PocketPal Focusing Issue

Finally got my PocketPal together and all working but I have a issue focusing it.

I have the metal focusing ring on the top of the optics but I cant focus it enough because it needs to go down furthur into the heat sink... Trouble is it doesnt go far enough in there...

I have removed the metal part and just have the spring and plastic housing but it doesnt really look the part.

Im not sure if this topic should go in tutorials or optics but what the hey.

how far away are you trying to focus it? if it is like a mile away...then that might be your problem...also did you cut away the plastic thing on the inside of the lense? It starts as a little hole but if you make it bigger it will let more light out and that might help you

You can't focus BRs properly with the metal focusing ring on it, you need to have it removed.

-Adam

The_Muffin_Man said:

how far away are you trying to focus it? if it is like a mile away...then that might be your problem...also did you cut away the plastic thing on the inside of the lense? It starts as a little hole but if you make it bigger it will let more light out and that might help you

Click to expand...

About 3 meters away and no, does that really make a difference?

You can't focus BRs properly with the metal focusing ring on it, you need to have it removed.

-Adam

Click to expand...

Sorry, should have said. I have a open can red in there.

This is an indication that the diode is not pressed all the way into the module (or the lens is damaged).  Try it with a different lens first.  If that doesn't work, look at the back of the module.  The diode should be recessed into the module.  It should NOT be flush or sticking up at all.

Peace,
dave


[highlight]**EDIT**[/highlight]  this is for the Merideth, but the idea is the same.  The diode needs to be below the surface of the module

daguin said:

This is an indication that the diode is not pressed all the way into the module (or the lens is damaged).  Try it with a different lens first.  If that doesn't work, look at the back of the module.  The diode should be recessed into the module.  It should NOT be flush or sticking up at all.

Peace,
dave


[highlight]**EDIT**[/highlight]  this is for the Merideth, but the idea is the same.  The diode needs to be below the surface of the module

Click to expand...

Its the same with different optics and its in the module perfectly.

If I remove the metal cap so I only have the plastic lens holder part I can focus it well, it goes inside the heat sink far enough. I am thinking perhaps if I try and get the module to come further forward towards the end of the heat sink.

lamborgini8 said:

Its the same with different optics and its in the module perfectly.
If I remove the metal cap so I only have the plastic lens holder part I can focus it well, it goes inside the heat sink far enough. I am thinking perhaps if I try and get the module to come further forward towards the end of the heat sink.

Click to expand...

Ahhh! That would explain it as well. The result is the same, the lens is too far from the diode. The module MUST be at least flush with the surface of the heat sink in order to be able to screw the lens in far enough. The lens has to screw into the module. If the module is below the surface of the heat sink, the heat sink will prevent the lens from screwing in far enough easily. Move the module farther forward (until the front of the module is at least flush with the surface of the heat sink). That should do it

Peace,
dave

daguin said:

[quote author=lamborgini8 link=1227894348/0#5 date=1227908774]
Its the same with different optics and its in the module perfectly.
If I remove the metal cap so I only have the plastic lens holder part I can focus it well, it goes inside the heat sink far enough. I am thinking perhaps if I try and get the module to come further forward towards the end of the heat sink.

Click to expand...

Ahhh!  That would explain it as well.  The result is the same, the lens is too far from the diode.  The module MUST be at least flush with the surface of the heat sink in order to be able to screw the lens in far enough.  The lens has to screw into the module.  If the module is below the surface of the heat sink, the heat sink will prevent the lens from screwing in far enough easily.  Move the module farther forward (until the front of the module is at least flush with the surface of the heat sink).  That should do it

Peace,
dave[/quote]

Makes sence, come to think of it I did push it back while at work for some reason and don't remember putting it back.