Dimming and Bad Focus

[parks35]

Hello everyone,
I am pretty new to the forums here, and I am experiencing great troubles with my 20 mW 532 nm laser. As you read in the title, my laser dims and randomly goes out of fucus. The laser I have is not a focusable model, and the batteries were new when I put them in a few days ago. I have to switch the batteries around to make the beam visable sometimes, and the focus is slightly off (there is a gren grow around the dot about 2x the diameter of the dot). I am not sure what to do because the laser took a long time for shipping and I am pretty disappointed. If anybody can help me with my issue, that would be wonderful. (My laser sometimes works like it should but it rarely works)

Thanks,
parks35

 

[daguin]

It's hopping between modes

Try new batteries
Try warming it up
Try cooling it down

If none of those work, it is probably beyond hope

Peace,
dave

 

[jeffreythe00]

Hello parks35!

Im really sorry to hear your laser is not working properly . However there might be some hope. Now I cant diagnose your problems without some sort of photos or video. Though I might be able to still help.

First thing I would suggest is to take some photos of the odd behavior. If you can take a picture of the dot from maybe 5' or so that may give a good clue to the problem. Also if you can measure the dot from the distance that would be great too.

Now it sounds as if you might be having modehopping issues along with stray beam caused by a reflection. Modehopping cant really be fixed nor would it be worth it with a 20mw laser. The dimming you explain and the out of focus are both problems seen in unstable/cheap DPSS greens. However it could be something else which is why i suggest photos.

Anyway I hope there is something we can help you with. If not your next step will be to return the laser and get a refund/replacement.