Review of the Older Red Laser Module

What this is is a keychain laser pointer (though I cannot legally call it a "pointer" from this time forward!). It emits a red beam (spectrographically measured at 659.60nm) with almost 7mW of output power, and it includes the 3 LR44 button cells it feeds from.

I call it the "Older Red Laser Module" in this eval. because I believe that its date of manufacture was sometime in 2001.

It fits on your keychain with either the split-ring or the spring-loaded "lobster claw" attachment, so you can carry it anywhere.

Because this is a laser, you should not shine it into your eyes, other people's eyes, pet's eyes, etc. Just use a little common sense here, ok?



* This was the "going price" for them in ~2001 when they were commonly found on Ebay for that amount.
They are still being sold to this day (02-07-11 {or "07 Feb 2011" or even "Feb 07 Twenty Double Sticks" if you prefer} for a fairly similar price.



SIZE



To use your new laser module, feed it first (see below), and then you'll be ready to go to town.

Press the button on the barrel and hold it down for as long as you want or need the laser beam, and release it to shut the unit back off.
Don't aim the laser at your face when you push the button, otherwise you might hit yourself in the eyes with the laser beam, and that wouldn't be very good at all.






This laser module requires three LR44 button cells (which I strongly believe are included in the package so you don't need to run to the store right away). To change them, unscrew and remove the tailpiece, and set it aside.

Tip the open end of the laser module into your hand, and dispose of or recycle the three button cells that come out as you see fit.

Stack three new LR44 button cells on top of one another on a table, countertop, or other flat surface, button-end (-) negative facing up. Lower the laser module over this stack so all three cells are in the barrel. Slide the assembly to the edge of whatever surface you're reloading the module on, and place your finger over the laser module's opening as you slide it over the edge, so all those batteries don't just clatter to the floor. Invert (flip over) the laser module now, so the open end of the barrel faces up. Remove your finger. Screw the tailpiece back on, and be done with it.

Measures 24.690mA on my DMM's 40mA scale.






As "dollar store" merchandise goes, this laser module is built relatively sturdily. It is not water-resistant or submersible, and probably would not withstand being stomped on or run over either. But it should not break just hanging on your keychain.

Since laser modules like this are not meant to be stomped on, run over, drowned in the commode, or otherwise abused, I will not inflict those sorts of punishments upon this laser. {Lasers are meant to be loved, not punished! }
So this section of the web page will be a bit on the bare side. :-/

The laser module emits a red beam at 659.60nm in wavelength, and has a measured output power of almost 7mW. Yet the labelling on the laser indicates it outputs less than 1mW. Just thought you ought to know, in case you buy one of these and then take it with you when you travel to an area of the planet where the public use of laser pointing devices is limited to lasers of CDRH Class II (less than 1mW) or lower.

The UK is one such country, that I know of anyway.

I don't know what the punishment for breaking this rule is, but it can't be very good for your laser module, and maybe your pocketbook too. I don't believe you'll have to go to prison, but at very minimum I believe your laser module will be confiscated and you may have to pay a fine.





TEST NOTES:
Product was found on 02-06-11 (or "06 Feb. 2011" or even "Feb 06 Twenty Double Sticks" if you prefer) while looking for another product that required spectroscopy.


UPDATE: 00-00-00




PROS:
Very inexpen$ive
Appears to be quite thrifty with its batteries (e.g. low current use)
Small size makes it pocketable; keychain attachement offers more carrying versatility


CONS:
Divergence (of this unit anyway) is exceedingly high
Power output is much greater than it is labelled for






MANUFACTURER: Unknown
PRODUCT TYPE: Keychain laser
LAMP TYPE: Red directly-injected diode laser
No. OF LAMPS: 1
BEAM TYPE: Very narrow spot
SWITCH TYPE: Momentary pushbutton on/off on side of barrel
CASE MATERIAL: Metal & plastic
BEZEL: Domed plastic cover with aperture (hole) for laser beam
BATTERY: 3x LR44 button cells
CURRENT CONSUMPTION: 24.690mA
WATER- AND URANATION-RESISTANT: Very light splatter-resistant at maximum
SUBMERSIBLE: FOR GOD SAKES NOOOOO!!!

ACCESSORIES: 3x batteries, short chain, medium split ring, spring-loaded "lobster claw" clasp
SIZE: 70.50mm L x 13mm D (not incl. pushbutton)
WEIGHT: Not equipped to weigh
COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE: Unknown; but probably China
WARRANTY: Unknown



PRODUCT RATING:

Really?