dx 20 exhibiting strange behavior

[stackingmont]

my dealextreme true 20 mw green laser is acting weird. i just got it yesterday, and when i turn it on its really bright, but after about 3 seconds it becomes dim and the dot becomes less focused. does anyone know what could be causing this and how i can fix it?

 

[Razako]

First you should try using fresh batteries in it. The batteries that dx sends are really crappy sometimes.

If that doesn't work it means that your laser has a problem with mode shifting and you need a new laser.

I have also heard that some dx lasers need a while to warm up before they operate properly. Try leaving it on for a minute and see if the beam returns to normal.

 

[stackingmont]

thanks! it was a temperature problem... damn new england cold.... if i leave it on for about 30 sec, it returned to normal, and if i leave it off for a few minutes, it needs to warm up again. does that sound about right?

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Some are that way. Carry it in your shirt pocket.
Mike

 

[Zarniwoop]

And then there's the pushbutton switch problem with some of those.
When mine dims like that, if I press harder it brightens right up, although I hate to risk damaging the switch or other components.
If I could get it apart without tearing it up I'd replace the switch and solder a wire from that internal contact spring to the case.