How to Change Sci-Fi Arcane 2.0 Lens

[OVNI]

Hi, I just got an Arcane 2.0 635nm. I believe the Focus Adapter has a G-2 lens and I'd like to replace it with a 3-element lens to get a better shaped beam. Unfortunately I cannot get the lens holder (and lens) out of the Focus Adapter. I've already scratched the threads a little bit on the inside of the holder going through the top using something sharp to pry on the two slots inside. I can't use a flathead screwdriver because the hole is smaller than the holder. There are no slots on the bottom of the holder to grab. So I figured I should ask for some help.

I'm wondering if Sci-Fi glues the lens holder into the FA and if so, is it possible to unscrew the G-2 lens from the holder and replace it with the insides of a 3-element lens? Does that mean I'll have to unscrew three pieces from a 3-element lens? Can anyone help?

I already emailed Eitan and I thought I'd try here too. Here's what the FA looks like.

And for the time being, I've got another FA on it with a 3-element lens but I'd really like to have the Arcane 2.0 matching FA.

Thanks.

 

[Isaac Clarke]

hummmm.... usually a pair of needle nose pliers should do the trick.(it a must have tool if you want to remove something from asembly...)

 

[OVNI]

hummmm.... usually a pair of needle nose pliers should do the trick.(it a must have tool if you want to remove something from asembly...)

Thanks for the fast reply. That's what I used to try, a pair of needle nose pliers. Here's a better closeup of the FA, the slot is right up against the top so all I can do is get one of the needle noses (is that the right term :thinking in at a time.

 

[Isaac Clarke]

uh you use the needle nose at the back of it. where the lens poke out.

 

[OVNI]

uh you use the needle nose at the back of it. where the lens poke out.

On the bottom there's nothing to insert the needle nose pliers into on the holder or the lens. What am I missing?

 

[Isaac Clarke]

uh you don't insert anything into the lens holder..... you hold the side of the holder with pliers and turn them anti-clockwise....

 

[OVNI]

If you mean grab the lens holder's threads with the pliers so I can unscrew it from the FA, I'm trying not to damage the holder threads. It's in there very tight. If it's glued/epoxied in, e.g. with J-B weld, I especially don't want to damage the nice matching FA. I'm OK with sacrificing the lens holder and lens if there's no other way.

 

[Isaac Clarke]

you won't. tested on my laser....

 

[Thejoker301]

It is not glued. Just take a pair of pliers and release it. I can sell you an extra adapter for like $10 with lens in it if needed :beer:

 

[Deleted member 46822]

To make you feel better wrap some cloth around the lens threads when you put the pliers to it, should unscrew with very little preasure

 

[OVNI]

Thanks everyone. I used a piece of cardboard and a pair of heavier duty bent tip pliers and it easily came out.

So now I have another question. Which way does the 3-element lens go in?

#1) This side facing out?

or

#2) This side facing out?

I'm also checking with the person I bought it from on whether the AR coating works for 635nm. Is there a way to check w/o special equipment? I have red and green laser pointers.

EDIT: To be clearer, "This side facing out of the laser when the FA is attached to the host"

 

[Pi R Squared]

I'm also checking with the person I bought it from on whether the AR coating works for 635nm. Is there a way to check w/o special equipment? I have red and green laser pointers.

Look closely at the lens in the light, the ones AR coated for red will have a slight blue color, the others have a slight yellow color. In any case it will still work, but the correct AR coating is better. Both DTR and AixiZ sell the correct lens.

Alan

 

[Thejoker301]

Thanks everyone. I used a piece of cardboard and a pair of heavier duty bent tip pliers and it easily came out.

So now I have another question. Which way does the 3-element lens go in?

#1) This side facing out?

or

#2) This side facing out?

I'm also checking with the person I bought it from on whether the AR coating works for 635nm. Is there a way to check w/o special equipment? I have red and green laser pointers.

EDIT: To be clearer, "This side facing out of the laser when the FA is attached to the host"

#1 side is going in the adapter. #2 side will face the laser diode