help, laser no longer focusing after re-assembly, just a big blob now

[lightforce]

I bought a big pointer from fb back in the day. the parts had start coming loose, so I took it apart (just trying to figure out what was loose) and after putting things back, it no longer focus.

I don't think i lose any lens. it is just a diode, a collimating lens in a fixed position? but now its shooting a big blob with the lens and sort of a blue rectangle without it. its a blue burning laser.

don't think the lens on backwards because it is set in 1 end of this cylinder screw, while the other end is a decorative piece. just to try troubleshoot, i reversed it and it didn't help.

 

[lightforce]

 

[DTR]

I bought a big pointer from fb back in the day. the parts had start coming loose, so I took it apart (just trying to figure out what was loose) and after putting things back, it no longer focus.

I don't think i lose any lens. it is just a diode, a collimating lens in a fixed position? but now its shooting a big blob with the lens and sort of a blue rectangle without it. its a blue burning laser.

don't think the lens on backwards because it is set in 1 end of this cylinder screw, while the other end is a decorative piece. just to try troubleshoot, i reversed it and it didn't help.

If you remove the lens and shine it on a wall does it still produce a pronounced bar shaped out put on the wall with a lot of luminosity? IF not It does sound like the diode might be LED which is damage causing the main lasing line to be burnt out and the faint round output is just light bouncing around in the housing but not being collimated.

It is possible that when you removed the lens something like dust or other particles might have got in the diode pocket. If settled on the diode window the diode could have gone LED on you or it might just have finally given out. Possibly and overdriven diode or just a driver that has a lot of overshoot in the current causing the diode to finally give out.

If the lens element was loose it is possible if on its side it could have taken some back reflection which caused the diode to go LED.

Lots of possibilities based on the info you have given. If you take the lens out does the diode window look burned at all or is it clear? Obviously do this with the batteries out of the unit to prevent it powering while you are inspecting it.

 

[lightforce]

this is without any lens at about 2 feet

 

[lightforce]

ok, i think i found the issue. when i shake the "head" something is loose... not sure how to disassemble it further to fix it. but i am guessing the diode is moving around therefore not aligned

 

[lightforce]

 

[GSS]

View attachment 79608

Is that a set screw up front on the angled part if the heatsink?
That is a wierd place to put one even if its there to lock in a focus. Also looks like there might be metal chips from the inside?

 

[lightforce]

Yes that's exactly the set screw to hold the focus. it's loose over time and due to dropping. I didn't know the focus fixed and tried to turn it and made it looser over time. hence my sharpie spot. now the diode is also loose. not sure how to open the whole thing to fix.

 

[RedCowboy]

The body looks like 2 pieces, you need to unscrew them, try using a couple pairs of channel locks and a couple strips of paper or cloth/leather to prevent gouging/scratching the aluminum.

Also the spring board should pry out, use a pick at that little notch, then you can get a better look inside, plus you won't break your wires when unscrewing the two body halves.

Also, I like using drilled and tapped through thumb wheels to lock down my infinity focus.

 

[RedCowboy]

Looking at it closer it may be 3 parts you need to unscrew, see the fine threads on the part with the 4 notches, they appear to screw into the body, likely to hold your module, also the polished end and the unpolished center may screw together or be a press fit, try prying out the spring board 1st and take a pic inside.

If you have a pair of needle nose with 90 degree tip or a pair of spring clip pliers, then you can grasp at 2 of the 4 holes and unscrew the threaded portion, but again pop out the spring board 1st.

 

[lightforce]

Yes that's exactly the set screw to hold the focus. it's loose over time and due to dropping. I didn't know the focus fixed and tried to turn it and made it looser over time. hence my sharpie spot. now the diode is also loose. not sure how to open the whole thing to fix.

Looking at it closer it may be 3 parts you need to unscrew, see the fine threads on the part with the 4 notches, they appear to screw into the body, likely to hold your module, also the polished end and the unpolished center may screw together or be a press fit, try prying out the spring board 1st and take a pic inside.

If you have a pair of needle nose with 90 degree tip or a pair of spring clip pliers, then you can grasp at 2 of the 4 holes and unscrew the threaded portion, but again pop out the spring board 1st.

Sorry I really have no idea what you are pointing out. do you mind circling in a picture where I should separate?

 

[RedCowboy]

The end that holds the springboard ( the flat part with the spring ) should unscrew and the spring board will pop out, use a pick at the small notch near the spring board edge.

 

[RedCowboy]

The only reason for the fine inner threads is to screw into the body and likely hold your module which holds your diode.

Note the 2nd ( middle union denoted BLACK ARROW ) looks glued, don't worry about it now, just unscrew the threaded part from the body.

 

[DTR]

ok, i think i found the issue. when i shake the "head" something is loose... not sure how to disassemble it further to fix it. but i am guessing the diode is moving around therefore not aligned

Is this without the lens in. You might have a diode window that has been knocked out and floating around in the can. Can you try and get a picture of the top of the diode in the module?

 

[lightforce]

i managed to pry the board open, but inside it looked to be epoxied. and the fine thread, i think they aren't threads but just machining marks. its very very fine. and i am pretty sure its one piece. however, the "this may also be a union" is probably a union that's epoxied too.

as for the diode, the "glass" is still there, when i look at it from an angle i see reflection.

funny they left the led board, probably still works lol.

 

[lightforce]

ok, i sort of fixed it.

the set screw was actually to hold the diode piece. the lens screws on to that but is meant to be adjusted. however, its diverging so much (seems like more now than before) and its very difficult to get an "infinity" focus. It is very high power, so it burns easily and is hard to adjust while on. burned my hand once already.