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FrozenGate by Avery

*Drumroll* CNI PGL-III-A-520 REVIEW!

NightExplorer96

NightExplorer96

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CNI PGL-III-A-520​


Questions/Observations(Please answer)
- This particular unit seems to emit some sound while it runs. It isn't very loud, it's faint honestly kinda like a buzzing sound. Any clue what this may be?
- Even though this unit has a 5 second delay for safety I can see dimly some green light coming out before it powers completely on. Is this normal for lasers? Custom made ones?


Overview
Let me first start off by saying I am very glad CNI decided to build this custom made unit for me! I know 520 lasers are becoming pretty common, but I have yet to see this color, let alone one in a PGL host so this unit is pretty unique in my collection :) CNI quoted me $390 in total(including shipping etc...).

Color difference 520 vs 532
Honestly, as soon as I turned this unit on I thought I had received a 532 laser & was like *oh crap*. I remembering reading some LPF posts on how 520 & 532 can't be easily seen unless they are next to each other, and honestly, I agree with that statement 100%! Once both my PGL's were next to each other I could easily see a blueish-green tinge on the 520 while 532 looked yellowish-green. The colors aren't very difference but you can tell them apart if you look hard enough :)

Shipping
Shipping from CNI's factory to me in California was done with FedEx International Priority & ran me $70(as previously listed). The total transit time was 3 business days(including Memorial Day & the Weekend). I would of wished it would have gotten here a little quicker(since it says next business day to the US) but it isn't a big deal, as long as I have my PGL. The box the laser was sent it could easily protect the device even if it was thrown around. The pGL was protected into bubble wrap, and was surrounded by large black foam pads on all sides :beer:

Conclusion
Overall im statisfied with this unit. The laser feels strong & heavy and everything works as it should, apart from the front shutter which dosen't turn & the small sound it makes while it runs :D The price was a little steep but I had the extra funds so I decided to go ahead & purchase it anyway! Once again, another great laser & will definitely buy from CNI next :)

Below are the pictures of the unit along with information about the laser! Thank you for looking & please answer the questions on the top of the thread :thanks:


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:thanks: Another wavelength in the green spectrum done!

-Alex
 
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Nice!! glad you got it nice and safe!
I have heard that some drivers can make noise..
 
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Gotta love the greens. Nice color comparison on the photos as well. Glad to see it arrived safe after the hiccup
 
10fenny said:
Nice!! glad you got it nice and safe!
I have heard that some drivers can make noise..
Click to expand...

Thanks! Alright, so this might be a driver issue that is causing the noise?

-Alex

@GR3EN

Thank you! Im happy it safely made it here as well, I was starting to freak out a little :thanks:

-Alex
 
I wouldnt accept a laser that makes a buzzing noise, not for almost 400$ alone.. mail them and see what they say.. sounds like something u would accept from a crappy ebay laser not from them.
 
mortuus said:
I wouldnt accept a laser that makes a buzzing noise, not for almost 400$ alone.. mail them and see what they say.. sounds like something u would accept from a crappy ebay laser not from them.
Click to expand...

Hey mortuus,

Agreed! I'll send CNI an email explaining the problem & see what they say. That is really the only "defect" with this device, the shutter & dim light before the safety goes off isn't that big of a deal.

-Alex
 
Yea i wasnt gonna say anything, for I am a newb! But anytime someone says their driving is buzzing is usualy a defect! So let us know what they say
 
10fenny said:
Yea i wasnt gonna say anything, for I am a newb! But anytime someone says their driving is buzzing is usualy a defect! So let us know what they say
Click to expand...

No, speak up if you think you might know what it is, not a problem :beer: I'll let you know what CNI says about this along with the other stuff I listed.

-Alex
 
I guess what i meant: is that i didnt wanna scare you on something i dont really know WTF im talking about and then have someone correct me... Again! Hehe. Maybe next time ill just make something up!!
 
$400 for a 3.6mW 520nm laser? Yikes, outrageously high price--mabe when 520nm first came out but now?

Anyway enjoy it.

For $400 you should not have to accept anything less than a perfect ideal unit--- just saying.
 
Encap said:
$400 for a 3.6mW 520nm laser? Yikes, outrageously high price--mabe when 520nm first came out but now?

Anyway enjoy it.

For $400 you should not have to accept anything less than a perfect ideal unit--- just saying.
Click to expand...

^Agreed! I sent CNI an Email about the issue & will post what they say about it :)

Thanks for commenting!

Edit: This is strange. Don't know if it's me but the laser appears to dim after a few seconds of it being on(around 30 seconds). I don't think it's the batteries as I bought 2 fresh CR123's from Battery Junction ugh :(

Edit #2: CNI has informed me they will talk to the engineers about these issues & will get back to me. I let them know how disappointed I am for having spent $300. Let's see what they say.

-Alex
 
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Nice laser!

Sometime in the future I plan to make a ~5mW laser pen in each color.

I know some of my flashlights make a buzzing noise when they have the PWM for low or medium mode. Although I don't see any reason why a CC laser driver would make a buzzing noise. :thinking:


Just out of curiosity, why did you go with CNI over laserbtb 5mW 515nm or, say, asking someone here to build you one? I mean, you could get it for a lot less $$$. I guess you wouldn't have the 5 second delay or shutter, but for a >5mW laser the danger is minimal.
Just wondering:wave:
 
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Mattronium said:
Nice laser!

Sometime in the future I plan to make a ~5mW laser pen in each color.

I know some of my flashlights make a buzzing noise when they have the PWM for low or medium mode. Although I don't see any reason why a CC laser driver would make a buzzing noise. :thinking:


Just out of curiosity, why did you go with CNI over laserbtb 5mW 515nm or, say, asking someone here to build you one? I mean, you could get it for a lot less $$$. I guess you wouldn't have the 5 second delay or shutter, but for a >5mW laser the danger is minimal.
Just wondering:wave:
Click to expand...

Hey Matt,

Thanks for the comment :)

I chose CNI just because I like their host & have had great customer service. Yeah, their prices are high but when I find a company that works well I stick with them(hopefully CNI will find a solution for me) :D

-Alex
 
Alright, CNI is going to help me solve the problems with this unit awesome! They mentioned the laser needing more then 6V to operate(which is what may be causing the dimness as im using 2XCR123 3V batteries), any idea which I could use that would still be safe for the unit?

-Alex
 
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CR123 are the same size as the 16340's but 16340's have a 3.7 volt base.. similar to 18650's. ide ask them if that is an option before trying.
 
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