Did My Laser Just Die?

[keltonhalbert]

Yesterday I received my 200 mW 532nm module from DealExtreme, fully aware they tend to be severely underspec. However, while using the laser 24 hours after receiving it, it flickered and turned off. I've check my soldering connections and used an LED to check my circuit, but I cannot discern any reason why it shouldn't work.

Does anyone have an idea if it is salvageable?

 

[Gryphon]

How have you had the module mounted. Without external heatsinking the over driven pump will heat excessively and burn itself out prematurely.

 

[jcranmer]

Battery need to be charged?

 

[keltonhalbert]

How have you had the module mounted. Without external heatsinking the over driven pump will heat excessively and burn itself out prematurely.

I'm thinking this might be the problem. It was a DIY project inspired by styropyro's laser in an altoids tin video - DIY: How to Build a Burning Laser Without any Soldering! - YouTube
I liked the concept and wanted to try it.

I had been doing a lot of reading on here before building it, and I had wondered if not having heatsink would be an issue. Now I know! :yabbem:

Battery need to be charged?

Tried fresh batteries, to no avail :yh:

Well, learned that lesson the hard way. Thanks for the quick responses.

 

[SerpantSlayer]

I think the modules are rated up to 4.2V. What batteries were you using?

 

[keltonhalbert]

I think the modules are rated up to 4.2V. What batteries were you using?

I was using 2xAA - at 1.5V each that should be 3V.

 

[AnthoT]

Those modules often have very loose soldering connections o the input, DX has even used hot glue to attach the wires


Try resoldering the wires make sure its all hooked up & try again :beer: