I am back and kinda after a long break and I am interested to see all the new cool stuff, and possibly buy a yellow with my new job.
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I'm back
↧
First Laser photo (445 "1 watt" with 3X beam expander
Hi all,
I have one of those common 445 nm "Gatling lasers"- and I ordered a Sanwu 3X Beam Expander for it-which works perfectly. The only issue is that the host starts to get warm after a minute-or less. (I shut it off for awhile-having read the forum on the subject)
I am focusing it on a matte dark grey rock-which smokes when the beam hits it.
Here is my first shot- I need practice. I'm using a DSLR.
I have "googles"- Eagle 6 OD 190-540 nm goggles from Gary at Survival Laser.
Anyone have any suggestions for photo set up?
Thanks!
Eric
I have one of those common 445 nm "Gatling lasers"- and I ordered a Sanwu 3X Beam Expander for it-which works perfectly. The only issue is that the host starts to get warm after a minute-or less. (I shut it off for awhile-having read the forum on the subject)
I am focusing it on a matte dark grey rock-which smokes when the beam hits it.
Here is my first shot- I need practice. I'm using a DSLR.
I have "googles"- Eagle 6 OD 190-540 nm goggles from Gary at Survival Laser.
Anyone have any suggestions for photo set up?
Thanks!
Eric
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↧
Lasers into Australia
Hi All,
I purchased a "200mw" green laser for my dad many years ago to assist with his astronomy, which has now died. He has had 2x customs warnings ordering single lasers to try and replace it.
He's become a collector over the years with vintage gas filled tube lasers and all sorts before my time. I'd like to be able to help him continue his collection long term too..
The laws have tightened since that one was purchased that's for sure! Browsing the forums I saw a number of Aus members with vast amounts of lasers exceeding the legal restrictions...
Would one simply have to be playing customs roulette to get them imported?
Im about to order a bunch of 18650 torches for myself, and figure that might be a good time to throw in a replacement...?
We have all the necessary eyeware, check live flight paths etc to ensure no potential issues there. We're the 1%rs who use lasers safely, like members of this forum! Just wondering how to approach acquiring a replacement.
Im also fascinated about these phat beam blue lasers, for my own entertainment - would love to be able to get one.
I apologise if this breaks forum rules...
Paradox
I purchased a "200mw" green laser for my dad many years ago to assist with his astronomy, which has now died. He has had 2x customs warnings ordering single lasers to try and replace it.
He's become a collector over the years with vintage gas filled tube lasers and all sorts before my time. I'd like to be able to help him continue his collection long term too..
The laws have tightened since that one was purchased that's for sure! Browsing the forums I saw a number of Aus members with vast amounts of lasers exceeding the legal restrictions...
Would one simply have to be playing customs roulette to get them imported?
Im about to order a bunch of 18650 torches for myself, and figure that might be a good time to throw in a replacement...?
We have all the necessary eyeware, check live flight paths etc to ensure no potential issues there. We're the 1%rs who use lasers safely, like members of this forum! Just wondering how to approach acquiring a replacement.
Im also fascinated about these phat beam blue lasers, for my own entertainment - would love to be able to get one.
I apologise if this breaks forum rules...
Paradox
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The TG430 - 55mW 430nm laser diode
Hello once again! I got myself something really unique to show off this time around.
Presenting...
████████████████████████████████████
█░░░░░███░░░░███░██░██░░░████░░░████
███░████░███████░██░█████░██░███░███
███░████░███░░██░░░░███░░░██░███░███
███░████░████░█████░█████░██░███░███
███░█████░░░░██████░██░░░████░░░████
████████████████████████████████████
Or Top-GaN 430nm blue laser diode.
I have a bunch of places I asked to be put on lists for unusual diodes, and this is no different. This time it was through RMPC lasers. Expect $$$ prices. Since they don't advertise exact prices on their site I won't be writing the exact amount. Less than a grand, but much more than anything on DTR's site.
https://www.rpmclasers.com/product/t...e-laser-diode/
I'll start off with the host - this is a brass / copper host by Rich. I thought having an indigo color would be a good contrast with the color of the diode. Little did I realize, the copper sink is proving very useful as well...
![]()
![]()
So 430nm... what does it look like? I was expecting some happy medium between the 445's and 405's. To my surprise, if I didn't have Paul measure it beforehand I would assume it was a ripoff for a low wavelength 445. It is still very much so blue.
On my monitors, this color appears pretty similar to what I have up at the top. The spot is undeniably blue. However... the splash/diffuse light in low quantities is most certainly violet. It's a difficult color to pick up on camera, bearing that in mind I'll share what I can. This first image is the most accurate representation I currently have.
![]()
![]()
Camera picks it up much more purple than it is to me. However it does show a decent comparison for the magnitude of visual difference between 405nm, 430nm and 450nm
405-430-450
![]()
450-430
![]()
450nm doesn't have a hint of violet in it compared to 430nm, where the 430nm looks like a very unrefined blue... Again, concentrated it's blue and diffuse it's violet. (which would probably make it very bad for color mixing.)
Another thing I noticed is the box reflection. I have not seen a box reflection worse than this one's.
![]()
Does that not show how bad it really is? How about compared to an overdriven blue diode (the 472)
![]()
(ow)
![]()
It's bad. Partially because the die is humongous.
![]()
...
All in all, would I recommend getting one of these? Nope! The color isn't really all that different from 445 in my opinion. Unless you're a real big wavelength collector and have a ton of money to drop on something a little different, save your money for something else. It's neat to have, but not different enough to warrant the price tag.
I think maybe 415-425 may be a better range for an indigo color. I'll be waiting to find one of those... If anyone has a high wavelength (415nm+) BDR-209, please contact me :)
And finally, I'll be adding more images to the album here. I know I don't have a ton here (and none are really all that good). I'll be making changes here as well if I get any really nice pics along the line.
:thanks: for the read!
Presenting...
████████████████████████████████████
█░░░░░███░░░░███░██░██░░░████░░░████
███░████░███████░██░█████░██░███░███
███░████░███░░██░░░░███░░░██░███░███
███░████░████░█████░█████░██░███░███
███░█████░░░░██████░██░░░████░░░████
████████████████████████████████████
Or Top-GaN 430nm blue laser diode.
I have a bunch of places I asked to be put on lists for unusual diodes, and this is no different. This time it was through RMPC lasers. Expect $$$ prices. Since they don't advertise exact prices on their site I won't be writing the exact amount. Less than a grand, but much more than anything on DTR's site.
https://www.rpmclasers.com/product/t...e-laser-diode/
I'll start off with the host - this is a brass / copper host by Rich. I thought having an indigo color would be a good contrast with the color of the diode. Little did I realize, the copper sink is proving very useful as well...


