First build

[Tmack]

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

 

[Javalin]

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?

 

[Pi R Squared]

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

 

[ysuhaas]

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.

 

[Javalin]

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...

 

[Blackwolf]

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.