable too and fits inside tho module
I’ve never used it but the specs are great

6

Too bad, i just sold a 1.7W 445nm in a C6 host :frowning:
Had a 2W in C6 host last month I sold as well

Just get the M140 diode from DTR with the driver attached. Jordan is a great guy and is very helpful. Just use a contact board and his drivers. Perfect setup. I had him add leads from a 9mm to a driver and then leads off the driver so i could drop it in my MagLite build. He did it all for no extra cost and it worked out perfect. Always get items from him in under the USPS expected date.

Clif (Cajun) is out of business and same with Matt (mohgasm). Survival laser is the only other laser shop thats open but his prices are high so i avoid it at all costs. Jordan gets a lot of his drivers from LPF members so he is able to get them at good prices and pass the discounts along :beer:

EDIT: get the x-drive, im not a fan of boost drivers. Id rather use 2x 16340 and get more power than have the extended run time of the boost by 18650

7

Glasses? Didn’t see any mention of safety glasses! :cowboy_hat_face:

If 100mW would satisfy your curiosity, then start with that? 1000mW is a lot to start with.

8

+1 I have a 1W 445nm laser and the thing scares my every time I turn it on! Even a 100mw green is very impressive/dangerous.
Be very careful and absolutely get some quality eye protection rated for that specific wavelength.

Best of luck :slight_smile:

9

You wont get a M140 to be anything under 1W. Even drive at like 1A it’ll be ~1W. Im not even sure if you can drive it under 1A and make the diode lase

Obviously get a pair of eagle pair safety glasses, about the only thing id buy (and have bought) from survival laser

10

The beam of 100mW green will be as bright as 1433mW of blue.
Brightness Calculator: 100mW green beam vs blue
And the 100mW green dot as bright as 3W of blue.
Nice wow factor, no problem popping balloons and stuff. :bigsmile:

I no longer recall the lasing threshold for the 445 diode but I really thought it was well under 1A. They do get less efficient near their threshold.

\ Edit: 1+ on SCT-Orange glasses.

11

Not sure if the 501B heatsink is compatible with P60 modules…

But there are a couple of options if you’re going the DIY route.

As for the driver, you’re looking for a buck driver if you want to run it off 2x 18350’s or a boost for a single 18650.

I’d recommend the iDrv3 by Foulmist: Limited Offer (iDrv3, FMT2) Drivers | Laser Pointer Forums - Discuss Laser Pointers | High Power Lasers

For diodes, you can choose the M140 (~2.2W max) or the 9mm (~3.3W max) from DTR’s site: DTR's Laser Shop - Diodes

As for goggles: these are the best budget goggles: http://www.amazon.com/Uvex-S1933X-Eyewear-SCT-Orange-Anti-Fog/dp/B000USRG90/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379326950&sr=8-1&keywords=uvex+orange

They’ve been tested to withstand 2W blasts for a couple of seconds and essentially block everything from UV to blue. (and some green)

Search this B/S/T section of LPF for some hosts: Buy, Sell, & Trade | Laser Pointer Forums - Discuss Laser Pointers | High Power Lasers

12

Yeah, goggles will be bought. My eyes make my living so I need to protect them.

Really wanted to build it in a L2m, so boost driver would be needed.

Think this will be what I get:

Driver: $21.99 + $2.99 shipping

http://www.cajunlasers.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=187

Heatsink: $6.50 + $4 shipping

http://www.sflasers.us/501B_Heatsink/p2035127_10207418.aspx

Module: $59

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5-2W-445nm-Blue-Diode-in-Module-W-Leads-Aixiz-Glass-/170644449122

So about $95 not including the host. Want to build it in the same L2m host I just bought, but with a large attack bezel so thats another $35 or so.

Looks like it will be about 1w per amp, so theoretically it could possibly put out 1.2w

Does that seem like a decent build, and a fair price for what it will be? Dont count the host in the build because I know that I can get away with a lot cheaper going with the P60 format, but thats just what I want it in.

Also, when I said I could probably do with a 100mw, I really probably could... But I really want to make this a one time purchase. Dont want to make this a new hobby, toooo expensive!

13

M140 (or A140 perhaps) 445nm lasing threshold seems to be 200-300mA. Even as low as 100mW for some diodes?
Need to try mine with a single AMC7135. :ghost:

People have used 7135 flashlight drivers before. Those 445 diodes are quite robust. Higher mWs seem to need over 4v / boost driver.

14

I see jayrob has a Solarforce kit... $55 for the heatsink. Hope the one I linked will work with any P60. If not, this project may come to a halt

edit: I contacted Sci-fi lasers and asked them if its 501b only, or compatible with any p60 host... will be sure to post back when I hear anything

edit:

15

bought the 501b heatsink just now. will report back when I get it if it is 501 only or p60 compatible

16

Looking forward to watching this build. What is the difference between the Aixiz Glass lens unit you are purchasing and the 3 Element Glass Lens units on the DTR site?

17

Aixiz is the three element lens, so no difference at all.

The difference vs G1/G2 though, is that with the G2 the lens is a tad bigger, sits, closer to the diode aperture, and is single element.

As a result you get more more power, but also a wider beam on one axis. The divergence with a g2 lens is also worse.

Personally I suggest sticking to the three element lens unless you're after power.

18

The main limitation of lasers is eye damage. The sun is not eye safe, but one can’t limit it with laws. For up to military training purposed, lasers must not cause permanent damage to one’s eyes.

19

I had got the heat sink yesterday, and it seems to be pretty much a universal p60 fit for the most part. I will need to do some slight file work on the Solarforce head.

Hopefully I will be ordering a driver this payday for it. The diode is going to have to wait until after xmas most likely though

20

This is just a guess as I don't know anything about laser diodes. It seems that 4 Ni-mh (of sufficient capacity) and 5 7135's would be perfect your diode. You're going P60. Would 2 18350 lipo's work?