So 430nm... what does it look like? I was expecting some happy medium between the 445's and 405's. To my surprise, if I didn't have Paul measure it beforehand I would assume it was a ripoff for a low wavelength 445. It is still very much so blue.
On my monitors, this color appears pretty similar to what I have up at the top. The spot is undeniably blue. However... the splash/diffuse light in low quantities is most certainly violet. It's a difficult color to pick up on camera, bearing that in mind I'll share what I can. This first image is the most accurate representation I currently have.


Camera picks it up much more purple than it is to me. However it does show a decent comparison for the magnitude of visual difference between 405nm, 430nm and 450nm
405-430-450

450-430

450nm doesn't have a hint of violet in it compared to 430nm, where the 430nm looks like a very unrefined blue... Again, concentrated it's blue and diffuse it's violet. (which would probably make it very bad for color mixing.)
Another thing I noticed is the box reflection. I have not seen a box reflection worse than this one's.

Does that not show how bad it really is? How about compared to an overdriven blue diode (the 472)

(ow)

It's bad. Partially because the die is humongous.

...
All in all, would I recommend getting one of these? Nope! The color isn't really all that different from 445 in my opinion. Unless you're a real big wavelength collector and have a ton of money to drop on something a little different, save your money for something else. It's neat to have, but not different enough to warrant the price tag.
I think maybe 415-425 may be a better range for an indigo color. I'll be waiting to find one of those... If anyone has a high wavelength (415nm+) BDR-209, please contact me :)
And finally, I'll be adding more images to the album here. I know I don't have a ton here (and none are really all that good). I'll be making changes here as well if I get any really nice pics along the line.
:thanks: for the read!
↧
Sanwu Challenger II 520 nm 1 watt impressions
Hi
I took the plunge and bought a quality laser from Sanwu. The 1 watt Challenger 2, 520 nm 1 Watt Multi-functional version.
Initially, I ordered a 150 mW 525 nm-but changed my mind. I must say it was very easy emailing Francis-and changing my order. Then it was time to wait.
Total? About 7 days between making my order changes-and arrival. Quick!
It was in a padded envelope-and inside each part was carefully wrapped in more padding. No instruction sheet-but having read about it that was not a problem.
I was a little confused at first-having requested the 18650 battery option-which I realized after a minute-must be for the lower power version.
First off-it feels like a quality piece. As others have said-it's a little tricky changing modes. I popped in 2 16340 button tops (3.7 each). The site suggests 18350 flat tops (on order)-but much reading says they should work for now (18350 on way).
The first setting is low power (1 mW?)- not terribly bright but fine for presentations. The spot was a line with a brighter dot in center.
A little fiddling with the button took me through strobe and SOS-then BOOM beautiful bright beam. I love the color. I noticed that it was very visible looking down the beam even in indirect daylight.
It certainly lights matches-actually, I tested it on the wooden part.
I took a few quick pictures (indirect daylight)-even without smoke, I can see the beam from the side.
It does get WARM. Within a minute, the front is not comfortable (although not burning) and the main part is above body temp. My max on time was 2 minutes (timed) and it was about the same. I understand the body is copper-nickel alloy? Which does act as a heat sink if I understand correctly. I'll post more beam shots later-perhaps with a little steam or smoke. :-) I am posting a few pics of the body-copper heat sink and lens. And of course-the indirect daylight side beam shot.
I took the plunge and bought a quality laser from Sanwu. The 1 watt Challenger 2, 520 nm 1 Watt Multi-functional version.
Initially, I ordered a 150 mW 525 nm-but changed my mind. I must say it was very easy emailing Francis-and changing my order. Then it was time to wait.
Total? About 7 days between making my order changes-and arrival. Quick!
It was in a padded envelope-and inside each part was carefully wrapped in more padding. No instruction sheet-but having read about it that was not a problem.
I was a little confused at first-having requested the 18650 battery option-which I realized after a minute-must be for the lower power version.
