Hey guys! I finished my first custom host attempt! I pretty pleased for a first time job! I m waiting for a driver to arrive and i will fit a green 1W diode inside!
Very nice. Thanks for sharing your pics.
Something I like is a shrouded switch, that is an end cap with a raised rim so you reach in with a finger to turn in on, it helps prevent accidents., most flashlight housings have a tail cap with at least a semi shrouded switch....actually a rear enable with an on indicator and a side activate switch would be a great way to go for future builds.
The switch is stolen from a led flashlight and i hope it will be ok with the current.... I hope at least!!! The choice of this switch was a must for the use the laser is meant to be used... It will sit on a tripod for height measurement on distance... So i just hope it will manage a 1A current!
@skijohn actually i did the machining on my buddy's lathe! It took almost 3 days because of mistakes we did, but now it 's finished, i can say that we can do it in 3-4 hours! Our biggest concern was the threads and our first attempts was a destruction because we had chosen wrong gears for the pitch but now i m pretty confident that it relatively easy!
One more mistake of mine is that i chose a Φ40 and Φ50 aluminium diameter and it was too much. With a Φ30 rod we could have run away from a lot of machining!
Hi,
Nice host done well machine on a manual lathe takes time , rushing is a recipe for disaster . As Red Cowboy said a latching switch thats set deeper prevents accidents . But good job for what you had on hand. I set switches deeper for safety reasons or deep enough to stand the host upright.
Rich
@Lifetime17 yours look awesome too man! Is it anodised? One more thing... What switches could handle 3-5A? In case i want to change my diode to something stronger!
Hi,
Thank You , I powder coat some of my hosts. Powder coating is much more durable than anodizing. And you dont need an electrical current or caustic dangerous liquid to achieve a finish . Powders come in a large range of colors and finishes .
A 16mm or a 19mm latching switch will cover the load for the NUBM44-V2 diode. Mamazon or Flebay carries them, Then all you will need is the correct drill and bottoming or tapering tap.
You can check out my builds by clicking on the number 86 and scroll through for some ideas.
Good luck with you machining , always take your time and step back if in doubt. Mistakes cost al lot of wasted time I learned through the years. Then you will know what tooling and machinery you will need.Enjoy and be safe always.
You can also machine adapters for Beam expanders to fit over the front of the host secured by nylon tip set screws .
Rich
That's nice to hear about latching switches... I have bought a couple 19mm Lanboo switches from AliExpress with up to 6A DC current rated and i thought it s impossible... But now i believe that their datasheet is legit!