SKYLaser 100mW 405nm Handheld Problem

Hi, guys. Just last Tuesday I received my order of a 100mW handheld from laserbtb - (Website)

I charged up two, brand new Ultrafire rCR123a (16340) batteries and placed them in the laser. It was very bright for a 405, and it easily lit a match while focused to a tiny dot. But then, while I turned it on again after a few minutes, it only emitted a faint, ghostly light. :wtf: Even in the dark it is barely visible.

I have not looked down the aperture, regardless of how dim it is.

What could have caused this? The batteries (Laser takes 2) are rated at 3.7 volts; perhaps when they are brand new the voltage is much higher, too much for the diode?

The floor in my room is covered with carpet, and it's not rare to sometimes build up en electrostatic charge while walking around. I understand that diodes require ESD precautions, but is it possible for a charge to travel through the host and into the diode?

I contacted Kevin at laserbtb, and he said this sort of thing is covered by the warranty, but it has been a while since he messaged me back.

Below I included some images

I've got the 532nm 300mw by them and it only take 1 16340 cell but i'm guessing the 405nm takes 2? But my guess is the problem could be the battery. these batteries have problems keeping up with this laser. alot of people including myself recommend an IMR16340 for these lasers.

awillis2589 said:

I've got the 532nm 300mw by them and it should only take 1 16340 cell. also the problem could be the battery. these batteries have problems keeping up with this laser. alot of people including myself recommend an IMR16340 for these lasers.

Click to expand...

Yes, the 532nm handhelds only take one. However, the 405nm and 445nm take two.

Zeebit said:

How long did you keep the laser on? Did you observe the duty cycle?

Click to expand...

Even though it's 100mW, the laser doesn't use a high power pump like 532 or 589, so it shouldn't heat up at any quick rate. I only kept it on for 15 seconds at most at a time.


Kevin returned my email and said that unless I use a power meter (I have no access to) I cannot get some sort of refund. :undecided:

How long did you keep the laser on? Did you observe the duty cycle?

Check the batteries... but it looks like it LEDed.

It happens... often for no conceivable reason whatsoever.

If there is a problem with the laser and not battery's contact laserbtb they will probably replace it.

awillis2589 said:

If there is a problem with the laser and not battery's contact laserbtb they will probably replace it.

Click to expand...

They can only replace it if I provide proof with a Laser Power Meter, which I don't have.


I can only say that the laser's outer built quality is stunning, and that before it LEDed, it was definitely the coolest laser I have (had). Even now, the host is nice to look at. I'm almost sure that this is either a defective unit that slipped past quality control or a problem with ESD. By no means do I want to imply that SKY is a bad company, and I will soon be ordering one of their 532nm handheld units. :yh:

If all they are looking for is, a video of it getting LPMed, that's easy enough to do. Just send it to any vet...

100mW is not powerful enough to really burn fast, otherwise I'd suggest just showing them how it doesn't do anything when focused anymore.

Hey,

If you mail kevin pictures of the dot unfocussed you can clearly see it turned LED. You dont need a LPM to see that 405nM diodes are really sensitive. Sometimes thet indeed LED random like infinitusequitas said.

Anyways send those pictures and i am sure they will replace it!

Also you said you wanted too buy a 532nm then i recommend taking a look at the groupbuy i am hosting for laserbtb. It has fast fedex shipping at lower prices!

Good luck!

Greetings,

offroadfreak8582 said:

Anyways send those pictures and i am sure they will replace it!

Click to expand...

I did send images.

Here is Kevin from an e-mail -

"please test the power by power meter by yourself,
and you can send to your friend you test that.If the power
is lower than 100mW,we will repair that free. thanks,
Kevin"

I will have to find a LPF vet, preferably close to my area that can LPM it for me and take an image/video.

I've had to do the lpm video for and underpowered 532nm for them. I could lpm if if you will pay for shipping to me and then based on his response to either him or back to you. I've never had to send to china before but I'm sure its not a big deal. Also I've got IMR cells that I can use when testing.

A 5mW e-bay pen ''overspec'' is brighter then what you are showing in your picture's.

It's LED for sure

But i must say with it, that new fresh battery's take a couple of charges to be fully pottential. (but still then, it shouldn't look that dim)

p.s.
I like your avarter!

Is that a cue with a laser inside it ?
If not, it would be a awesome idea.

405 is not all that "bright" in the first place. Hard to know what you really have without a meter.
I have 550mw and there is hardly any visible beam and a faint violet dot. Not very impressive looking.
But it lights match's at 25'.

Send it to a vet for LPMing viode. Awillis already volunteered...

Shipping to china is not complicated at all. You ship it via EMS (USPS International Express) and last time I did it, it was around $40.

Right, at least I would lpm it and give a definitive output power then he can dicide what he wants done with it. $40 seams kinda expensive but like I said never sent anything over seas.

Image of the laser compared to a <5mW red cat toy.




...I need a better camera