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Sanwu Silver Series 639nm Triple Beam Laser Review

Razako

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Hey all, I've got quite the interesting laser to review today. We've all seen the usual 638nm stuff, but this laser is something out of the ordinary. I already had a few high powered red lasers, but something about this one was irresistible to try out.
Link
https://sites.google.com/site/hkfew5e22/Series/silver

First Impressions:
Total wait time was about 15 days from the time of ordering. Item came well packed and without damage. Unfortunately, I did run into a problem when it was time to try the laser out. The two 18650's weren't long enough to make contact within the laser. I tried protected and non-protected and they all fell short by 2-3mm. I had a similar issue with my 638nm spiker, so I fortunately already knew what to do. I just built up a 'mound' of solder on the tailcap contact until it was long enough to contact the batteries. "Razako, why not just use magnetic spacers?" Because it gives me nightmares thinking about what would happen if it came loose and shorted something when I"m using two AW 18650's. The laser would probably get blown up like a grenade:gun:

So, after fixing the tailcap I finally got to try this laser out. I got the multi-mode driver and finding the high power mode involved a moderate amount of effort. Once I found it everything worked well.

First off, I did some test runs with this laser on my LPM. It peaks somewhere around 1800mw and tends to settle around 1600-1700. Eventually the output starts dropping off(I think this laser likes to run cool). Slightly below the stated 2W output, but it's possible my meter just doesn't like how the laser is putting out 3 separate beams.

I then unfocused it and had a little fun shining it around the house to take some beamshots. The camera shot is pretty close to what it looks like in real life.

I also made a quick video showing how well this laser can burn. Being a near 2W laser it can definitely burn, but it's not the best burner for its power because of how the output is divided into 3 beams which don't wanna focus on the same exact point. Still cuts through paper and instantly ignites matches.

Lastly I took a few outside beamshots. Don't know why my camera utterly sucks at nighttime beamshots and does better in a low-light room in the house.

Pros:
-Very cool product. I haven't seen any other retailer selling portable lasers with the tri-beam mitsu diode. Definitely has some uniqueness to it.
-The host looks great. I got the engraved version.
-Everything works after fixing said tailcap issue.
-Feels sturdy with good machining on the threads.
-The triple-beam output looks VERY cool when used outside. It projects 3 fiery red lines and has a very unique look to the beam.
Cons:
-The spacing issue in the host. I could easily see this frustrating some people who wouldn't know how to deal with it. This is the second laser from sanwu which has needed modification to fit the batteries. It's not HUGE issue to me, but if a laser is advertised to use two 18650's then they should fit without further modification.
-Not the greatest at burning due to the obvious beam profile. Not an issue to me, but if you want a burner there are more cost-effective options.

Overall score: 9/10. Certified BIG SCARY LASER:drool:
Burning video

Pic of laser
IMG_0837_zpsyx1rnvek.jpg

Tailcap fix
IMG_0849_zpsrcm5zjnq.jpg


LPM chart
639nm_zpshtfgr1kf.png


Indoor shot with no smoke added. Laser was unfocused for this shot.
IMG_0842_zps1rrcozod.jpg

Outdoor shots pointing at sky and tree 100 feet away.(camera sux sorry)
IMG_0843_zps0b5ipajr.jpg

IMG_0847_zpsaflmbwde.jpg
 
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Can you upload some of your photos to Imgur? I'm keen on seeing them, but photobucket is blocked on my network.
 
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Cool review! Also I must ask, how did you manage to get all three beams in your LPM? Are they quite close near the aperture?

BTW, you get used to the battery spacing issue :p Well I did anyway, and since the host isn't magnetic I use flat disc magnetic spacers, with side protection so it doesn't sort out the host.
 
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Great review and an awesome laser.
I have been wondering how the multi beam diodes perform. Have actually been thinking of buying a 2 1/2 watt red diode.
Thanks for the review,
Danny
 
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Podo also sell bare diode if i remember correctly...

he quoted me $150 sometimes ago..
 
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I have been wondering what a tri beam was. I mean obviously 3 beams but i wasn't sure if this meant 3 diodes combined into a single beam or this. That's and interesting unit. Its not something I would want but its pretty cool. Glad you are happy with your purchase. Sanwu just keeps getting higher on my top companies list.
 
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BTW, you get used to the battery spacing issue :p Well I did anyway, and since the host isn't magnetic I use flat disc magnetic spacers, with side protection so it doesn't sort out the host.

First Impressions:
I had a similar issue with my 638nm spiker, so I fortunately already knew what to do. I just built up a 'mound' of solder on the tailcap contact until it was long enough to contact the batteries. "Razako, why not just use magnetic spacers?" Because it gives me nightmares thinking about what would happen if it came loose and shorted something when I"m using two AW 18650's. The laser would probably get blown up like a grenade:gun:

So, after fixing the tailcap I finally got to try this laser out. I got the multi-mode driver and finding the high power mode involved a moderate amount of effort. Once I found it everything worked well.
Cons:
-The spacing issue in the host. I could easily see this frustrating some people who wouldn't know how to deal with it. This is the second laser from sanwu which has needed modification to fit the batteries. It's not HUGE issue to me, but if a laser is advertised to use two 18650's then they should fit without further modification.

This spacing design flaw should be brought to Podo's attention so it can be corrected. These products are expected to work without the end user making a work around. Please let Podo know.
 

Razako

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Cool review! Also I must ask, how did you manage to get all three beams in your LPM? Are they quite close near the aperture?

BTW, you get used to the battery spacing issue :p Well I did anyway, and since the host isn't magnetic I use flat disc magnetic spacers, with side protection so it doesn't sort out the host.
They're very close near the aperture and then diverge apart gradually. I actually wonder how this laser would work with a beam expander. Would the beams all still spread out, but individually have less divergence or what?
 
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Joined
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They're very close near the aperture and then diverge apart gradually. I actually wonder how this laser would work with a beam expander. Would the beams all still spread out, but individually have less divergence or what?

Now there's a good question!!!

Do you have a BE? Now I desperately want to know :crackup:
 




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