Greetings From New Jersey

[InfinitusEquitas]

Hi Folks,

So I guess this is the online version of the introduction circle where you have to tell people you meet 3 things about yourself. So here goes;

1. Since I'm here this one shouldn't be a surprise: I love to play around with lasers.

2. I can probably beat George Lucas in Star Wars trivia. (You get one guess about where my fascination with lasers comes from. :lasergun

3. Favorite author, Jim Butcher. (although Timothy Zahn is a very close second)

Now in so far as lasers are concerned, I'm more or less a newbie. I've been playing around with cheap lasers for a while (red/green, 1-150mw), and finally decided to try out some higher power versions.

Currently waiting to receive 1.2W Blue 445nm "Tactical" Laser from O-Like, and the 400mw 532nm Green Torch.

I'll post a review on both after I actually receive them (tomorrow I hope), but do want to mention one thing to people considering the 1.2W laser.

The 1.2W Blue 445nm "Tactical" Laser from O-Like uses Unprotected 18650 batteries:undecided:. According to "Susie" the driver is built with protection circuit. Unfortunately as I'm sure many of you know, 18650 batteries are not that common, and there is a much higher risk vs protected (Imagine an exploding smiley here .

Apparently the problem is strictly with the alloted length, the difference is exactly 2mm with protected vs unprotected. I'm hoping that the protected batteries I already have will fit. Otherwise the suggestion is to cut off a small piece of the spring. Hope I don't have to that but time will tell.

Looking forward to some more lurking around. Nice meeting you all.

-InfinitusEquitas

 

[david1235102]

Welcome! Remember, with those lasers you need to wear safety glasses while using them.
The search function will help you greatly without annoying some of the veterans here; they get annoyed if you make a new thread on a topic that has already been discussed.
18650 batteries are plenty common; I don't usually worry about my unprotected ones exploding but there are threads on here about that. Usually you just have to check on them and be around them while they are charging and you should be fine.
Also, different brand batteries are different sizes. Some unprotected 18650s could be 2mm different just because they are made by 2 different manufacturers. My protected Ultrafire 18650s are about 3.5mm longer than my unprotected ones.
And finally, if you haven't already done so, add yourself to the member map:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f44/member-map-52652.html
I hope you enjoy your time on here and I look forward to reading your reviews. :beer:

 

[cd520]

Welcome young padawan!!

 

[lasersbee]

to the Forum....
Pull up a chair...
Enjoy your stay....

Jerry

 

[InfinitusEquitas]

:thanks: Guys!

Glad to be here. I did buy safety glasses, and for the new lasers I just got they are absolutely a must. Considering what the 1.2W does to CD cases, I'd hate to find out what that feels like on a retina :-/ One of my :drunk: friends caught me in the eye with a 50mw greenie, no damage, but I've been super paranoid about safety since than.

Turns out the 1.2W Tactical actually fits the standard protected, so I have three unprotected which I doubt I will use much.

I'll post detailed reviews as soon as I can find the time.

-InfinitusEquitas

 

[david1235102]

You should be fine using the unprotected batteries. The only problem I have with them is that since my 445 uses a flexdrive, I tend to run it down too low so I fear that the battery won't have a very long life. Oh well.
EDIT: This means I run the laser longer on one battery charge. I mean that the battery will end up going bad sooner than it should because I accidentally over-discharge it.

 

[InfinitusEquitas]

You should be fine using the unprotected batteries. The only problem I have with them is that since my 445 uses a flexdrive, I tend to run it down too low so I fear that the battery won't have a very long life. Oh well.

From what I understand/read online, there is really no benefit in using protected vs unprotected, although unprotected can provide higher voltage?

Even according to "Susie" from o-like there shouldn't be any difference in output. There was only concern regarding the size available in the host. Fortunately the spring is quite long, so it easily accommodates the extra 2mm difference of the protected.

I just wish I had an LPM, and the rest of the needed technical instruments to tests everything out. If there is anyone in NJ who can test my lasers please let me know?