DX 30MW Green Laser - flickers; should I return?

I just bought a True 30MW green laser from Deal Extreme. When I got it, it looked like it worked fine; however, later that evening, I noticed that the laser dot was flickering. It doesn't seem to be a button or battery issue, but something with the driver. I have seen identical complaints on the DX forum. Should I return this laser to DX? I am in America, and I do realize that they changed the rules (FDA laser regulation). It's disappointing that the first "powerful" laser I got is defective. A video is posted here:

Too new to post links!!!
So, just look up eBmQdo4YRMY when you go to YouTube.

Re: DX 30MW Green Laser - flickers; should I retur

I know you said it isn't it, but check the batteries first (swap them out for a new set), and then wiggle the button around. I wouldn't return it quite yet.

Re: DX 30MW Green Laser - flickers; should I retur

try everything you can think of because if you do return it you will be forced to pay more money for your next laser because of the ban

Re: DX 30MW Green Laser - flickers; should I retur

try putting foil between the positive and the case.

Re: DX 30MW Green Laser - flickers; should I retur

Bionic-Badger said:

I know you said it isn't it, but check the batteries first (swap them out for a new set), and then wiggle the button around.  I wouldn't return it quite yet.

Click to expand...

I tried several sets of new, fresh batteries. Voltage just over 1.5 each. I also tried my new and freshly charged Soshine batteries from DX. Wiggling the button around also doesn't seem to help. The light starts out bright as it should be, flickers and settles to a slightly low and unstable / flickery output (beam is still slightly visible). It will sometimes flicker to full brightness and sustain it for a small period. I can't completely rule out the button as it goes wild whether I'm wiggling it or not.
Thank you for the response!

Re: DX 30MW Green Laser - flickers; should I retur

jamilm9 said:

try putting foil between the positive and the case.

Click to expand...

I tried your idea three times; unfortunately, it didn't seem to help.
I also thoroughly cleaned the threads and contacts with 3M contact cleaner - didn't help either.
Thanks for the reply!

Re: DX 30MW Green Laser - flickers; should I retur

Not too much more you can do I guess. Maybe try using a wire and see if by connecting the battery to the case of the module itself manually does anything, just to rule out any and all things.

Re: DX 30MW Green Laser - flickers; should I retur

Bionic-Badger said:

Not too much more you can do I guess.  Maybe try using a wire and see if by connecting the battery to the case of the module itself manually does anything, just to rule out any and all things.

Click to expand...

Just tried that today and still no luck. I wonder if DX will ship me another one or just refund my money?

Re: DX 30MW Green Laser - flickers; should I retur

wanna sell it to me for cheap?

that is of course if dx wont ship you a new one

Re: DX 30MW Green Laser - flickers; should I retur

hey guy. New to forums, but heres some advice from a guy with the same problem. I had the "True 50MW" greenie from dx for about 2 weeks when it started goofing. I suppose I let it get to hot and it misaligned because instead of a dot it became a dim green line always. Anyway after sending pics of this to DX they happily said they'd send me another. Only problem is, that DX TAKES FOREVER!

They actually refunded me the money for shipping it back to them they day that I had to pay to ship it. They asked for a picture of the receipt and I sent it and no problemo.

Now I just got another dx50 in the mail a few days ago, which was about 1.5 months from when I sent the other off. Everything is good for 2 days, and I noticed mine doing the same thing this morning. Heres a few things to try.

1. When you hold the laser in your hand, hold the button so it dosent rattle, and jiggle the laser a bit, can you hear the batteries rattling? Maybe they're not grounding properly to the case.

2. When you push the button, try pushing it in like normal, then try pushing it in from the side a bit, then the other side and see if that makes a difference.

3. DONT DO IT HARD!!!!! But hold the laser in your hand and tap the battery end against your palm a bit, not hard enough to damage anything but enough to jar a wire if it is making an unneccessary connection somewhere.

My laser does the same thing. Sometimes it comes on strong, sometimes it's prolly only putting on 80% power. It seems to put out 100% when I have a fresh charge of betteries. But after 5mins of playing with it (on and off, not contstant) it acts up again, so It may be the E2 rechargables. I'm not going to sweat it though. If it does goof up I'm going to use the host to make my first BR laser. I dont think its worth my time to send it back again. If I get another bad one i'mma be bummed out.

Re: DX 30MW Green Laser - flickers; should I retur

Thanks for the response p8ntballer, I did notice that it runs better on good batteries. I recall it working solid when I first got it, then that evening it went crazy. Too bad the quality of these lasers aren't what the reviews reflect.

I contacted DX and they immediately said they would send a replacement. When I got that message, I noticed how the message was "copied and pasted." I didn't want to run into unforeseen problems, so I asked them if they were really able to ship a True 30 mw to the US. They replied saying no, but we can refund! I guess I'll send it in for a refund. I already purchased another true 30mw laser (newish) from another Hon Kong web site that doesn't have them banned yet.

This FDA laser regulation is driving me crazy. I feel it idiotic that an organization must make responsible decisions for me; then again, there are really, really stupid people out there. Just last week some retarded ass was shining a bright green laser at my parents when they were biking.