First off-it feels like a quality piece. As others have said-it's a little tricky changing modes. I popped in 2 16340 button tops (3.7 each). The site suggests 18350 flat tops (on order)-but much reading says they should work for now (18350 on way).
The first setting is low power (1 mW?)- not terribly bright but fine for presentations. The spot was a line with a brighter dot in center.
A little fiddling with the button took me through strobe and SOS-then BOOM beautiful bright beam. I love the color. I noticed that it was very visible looking down the beam even in indirect daylight.
It certainly lights matches-actually, I tested it on the wooden part.
I took a few quick pictures (indirect daylight)-even without smoke, I can see the beam from the side.
It does get WARM. Within a minute, the front is not comfortable (although not burning) and the main part is above body temp. My max on time was 2 minutes (timed) and it was about the same. I understand the body is copper-nickel alloy? Which does act as a heat sink if I understand correctly. I'll post more beam shots later-perhaps with a little steam or smoke. :-) I am posting a few pics of the body-copper heat sink and lens. And of course-the indirect daylight side beam shot.
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Best commercial?
Best commercial you have seen?
Here's my choice...
https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/s...fd&action=view
Here's my choice...
https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/s...fd&action=view
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B-ball removal testing
I have access to dry inert boxes at work. I was thinking to decan some ball diodes in various gas and see what happens. Im thinking nitrogens d another in argon. Nitrogen is not inert.
What diodes do you want to see and I dont have a power meter so what do you suggest? I was thinking to run them at recommended current 24/7 and measure the output once a day. If found stable once a week.
One decanned/one not decanned.
To this was thinking to add a decanned in air. This would give us the real info we need.
If this data exist let me know to save me a lot of time.
I would also like to try various methods to reseal decanned diodes.
Thoughts? What diodes?
What diodes do you want to see and I dont have a power meter so what do you suggest? I was thinking to run them at recommended current 24/7 and measure the output once a day. If found stable once a week.
One decanned/one not decanned.
To this was thinking to add a decanned in air. This would give us the real info we need.
If this data exist let me know to save me a lot of time.
I would also like to try various methods to reseal decanned diodes.
Thoughts? What diodes?
↧
Ophir DG-HH Input Voltage?
Hi Everyone,
I have two older Ophir DG-HH LPMs that do not have power supplies with them. I have disassembled one and found the proper connector, but I am not sure of the voltage it requires. I believe it is 12V, but I'm not certain, and I certainly don't want to fry one trying it out. Does anyone know or could anyone help me figure it out by way of examining the components inside? Once I figure this out, I can put together a power supply and have a nice LPM! Thanks!
I have two older Ophir DG-HH LPMs that do not have power supplies with them. I have disassembled one and found the proper connector, but I am not sure of the voltage it requires. I believe it is 12V, but I'm not certain, and I certainly don't want to fry one trying it out. Does anyone know or could anyone help me figure it out by way of examining the components inside? Once I figure this out, I can put together a power supply and have a nice LPM! Thanks!
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Hello From South Carolina!
Hello Everyone! I have been lurking here for at least a couple of years and building a few lasers here and there, and I just decided to join up.
I'm excited to learn more about this fascinating field and build some more lasers! Seems like a very knowledgeable and welcoming community!
Best Regards,
IHeartLasers
I'm excited to learn more about this fascinating field and build some more lasers! Seems like a very knowledgeable and welcoming community!
Best Regards,
IHeartLasers
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LPF community dual 44 project, Share your ideas.
This thread is for members who want to participate in a group build with hosts being sourced through member Alaskan, the build is a dual nubm44 PBS combined and corrected via 6x cyl pair.
Please share your ideas and expertise to make this project a success, if you want a host PM Alaskan.
Here is a very basic concept image
![]()
Please share your ideas and expertise to make this project a success, if you want a host PM Alaskan.
Here is a very basic concept image

