Harbor Freight pointer overspec

[millirad]

I took a look at the beam spot from this pointer and it didn't have the dim cat toy look. $3.99, but would need host modification. Someone with an LPM might let us know.

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Those laser things have a laser chip with poor heatsinking. Powered by button cells, the only "driver" is a resistor. I have tried to overdrive a few of these and they go dark FAST.
Forget It. These can not be modded.

Mike

 

[rangedunits]

the battery cost more than the lasers itself.

 

[RA_pierce]

These "5mW" crappy chip type diodes output anywhere between 5-12mW (measured with LPM) and are noticeably brighter than a true 5mW 650nm diode. The wavelength of these chip diodes also seems to be closer to 635nm (more orange-ish than 650). I've gotten a max of 15mW from one of these cheapie pointers by cramming an extra button cell into the body.
They're not really worth modifying.

 

[rangedunits]

do the pot mod of styropyro.

 

[GoRdOn_B]

i have a couple of those. i tried to take one apart.. i couldn't get the top off. i shorted one when i tried to twist the top. now it only works right when i twist the cable for the light. good luck taking it apart.

i once read that if you can remove that resistor it will be super bright for like 5 mins.

probably overspec thought cuz the one that still works looks very bright.

 

[pseudolobster]

Looks like the beam is coming out at a really weird angle.. I wouldn't trust it really. Any beam that comes out at a 30 degree angle can't be good... I suppose that MSPAINT-default-red-colour is hard to replicate in a laser, but I still don't think it's worth it considering that beam angle.

Also, did they use smoke in that picture because the beam looks really pronounced.. It also stops abruptly, makes me wonder if this is actually a prototype lightsaber QC reject, in which case it's a pretty good deal... That is, for amateur jedis that can't be arsed to build their own and don't mind a lopsided lightsaber.

 

[larrball]

I cant recall just how many of this very same light/laser i have bought at walmart and
the dollar store.
Not for the laser or light but but for the 3 button batt's and the magnet that comes with it.
I thank i payed around $1.99 apice at the time.

 

[game-genie]

This must be a lightsaber qc reject!!!!111
Or maybe there is something like a scanner in these things ... That would explain the weird angle!