Laser beam direction?

[smrose1990]

So I just got the Spyder arctic 1.4w laser and I immediately noticed that the beam shoots out slightly off to the side instead of straight out. I emailed them about it but they told me it was normal. What I don't understand is how will a lens like their beam expander work if the beam isn't going straight through the lens. Is this normal or did they send me a broken laser and are screwing with me?

Also, on the same topic of the Arctic, despite anyone know of any other lens that van work or be made to work with this laser? Thanks in advance guys.

 

[Rifter]

How much "off to the side" are we talking about here? like a degree or two or more than say 10-20 degrees?

 

[3Pig]

If its horribly off center you could try rma it, I have no experience with the arctic but it may be a crooked lens, could be simple fix but i have no idea on how complex the arctic host is.

 

[DTR]

You can see if it is the lens or the diode. If you turn the lens to focus and the spot rotates it could be an easy fix with the lens either by fixing it or replacing it but if it does not and stays at an angle it was probably a bad mount or improperly pressed diode and would take a bit more effort.

 

[smrose1990]

It's only a few degrees noticeable from a close distance. I am pretty sure it's the diode, it's the same with all lenses

 

[Rifter]

It's only a few degrees noticeable from a close distance. I am pretty sure it's the diode, it's the same with all lenses

Sounds like it is the diode then. A few degree might be small enough that a beam expander will still work, however for the price of those lasers I would RMA it especially if you do intend to use it with a beam expander. Buying a expander is a lot of money to spend on something that may or may not work properly with your laser.

 

[smrose1990]

Sorry for being a noob but what exactly does the RMA process entail?

 

[Rifter]

Sorry for being a noob but what exactly does the RMA process entail?

Generally speaking with most companies(as I have and will never deal with WL) It would involve you contacting WL, receiving a RMA # and address to return the laser to, you shipping it to them. them inspecting it and deciding if it is/isn't defective, and then they fix or replace the product and ship it back to you.