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Ultrafire-dead ALREADY?
Arrrrrrrgh!
After some reading-I noticed that Ultrafire Batteries have a BAD rep.
I have two that I got with a "Gattling Laser" within the last month. One is officially DEAD already.
I'm glad I followed advice on the forum about battery chargers-I have a Nitecore D4. I was able to recharge it- 2X.
Today?
It read ERROR. I have Efest on order!
After some reading-I noticed that Ultrafire Batteries have a BAD rep.
I have two that I got with a "Gattling Laser" within the last month. One is officially DEAD already.
I'm glad I followed advice on the forum about battery chargers-I have a Nitecore D4. I was able to recharge it- 2X.
Today?
It read ERROR. I have Efest on order!
↧
Any LPF Members living in Hawaii ???
One of my buddies is thinking of relocating to Hawaii.
Just wondering is any LPF Members live in Hawaii ???
My buddy would like to get some lowdown on living
there.
You can leave a comment here or by PM.:yh:
Jerry
Just wondering is any LPF Members live in Hawaii ???
My buddy would like to get some lowdown on living
there.
You can leave a comment here or by PM.:yh:
Jerry
↧
Is their a (mostly) comprehensive list of laser diodes with pictures and data sheets?
I mean one page with info on most of the popular laser diodes with a basic data sheet with output power, input voltage and current, wavelength at recommended current, dimensions, and other useful info. Pictures with different lenses of both the beam focused to infinity and of the laser dot would be extremely helpful for newbies like myself. If this does not already exist it would be a useful resource for someone to make, although it would probably require a lot of time and effort to get pics.
Side not that doesn't really warrant its own post: Does anyone know what the pointer DTR uses as a banner logo on his posts came from. Nice sky blue color looks like a 460-470 nm and it looks like a 9mm to me i'm just not sure which one.
Side not that doesn't really warrant its own post: Does anyone know what the pointer DTR uses as a banner logo on his posts came from. Nice sky blue color looks like a 460-470 nm and it looks like a 9mm to me i'm just not sure which one.
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↧
LPC836 Laser Diode Problem
Hello all,
I am in the process of building a laser around the Mitsubishi LPC836 650nm Red Laser TO18 5.6mm LD Diode 350mw 500mW CW. I am powering it with an LM317 and a wall wart which outputs 12 VDC at a max 2.0A. According to various videos online I saw you could make a current limiter around th lm317 and a 3.3 ohm 1 way resistor across the adjust and output. Both my lm317 and diode are getting pretty warm after a couple of seconds and the diode is not even close to outputting the amount of power it should. What am I doing wrong?
-Adam
I am in the process of building a laser around the Mitsubishi LPC836 650nm Red Laser TO18 5.6mm LD Diode 350mw 500mW CW. I am powering it with an LM317 and a wall wart which outputs 12 VDC at a max 2.0A. According to various videos online I saw you could make a current limiter around th lm317 and a 3.3 ohm 1 way resistor across the adjust and output. Both my lm317 and diode are getting pretty warm after a couple of seconds and the diode is not even close to outputting the amount of power it should. What am I doing wrong?
-Adam
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502nm Diode in BadBoyBilly Host
Getting on a roll with these well-deserved reviews...
![]()
Up today is a build I've had for a long time now that I needed to make some repairs to. One of the original 505nm diodes in one of the original hosts made by badboybilly here. The diode in this host is a bit rare being a case neutral 505, operating at a steady 502nm.
I needed to do some repairs since the host took a bit of a fall... diode was OK, but the soldered connections to the driver... the solid core wire didn't appreciate that. So, I took it apart and re-soldered it using the right wiring.
![]()
As you might be able to tell, this driver's been through a lot of change. Still works fine though :o
Something was up with the negative lead in the host, so I wired the negative end of the driver back to the case pin of the diode. Couldn't find my black wire but this won't be coming back apart, so who cares I suppose
![]()
From here... add in some electrical tape and put the back end of the module back in.
![]()
Then that module would slide in to the host a little bit, leaving some room to connect everything up to the switch.
![]()
Then it was time to press the module back in to the host. I never had it down this far before, but I will say it's never coming back out.
![]()
Though there's still a tiny, tiny bit of the heatsink sticking out
![]()
With that, it's built!
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
502nm (top) vs 520nm (bottom)
![]()
502 vs 495
![]()
502 vs 488
![]()
Sorry for the wait on the long awaited review billy! Thanks again for making this. Someday I'll need to chat about another host... in due time, laser funds still recovering from the 430nm.
And of course, I'll end it with a link to the album that I add pictures to periodically.
Thanks for the read,
-Z

