Waterproof laser maintainance

I have the O-Like 200mW focussable waterproof. Whenever i have tried it it has seemed waterproof, but i've read in various places that waterproof lasers are problematic in that they develop spots that get bigger over time, and in turn increase spread. When expanded the projection was already pretty patch, but the spread was originally quite good on this peice, but i unscrewed the cap and that's added a bit more, regretably, and then a few sessions underwater have made it worse.

So i'm wondering:

1) What maintainance do "normal" (non-waterproof) lasers require and roughly how often to acheive the minimum spread and fewest specks on the projection possible? If they are kept in pockets, does that change things at all? I've assumed so far that, since dust grains are bigger than water molecules, a waterproof laser would also be dust-proof.

2) How does this differ for a waterproof laser that will be taken underwater occaisionally?

3) If i were to make a habit of taking it underwater, would the optics permanently suffer? Obviously respecting the "no changing focus underwater" rule and the "check everything is screwed in tightly" rule, and all the others.

Lastly, there seem to be a lot of reveiws on this laser. Is it worth me putting one up despite the fact i've had less experience in lasers than most of you? It might be useful just to obtain a bigger sample size, but i don't want to just submit it needlessly and have people see it and think "ughh... ANOTHER reveiw of that 200mW Red Focussable!!?".

If no water leaks in, your laser should be fine.
The main problem is that the window on the aperture will collect dust and residue from water, which could make the beam "splotchy."

Keep the beam path unobstructed by cleaning the window regularly and shake or wipe (with a soft material) off any excess water before letting it dry. If the water dries on the window it will leave residue.

RA_pierce said:

If no water leaks in, your laser should be fine.
The main problem is that the window on the aperture will collect dust and residue from water, which could make the beam "splotchy."

Keep the beam path unobstructed by cleaning the window regularly and shake or wipe (with a soft material) off any excess water before letting it dry. If the water dries on the window it will leave residue.

Click to expand...

Any idea how i can sort the problem of the beam being "splotchy" when expanded, bearing in mind that the laser came like this?

turn the head by hand.... if the splotch rotates too it is the head. next do the same with the Focusing lens, same theory... if the splotchy doesnt move on either, then the glass of your laser diode is either dirty or scratched. in which case contact member flaminpyro..for a small fee he can clean it. if it turns out to be a scratch, i hope your warranty will cover it.

michael

Most of the problem is the focussing lens. So annoying. There's also a problem with the diode (which i assumed wasn't fixable) which produces a strange sort of a pattern of lines down it. This isn't on the focussing lens (the adjustable one) it's on the head of the host. It's a strange effect, i'll photograph it as soon as i can. Thanks for all the help you've given.

Lastly, my feeling is this water residue won't come off with a cloth, and more tap water will make the problem worse. Will distilled water do it, or should i resort to lighter fluid or Methylated spirit?

JaiNobeZ, I have just recieved a rayfoss waterproof laser. I think the lines you are refering to might be from the diode itself or possibly mode hopping (just guesses as theres no pic). As for cleaning, Just disassemble the head and using good lens cleaner and a clean Q-tip Or microfiber cloth. Slowly and gently clean the surface untill you dont see any specks of dust or streaks. Its best to do it in a dust free environment.

I wouldent use lighter fluid nor reccomend it because it too can leave residue and make your problem worse, and not only that it may even dissolve your o-rings. Distilled water would be much better than plain water as there are no impurities.

Oh and if you can try and find out which side the dirt is on if its not already on both.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

Thanks,
Jeff