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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

50mW 2xAA black/aluminium FocalPrice pointer ($14.76) batch review

Joined
Aug 3, 2009
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371
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Hey!

Just thought I'd do a fast recap of a pointer that has been around for a while; FocalPrice's $14.76 green laser pointer that's using 2xAA batteries. First off I would not do a complementary review of this one as an *excellent* one is available here unless I found something to add to it. I did however in my last batch of 5 pointers discover something interesting! But first thing's first.

(Any problems loading the pics in the thread? reply and say!)

Photo of the 5 received pointers:
02.jpg


General properties:

  • 50mW
  • 532nm +-10nm
  • They spell "direct" as "orect" on the warning label
  • Fairly tight beam ;)
  • Runs on AA-batteries
  • Allows for 2xAA 1.5V or 1xAA 3.0+V battery w/o modifications!
  • Cheap :) ($14.76)
  • Available here

Pointer build quality:

The laser pointer is quite easily dis mountable. You can remove the head and extract the diode with ease. The tube contains of a splittable section allowing for either 1xAA or 2xAA to drive this pointer (excellent if you want to use 1x 14500 3.6V to drive this baby!)

The laser pointer shell is probably judging from the weight aluminum or some other quite light weight material. The surface has a black finish. All in all I would counter kiwijunglist saying that this pointer has a great feel.

The push button is smooth and firm. It has all the required properties of a good laser pointer of this price range!

Beam quality:

The pointer does not have any apparent sign of a IR filter (expected for this price!). The output is raw and mixed IR + green ;)

The beam is fairly tight. I have seen A LOT worse. Then again the buyincoin.com P2 models are tighter ;)

Power output:

I do not have an LPM. But! I have noticed that you now can get two different models of pointers of this one delivered from this batch! I have ordered these before. But this time some of the pointers seemed VERY bright and strong! I could feel a sting on my skin!

I mark my boxes with different markings after examination:

G = Good / Exceptionally good
N = Normal
OK = Passes
Def = Defective

In this batch I got three pointers which got the grade "G" or "G!" as markings. They were extraordinarily bright.

After examining the results I could see that the ones got "G" or "G!" had this distinct difference:

03.jpg


Look closely at the shaft. You will see that one of the pointers has the marking "Green laser pointer" (out of focus) where the other one is blank. All of these getting a "G" grade were blank!

So. I dismounted them. Looking at their diodes:
06.jpg


The two in the middle are the "N" or Normal graded ones. The ones on the side got "G" and "G!".

The middle section was a lot smoother to dismount on the "blank shaft" versions than the regular ones aswell. It seems to be some distinct differences between the models.

Taking them to the test I took a roll of black electrical tape doing a burn test. The "blank" shafted ones' result burnt my black tape! As you can see in the picture below:
04.jpg


The dimmer ones "N" did not:
05.jpg


Just thought it'd be worth mentioning ;)

Is it normal for a 50mW with fair divergence to burn electrical tape btw? I *really* need to get a LPM / LaserBee! :)

Conclusion:

I think that this laser pointer has an all in all solid build.

After ordering a few I know that you may have to release pressure on the diode "hat" to make the button feel nice to push. This is probably a manufacture fault.

The downsides are that some pointers arriving are dimmer and/or close to DOA. They are so dim so that it's embarrassing the 50mW sticker attached to it ;)

They could also have added a larger heat sink to it. But as for the looks of it this pointer rarely fails. The only time I got it to produce TEM02 / TEM03 beams is when the batteries are about to die. So all in all I suppose they are sufficient for the purpose!

Comments? :)
 
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Grix

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Dec 9, 2008
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Good review! I like the looks on these a lot, looks more solid than a normal pointer.
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2008
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thanks for the review... so... is someone must order this laser pointer... we should ask to FP to give us a "without label" laser pointer. :) they seem to be the best diode...of the production.
 

Benm

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Interesting discovery with the differently constructed models in the same batch... i wonder if they will actually sell unmarked versions on request ;)
 

LV555

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I contacted Focal Price last night and mentioned that I would be willing to write a review if they could send me two LP115Bs that had no "green laser pointer" labels on them. They found two and are shipping them. Will post a review when I get them. If you are wanting to do the same I suggest contacting them live and mention you are from the Laser Forum. You will have to register on their site to chat with a rep.

Peace
LV555
 
Joined
Aug 3, 2009
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I measured the "unmarked" version in my new LaserBee:

80mW stable (green + IR).

Got tips of some good IR filter? Or can/should I just buy any? :)
 
Joined
May 11, 2007
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I contacted Focal Price last night and mentioned that I would be willing to write a review if they could send me two LP115Bs that had no "green laser pointer" labels on them. They found two and are shipping them. Will post a review when I get them. If you are wanting to do the same I suggest contacting them live and mention you are from the Laser Forum. You will have to register on their site to chat with a rep.

Peace
LV555

They sent U them for free? just for writing a review?
 

LV555

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Sep 9, 2009
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No, I paid for them. The favor of writing a review was in return for picking out two unmarked lasers.
 
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
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I purchased 6 , and these were the measurements for mine.

70mw
60mw
55mw
40mw

25mw and 12mw with mode hopping

iver opened rma's with them to get the last 2 replaced
 
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
339
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hello, today i received this laser..

it is my second one from this style and the first one has a logo and a module inside which is not so good one, but it has great divergence and tight beam though.

today i received again one with a GREEN LASER POINTER LOGO, but with a better module inside with those two spacers..

i have to say it is definitely at least 50mw, and also i have never seen sooooo damn good
divergence.

the point is so small on the neighbour house which is 100m away that i can see it without problems during the sunny day.. amazing..
i have never seen so good dot or tiny beam with any other lasers i own as they were especially new wish pens from DX or focal..

definitelly worth the money..

Milan
 
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Joined
Aug 3, 2009
Messages
371
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I have a new batch of 5x 50mW pointers in the postal office.

Will give you an update with measurements in the 'bee when they arrive!
 
Joined
Aug 3, 2009
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And they are measured.

All were marked pointers with the "bad" type of diode.

2/5 were very hard triggering (glitching etc). These cannot be resold and I consider them DoA.

2/5 were underspec (25mW & 35mW)

1/5 remaining were on spec (however green + IR)

I've noticed that these worse type diodes are more sensitive to voltage adjustment. Measured two fresh alkalines to 3.20V. Then measured my chargeable lithium to 4.09V. They actually operated at a lower power output with the Lithium 4.09V.

Too bad :)
 




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