Possibly Starting a hand held DIY 445nm @ 1.5w+ - Need some suggestions

[Maros]

So I finished my first 660nm build a while ago, I just received my 405nm o-like, Now I'm considering starting a 445nm hand held. I need some driver suggestions, vendor sites would help . I'd like it to power the LD up to around 1.5w or higher. Adjustable would be prefered.

I have some (6) laptop 18650 cells, that I think should work okay. host is easy enough to come by, as well as the diode.

 

[nosebleedXD]

$1.99 - 18V 5W Cree Circuit Board for Flashlights (16.8mm*5.5mm) - DIY Parts & Tools - $2 dollar driver

445nm diode from DTR - $50 bucks i think and you can ask for leads and stuff soldered too

http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-blue-hotlight-kit-60919.html - $15

glass lens - $7-15 [ i got mine off ebay ]

since you have 18650s, i think you might need another host, or you could try a flex drive

*PS this is what i've purchased and planning to build cept im gonna use a lm317 driver

PSS didnt read you wanted a 1.5W build, i think RHD had a build using a lm317 driver to get 1.5W <
other then that i guess you could try a flex drive? that 2 dollar driver gives around 1.2A current i believe

 

[Maros]

Yeh, I use the LM317 in my first 660 build, It did great. Quick, cheap, and easy. I wouldn't have a problem doing that again if it could be altered to handle the 1.5w+, I still have enough leftover parts to make another one, with the exception of the regulator, but that's probably one of the things that'd be changed to handle the 1.5w+ (I'm guessing). I'll have to look for that thread. That little $2 driver is crazy, I may get one to play with at least lol. I like that host it's a great deal for the price, It however probably wont work with my 18650's. I do have an old mag I may be able to alter for a host. It'd require some sleeves for the battery(ies) and hoping the spring lined up okay. I've talked with DTR a bit and seems like a great guy to buy from so I'm sure my 445 LD will be coming from him. The driver was my main concern.

 

[Leodahsan]

At >1.5W you will heat up the poor LM317 a lot..
I recommend a heatsinked flexdrive.