First build

If the diode was heated too much during the soldering process. It cou effect the diode performance.

What process did you use to solder? How long did you let the solder iron touch the diode pins?

Check out this link: http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/need-help-soldering-beginners-solder-flux-101-a-72040.html

Also, I know it sounds like a dumb question, but you did charge the batteries first right?

I assembled a similar laser 4 months ago driven at only 1.5A see it here: http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/assembled-m140-c6-pic-heavy-83543.html and its easily visible with the lights on and can burn anything almost instantly at close range, so something went wrong when you put it together. I am also using cheap batteries and they only last a few minutes before there is a power drop and need recharging. Did you buy the diode already in a module with wires attached or did you press the diode and solder it yourself? Static electricity can destroy a diode. One thing that can easily go wrong, I am sure you noticed there isn't much room for your wires, its possible if you screw the parts together in the wrong order to twist your wires possibly breaking a pin on the diode or a wire off of the driver.

Alan

Well, trying to reply to everyone in one post, but I am pretty sure that I didn't overheat the diode, but if I did, is there anyway to know? The diode isn't blown out completely, it shines at full (i think, no way to know for sure) power for a second or two then dims down. I did charge the batteries first. I bought the diode and the driver seperately and soldered them together (this diode). I tried to make sure to ground my self to avoid ESD problems, but I thought that if there's any static, that it would completely wipe out the diode, not underpower it like now. I'm hoping the only thing I find is that the leads weren't completely soldered.

If The Leads To The DiodeWere The Problem And If The Driver Has A Cap, Then When The Diode Leads Disconnected And Reconnected (Loose Connection) Then The Cap Would Discharge And Kill The Diode.

Sorry ButMy Phone Doesn't Handle The Forums Well...

Take a picture of the raw output so I can see If you have a broken diode (no lens). I got a broken diode once click me but I was lucky and it was still several hundred mW. Some times they break and only certain lines "light up" depending on how much power you give the diode.