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Low Temperature Considerations (and thanks)

TundraBumpkin

TundraBumpkin

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Hi there, LPF

First, thanks for all the info I have gotten from your forum over the past couple months of browsing and learning.

I am still in the planning stages of my first build, and I want to be well thought out. I plan on using the laser mostly outdoors. Temperatures where I live are sub-freezing 7 months out of the year and frequently negative double digits (F). I am trying to determine the different things I should keep in mind that might improve the function and/or lifespan.

I have searched the forums, however most of the terms I can think of using are bringing back results that miss the mark. I'm still an (extreme) beginner and have only managed to gather that DPSS lasers in general, and potentially green lasers are less than ideal for low temps. It figures that my heart was set on green :banghead:

Even if someone could just recommend some better search terms or good articles, etc.

Thanks!
 
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10fenny

10fenny

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Well yes you are right on being f-over on the dpss. Have you looked into solid diode options? Like the 520nm option?
 
TundraBumpkin

TundraBumpkin

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520nm, is a forest green right? That would look nice shining across the frozen sea. Are there certain components or housings that are better in the cold?

Thanks!
 
TundraBumpkin

TundraBumpkin

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Who am I kidding, I will probably just mess up a build haha. I'm should probably just buy a laser.
 
Pi R Squared

Pi R Squared

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520nm is a nice green color, I have one and it doesn't take much power to have a visible beam, as long as you stay away from anything DPSS at those tempratures the laser should be ok, but I am wondering about the batteries, how well do Li-Ion or Li-Mn hold up in sub freezing temperatures? Does anyone know?

Alan
 
SteveT

SteveT

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TundraBumpkin

TundraBumpkin

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I guess I could create some type of heated or insulated housing. Or build two and keep one warm in my pants til the other conks out 😜
 
SteveT

SteveT

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TundraBumpkin said:
Wow I feel like an idiot haha. Thank you!! This is a perfect example of overlooking the simplest solution. I usually have a bunch of those around anyways just in case. A few of those and some rubber bands and I'm good. You, sir, are a genius.
Click to expand...

Haha no problem and let us know how you get on with either your purchase or build!
 
TundraBumpkin

TundraBumpkin

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Pi R Squared said:
520nm is a nice green color, I have one and it doesn't take much power to have a visible beam, as long as you stay away from anything DPSS at those tempratures the laser should be ok, but I am wondering about the batteries, how well do Li-Ion or Li-Mn hold up in sub freezing temperatures? Does anyone know?

Alan
Click to expand...

I want something "rugged" that I can keep in my survival pack, perhaps in a cushioned case, that I don't have to worry about babying. I found this item Aliexpress.com : Buy Waterproof 520nm 150mW green laser with stainless steel shell and long working time with battery and battery charger from Reliable laser sight and light suppliers on 91laser | Alibaba Group which I like because it claims it is waterproof, and looks rugged based on the shape and build, but I would of course prefer something from a domestic source. I purchased another laser from Rick Trent but it does not meet the needs described here. I would like to be able to not need goggles to view the beam, since I would not be wearing them in a signaling scenario. I think I am settled on 520nm. Really appreciate your feedback!!
 
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TundraBumpkin

TundraBumpkin

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T_Warne said:
they claim this will operate down to 0F
Laser Genetics Subzero ND-3XL Green Laser Designator w/ 3 Mounts FREE S&H LG-ND3XL-SZ. Laser Genetics Green Laser Sights.
Click to expand...

That looks very cool. But, man, that is a lot of accessories it comes with. I hadn't planned on mounting it on any of my firearms but it looks like I would have numerous options. I also like the wide beam option! I really appreciate you helping in the search!

Quick question, when these lasers have issues with very cold temps, does it usually cause permanent damage or does returning the laser to normal temperature bring it back to normal function?

Thanks!
 
diachi

diachi

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TundraBumpkin said:
That looks very cool. But, man, that is a lot of accessories it comes with. I hadn't planned on mounting it on any of my firearms but it looks like I would have numerous options. I also like the wide beam option! I really appreciate you helping in the search!

Quick question, when these lasers have issues with very cold temps, does it usually cause permanent damage or does returning the laser to normal temperature bring it back to normal function?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Extreme cold shouldn't cause permanent damage, at least not in diode lasers. With DPSS there is a risk that the crystals could crack with a rapid and extreme temperature change, but I've never seen it happen from that, only from excessive pump power and a lack of cooling.
 
TundraBumpkin

TundraBumpkin

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diachi said:
Extreme cold shouldn't cause permanent damage, at least not in diode lasers. With DPSS there is a risk that the crystals could crack with a rapid and extreme temperature change, but I've never seen it happen from that, only from excessive pump power and a lack of cooling.
Click to expand...

I have several gadgets/belongings that cannot change temperatures rapidly, and I find that keeping them in a case when moving them from outdoors to indoors and vice versa allows them to slowly adjust and typically preserves them, avoids condensation, etc. This is even true with my electric guitar. That being said, if I need my laser for signalling, I will already have been outside for some time and shouldn't have to worry about a rapid temperature change. This is just another reason I will stick with my plan of a 520nm. I have actually reached out to Rick Trent for a custom build so I look forward to that process and posting a review.

Thanks again!

the Bumpkin
 
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