Firedragon Mod - the stupidly simple solution for getting THIN beams.

[rhd]

I don't have the time to do a good looking thread right now with decent photos, but I wanted to get this info out there. This mod achieves a perfectly thin beam (similar to what you might expect from a lower powered pointer)

This is so stupid, it's semi-hilarious

You need: Aixiz focus knob, Aixiz acrylic lens

Steps:

1. Remove your Firedragon's hood.
   
2. Tape/attach the focus knob upside down (thread facing away from the laser) on top of the Firedragon's aperture.
   
3. Screw (roughly one rotation) the Aixiz acrylic lens into the focus knob, screwdriver groove facing down (towards the aperture).
   
4. Adjust focus by screwing/unscrewing the acrylic lens from the focus knob. Adjust to infinity.

That's it. Oh, and if you want to put the Firedragon hood back on, you'll need to remove the lense that is built into it.

So how much power do you sacrifice? In my experience, negative 45mW. I'm actually seeing more output with this mod (potentially because the lens is closer to aperture and thus wasting less), and a beautiful thin beam.

As mentioned, this is stupidly humerous. Someone else try it - confirm that I'm not crazy.

 

[jcranmer]

Oh there you go, make me regret not getting one of these in the GB even more.

 

[InfinitusEquitas]

FML:banghead: Makes me wish I hadn't sold mine right now

 

[rhd]

I'll contact DD and see if they'll setup another GB. Maybe for a "400mW" unit this time.

I'll wait for someone else to confirm my little experiment above though

 

[SacredTanakh]

maybe Ill try this with the one you sold me rhd. :thanks:

 

[rhd]

A 3-element glass actually works as well or better.

Here's a video:
- Note that the first 10 seconds of LPMing had a lower reading because I was trying to position the laser. Then a few times after that, the laser moved and the power reading dropped for a second while I re-positioned the laser.
- Note also, that this is the FireDragon from my sig, that was 425mW peak, when I previously LPM'd it. (and even that, had been the highest it EVER registered)

 

[Ibuprofen200mg]

I can't duplicate your results rhd, what focusing knob are you using?

 

[rhd]

I can't duplicate your results rhd, what focusing knob are you using?

The regular Aixiz focus knob - that you get with an Aixiz module. Maybe this diagram will help?

 

[ARG]

Not that I own one of these, but out of curiosity, what is the divergence/size compared to an un-modded firedragon?

 

[jcranmer]

I'll contact DD and see if they'll setup another GB. Maybe for a "400mW" unit this time.

I'll wait for someone else to confirm my little experiment above though

I thought they stopped selling lasers over 5mw?

 

[rhd]

Not that I own one of these, but out of curiosity, what is the divergence/size compared to an un-modded firedragon?

Modded, the size at exit point is 1mm. It still diverges a fair bit (though nowhere near as fast as a 635). The big win here is beam size at exit. Divergence is better than unmodded, but it's not hugely better.

I thought they stopped selling lasers over 5mw?

They sell them through a secondary site.

 

[bobhaha]

I would be in for the second round GB

Looks good... I wonder what kind of beam you would get with a G1 lens.... :thinking:

 

[Kalahari]

Is this reversible, or will you never be able to un-mod it?

 

[rhd]

Is this reversible, or will you never be able to un-mod it?

Reversible. You can literally tape the stuff on.

I'm *so* surprised that others haven't tried this. It's hilariously easy, and oh-so-much cooler.

 

[rocket689]

I bought a Firedragon III "350" yesterday in the BST section.
Im definitely trying this when it arrives.

:thanks: for the hilariously simple mod.

 

[eytyxhs]

It works!

Nice thin beam!

Good job rhd! :beer: