Welcome to Laser Pointer Forums - discuss green laser pointers, blue laser pointers, and all types of lasers

LPF Donation via Stripe | LPF Donation - Other Methods

Links below open in new window

ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Issues with AR coated glass lens for 445

paulzimm

paulzimm

0
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
288
Points
28
I purchased the following glass lens from here for my 445 laser in Modwerx heatsink:
AR coated glass lens for 405-445nm [LENS3] - $12.99 : Modwerx Shop

There is an elongated 'X' that is quite big around the beam. It is a new lens and I even cleaned it using special photo-quality swabs. Am I using the correct lens or is this normal? Please see attached photo...
 

Attachments

  • DSCI1215.JPG
    DSCI1215.JPG
    67.4 KB · Views: 251
Last edited:





DTR

DTR

0
Joined
Jun 24, 2010
Messages
5,684
Points
113
Is the beam coming out straight or slightly angled? If it is a round host you can put it on a table and roll it to see if the dot moves up and down.
 
paulzimm

paulzimm

0
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
288
Points
28
It is a square heatsink so I will not be able to do that test:
Lab style heatsink for 12mm laser modules - $20.99 : Modwerx Shop

This is my first 445 and I had a heck of a time trying to get it pressed flush within the Aixiz compared to the other red LOC's I have done before. Visually, the back of the diode is pressed in perfectly flush within the module. You think it may be slightly angled? I assume you have seen this before ;)
 
DTR

DTR

0
Joined
Jun 24, 2010
Messages
5,684
Points
113
Maybe not that specifically but if the beam is not perfectly straight you can get some strange looking effects.:beer:
 
paulzimm

paulzimm

0
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
288
Points
28
NOTE: When I twist the lens the big 'X' rotates along with it. This leads me to believe it is something within the lens itself...
 
E

ElektroFreak

0
Joined
Nov 7, 2008
Messages
5,725
Points
0
You cleaned both the front and rear surfaces of the lens assembly using some form of solvent like 90%+ Isopropyl alcohol or methanol? That pattern in typically caused by dirt on the lenses.
 
paulzimm

paulzimm

0
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
288
Points
28
I cleaned them with the solution that came with a lens cleaning kit. I think it was distilled water or something. Came with special lint-free Qtips...
 
DTR

DTR

0
Joined
Jun 24, 2010
Messages
5,684
Points
113
paulzimm said:
NOTE: When I twist the lens the big 'X' rotates along with it. This leads me to believe it is something within the lens itself...
Click to expand...

Then it is definitely the glass. Did you try taking the glass out of the nut and cleaning/examining it then checking the interior of the nut?
 
Last edited:
paulzimm

paulzimm

0
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
288
Points
28
When I get home from work today I will try out a few different lenses and let you know.

I was mainly curious if this was normal since it is my first 445 build... Thanks everyone!
 
Kevlar

Kevlar

0
Joined
Apr 26, 2010
Messages
1,353
Points
48
I've also had a few of my 445nm Aixiz lenses come to me a little loose. Put it up to your ear and give a shake to see if it rattles. I've had to tighten a retainer ring or two. This could or could not be it, just a thought.

When Aixiz was getting these new lenses in I also noticed that not all were created equal, some of mine did have more splash than others.
 
paulzimm

paulzimm

0
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
288
Points
28
Kevlar said:
I've also had a few of my 445nm Aixiz lenses come to me a little loose. Put it up to your ear and give a shake to see if it rattles. I've had to tighten a retainer ring or two. This could or could not be it, just a thought.
Click to expand...

Excellent tip, thanks!
 
E

ElektroFreak

0
Joined
Nov 7, 2008
Messages
5,725
Points
0
paulzimm said:
I cleaned them with the solution that came with a lens cleaning kit. I think it was distilled water or something. Came with special lint-free Qtips...
Click to expand...


There's a BIG difference between distilled water and some form of strong alcohol.. there's also a BIG difference between how well they work.

As much as I like Aixiz, lately I've been getting my 405-445nm glass lenses from o-like. They're more consistent in my experience.
 
Last edited:
DTR

DTR

0
Joined
Jun 24, 2010
Messages
5,684
Points
113
ElektroFreak said:
There's a BIG difference between distilled water and some form of strong alcohol.. there's also a BIG difference between how well they work.

As much as I like Aixiz, lately I've been getting my 405-445nm glass lenses from o-like. They're more consistent in my experience.
Click to expand...

I will second that. I really like to use the old half threaded lenses over the new coated for 445 full threaded ones. More power and the same divergence.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/a...xiz-445-glass-405-g-1-a-54862.html#post773225


@Electro have you noticed them changing up batches on you. The first batch I got from O-Like look just like the Aixiz lenses and then these came in the last order. They are slit on the end. Both batches have more power than the 445 Aixiz glass.


71424845.jpg


These are how the old ones looked.

lenss.jpg
 
Last edited:
paulzimm

paulzimm

0
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
288
Points
28
I cleaned the lens with 91% alcohol and I still get the 'X' around the beam. I tried an acrylic lens for just a second and it was a perfect beam. I am going to contact Modwerx and arrange a replacement, will let you know how it goes.

Thanks for all your help - see attached new photos...
 

Attachments

  • DSCI1218.JPG
    DSCI1218.JPG
    56.7 KB · Views: 259
  • DSCI1219.JPG
    DSCI1219.JPG
    71.9 KB · Views: 325
Kevlar

Kevlar

0
Joined
Apr 26, 2010
Messages
1,353
Points
48
paulzimm said:
I cleaned the lens with 91% alcohol and I still get the 'X' around the beam. I tried an acrylic lens for just a second and it was a perfect beam. I am going to contact Modwerx and arrange a replacement, will let you know how it goes.

Thanks for all your help - see attached new photos...
Click to expand...


Yikes!! :eek: I got to say, I haven't seen one that bad. I would definitely send it back, I'm sure he'll take care of it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.




Top