Up today is a build I've had for a long time now that I needed to make some repairs to. One of the original 505nm diodes in one of the original hosts made by badboybilly here. The diode in this host is a bit rare being a case neutral 505, operating at a steady 502nm.
I needed to do some repairs since the host took a bit of a fall... diode was OK, but the soldered connections to the driver... the solid core wire didn't appreciate that. So, I took it apart and re-soldered it using the right wiring.

As you might be able to tell, this driver's been through a lot of change. Still works fine though :o
Something was up with the negative lead in the host, so I wired the negative end of the driver back to the case pin of the diode. Couldn't find my black wire but this won't be coming back apart, so who cares I suppose

From here... add in some electrical tape and put the back end of the module back in.

Then that module would slide in to the host a little bit, leaving some room to connect everything up to the switch.

Then it was time to press the module back in to the host. I never had it down this far before, but I will say it's never coming back out.

Though there's still a tiny, tiny bit of the heatsink sticking out

With that, it's built!




502nm (top) vs 520nm (bottom)

502 vs 495

502 vs 488

Sorry for the wait on the long awaited review billy! Thanks again for making this. Someday I'll need to chat about another host... in due time, laser funds still recovering from the 430nm.
And of course, I'll end it with a link to the album that I add pictures to periodically.
Thanks for the read,
-Z
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Tubes of Light
Way back, I built some laser spirographs. I do still love them. Portable and usually a crowd pleaser. I have a 5 motor/mirror setup that is not inside any enclosure, so I can point whatever beams I want at it :) It is using cheap mirrors, (not first-surface) that I've contemplated popping out the dental mirrors to see what kind of difference it'd make...but haven't done so yet. I am using this rig with the glass wedge, and with a 3 mirror "pyramid" setup to bounce a "cone" around.
What I found super neat was catching the frequency of the camera capture with the the speed of the mirrors to get some sweet gif action!
Beams used (wavelengths):
With wedge:
445nm
With 3 mirror "pyramid":
532nm
490nm
650nm
videotogif_2018.07.16_23.46.56 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
IMAG4555 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
IMAG4571 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
IMAG4585 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr[url=https://flic.kr/p/2994D8N]
IMAG4591 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
IMAG4596 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
videotogif_2018.07.16_23.55.44 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
IMAG4617 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
IMAG4625 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
videotogif_2018.07.16_23.50.16 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
videotogif_2018.07.16_23.53.22 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
videotogif_2018.07.16_23.49.05 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
I should clean up
IMAG4638 by Lewie Wilkinson, on Flickr
What I found super neat was catching the frequency of the camera capture with the the speed of the mirrors to get some sweet gif action!
Beams used (wavelengths):
With wedge:
445nm
With 3 mirror "pyramid":
532nm
490nm
650nm












I should clean up

↧
Variety of Sanwu and Optronics Lasers
A quick video of a few lasers. (Clear night at 75ft.)
From left to right.
1. Optronics RPL 450 432nm - 450mW
2. Sanwu Challenger ll 445nm - 3W w/X3 Beam Expander
3. Sanwu Guardian (extended) 520nm - 1W
4. Sanwu Red Guardian 635nm - 800mW (Square Beam Spot)
5. Sanwu Guardian SS 465nm - 1.6W
6. Sanwu Challenger 445nm - 1.6W
7. Sanwu Pocket 488nm - 60mW
![]()
From left to right.
1. Optronics RPL 450 432nm - 450mW
2. Sanwu Challenger ll 445nm - 3W w/X3 Beam Expander
3. Sanwu Guardian (extended) 520nm - 1W
4. Sanwu Red Guardian 635nm - 800mW (Square Beam Spot)
5. Sanwu Guardian SS 465nm - 1.6W
6. Sanwu Challenger 445nm - 1.6W
7. Sanwu Pocket 488nm - 60mW

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↧
Fast Shipping Laser Diode Distributors
Hello all,
I am in the process of building my first burning laser around an LPC836 350mW 500mW laser diode. (Exciting right) within the first day of having the 2 diodes that I had waited 1 month for, they were both fried :))))) I have ordered a replacement but it is not set to come in until mid August. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for fast ship to door laser diode distributors on the cheaper end. They do not have to carry the LPC836 specifically but they should havediodes around the same amount of output power. Thanks Guys!
-Adam
I am in the process of building my first burning laser around an LPC836 350mW 500mW laser diode. (Exciting right) within the first day of having the 2 diodes that I had waited 1 month for, they were both fried :))))) I have ordered a replacement but it is not set to come in until mid August. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for fast ship to door laser diode distributors on the cheaper end. They do not have to carry the LPC836 specifically but they should havediodes around the same amount of output power. Thanks Guys!
-Adam
↧
Where to buy good 18650s in EU/netherlands?
I'm looking to buy some decent quality cells, preferably from a seller in western europe so that they can be shipped over land avoiding any restrictions on air mail of these things.
Do you know of any reputable vendors around these parts that charge reasonable rates for products and shipping?
I don't need anything super fancy, but just some non-fake branded unprotected 18650 cells.
There are some dutch stores offering them, but i'm not 100% sure they sell the real deal, so any experiences would be welcome.
Do you know of any reputable vendors around these parts that charge reasonable rates for products and shipping?
I don't need anything super fancy, but just some non-fake branded unprotected 18650 cells.
There are some dutch stores offering them, but i'm not 100% sure they sell the real deal, so any experiences would be welcome.
↧
Hello party people
Hello all!
My name is Adam I an an Electrical Engineering Student living in New York! I have always been fond of lasers but have never had the free time/money to pick them up as a hobby...until now that is haha.
Cheers
Adam
My name is Adam I an an Electrical Engineering Student living in New York! I have always been fond of lasers but have never had the free time/money to pick them up as a hobby...until now that is haha.
Cheers
Adam
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