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Goldenstar 1.5/1.8W 532nm lab laser
This is the laser that was purchased from Jmillerdoc's recent "Goldenstar lab GB: CNI 1.8W 532nm $487"
This isn't going to be an in depth reveiw, more of a lite review / buying experience.
The Buy:
This turned out to be a small Group Buy, as G.B.'s go, but it was definitely one of the fastest, and smoothest G.B.'s I've been a part of; Kudos to Jeff (Jmillerdoc) for a very well run buy. IIRC this was also his first!
Delivery:
My package was delivered by the USPS looking as if they were testing Jeff's packing skills, fortunately, it was packaged to be damn near bomb proof.
It came in a box three times larger than the unit, and with so much foam and bubble wrap used, I never got it all back in the box again.
You guys that are getting a 589nm D/L from Jeff's 2nd G.B. will find out 1st hand how well he packs.
The Laser:
This is the Goldenstarlaser model (MGL-h532 1500MW) lab laser rated at 1500mW output. It is made from all C.N.I. components.
Set-Up & 1st Run:
Well, I thought it would be just a matter of plugging the laser module into the P.S./driver, unscrew the lens cover, then power up with 120v A.C. and begin to lase, right?
Nope, after doing the above steps, the LED's lit up, the 3 fans were all working, but there were no beautiful 532nm green photons being emitted!
I figured that I just had to flip a switch, add a jumper, or something, but being a noob to lab lasers, I was stumped.
A quick email to Jeff solved my dilemma; a 5v D.C. power source was needed. there was even a small plug with wires attached for this purpose.
After adding 3x1.5v aaa batts. in a little holder, we had lift-off, well at least we had green beams, lots of green!
A Few Specs:
OUTPUT - I was hoping for at least on spec, but this bad boy is unreal. I wanted to see 1.5W, and would liked to see 1.8W, but when I LPM'ed it, it maxed out at 3.065W
100% over spec!To verify my LPM readings, I checked the output of my Optotronics 150mW pen, it LPM'ed at 144mW, so the measured output is accurate.
BEAM DIAMETER - The beam diameter near the aperture is 2mm.
DIVERGANCE - With a dia. of 2mm at the aperture, and a dia. of approx. 13mm at 45' (13.7M), the divergance calculates to be 0.803mrad. I wonder how this would be with a B.E. on it!
I.R. OUTPUT - I guess a big question would be how much of this output is I.R?
To be honest, I don't know. I don't have an I.R. filter that will withstand 3W of power. My safety glasses had a divot melted in them with only a 2sec. exposure to the beam.
I'd like to assume (yeah I know what happens when you assume) that this unit has an I.R. filter in it, being that it is built by C.N.I.
Finally, Some Pics:
Mid afternoon, fully lit room.
LEFT - Goldenstar 1.5W labby RIGHT - Optotronics 150mW pen
Left pic - 10 seconds at 1' distance Right pic - 40 seconds at 45'
Match - 40sec to light the wrong end, 15sec. to light the correct end at 45'. Warning, don't get too close when taking pics!
A comparison shot with my J/L PL-E 500, it was doing about 600mW in this pic.
Labels on laser, showing manufacturer (CNI).
CONCLUSION:
This was my first lab style laser purchase, and to have received it for such an excellent price, and have it LPM at over two times the rated output, fantastic!
Needless to say, so far I'm extremely pleased with this purchase.
Also, last but not least, a +rep to Jmillerdoc for running a super G.B.! :beer:
Thanks for looking.
Jeff
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