Some problems with DX lasers...

Well, I just got my DX true 30 mw today and it worked normally; that is until I "proof" tested it. I let it cool down for about 15 mins and turned it on for 30 seconds as a "proofing" test. Afterwards, it fails to maintain TEM00 at 30mw for more than 0.5 seconds before hopping to TEM01 at less than 10 mw. I have tried changing the batteries and cleaning the contacts but it continues mode hopping and dropping in power. Could the crystals have been damaged during my "proofing" test? All my lasers have passed this test without a hitch except this one... Anyone have any suggestions?

I was also operating my DX 20mw stainless greenie outside a few hours ago at 7 degrees C (45 F) and it suddenly died on me. The power dropped down to about 1mw with alot of IR coming out (Faint red and green) when shined against a wall. I gently shook it and there didn't appear to be any loose or broken parts inside. I shone it against a wall again and this time, there was only a faint red dot (IR). This leads me to suspect that the Nd:YVO4 is damaged/failed. Is this a simple case of misalignment of the crystals or have they been FUBARed? I have also maintained a strict duty cycle of 20 seconds and cooldown time of 30 seconds. I have not yet "proof" tested this laser... This is the second greenie failure in less than 2 hours.... Any suggestions? I'd really hate to RMA a $20 item so I'd like to get it fixed if possible.

thanks

Well, it might've got screwed.But it isn't really your fault, your test shouldn't've affected it.My DX30 modehops from TEM01 to TEM00, but in TEM00 it is actually less bright.They're just very sensitive to temperature and batteries.

If I were you I would take the 20mW appart and mess with the crystals a bit.Be carefull though. :-/

oh

oh

the two most informative posts ever seen on LPF - bravo to you

my 5mw dx seems to be the opposite... it seems cold blooded, and only works well after I've left it on a while. when its cold it dims significantly after a half second like you described.