My Diodes laser beams dot is big, is this normal?

[Kirby-Morgan]

Just finished constructing my targeting laser and the beams area is not a dot, but more of a small torch beam.

Is this a normal trait for the diode I have.

Here's the diode:

http://stonetek.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=180

The diode is this one and the beam diameter is about three inches.

Really I'm looking at another diode soon with a < 1inch beam point.

Thoughts and comments appreciated.

 

[GooeyGus]

Re: My Diodes laser beams dot is big, is this norm

Do you have the diode in a module? If so, turn the lens until you get the desired size.

If it's not in a module, that's your problem. A common misconception of laser diodes is that the beam comes out just perfectly, with a beam diameter the size of the diode window, without any focusing. This isn't true, you need an additional optic after the didoe to get a nice tight beam.

Stonetek has 'aixiz modules' for sale, which would be perfect if you dont have one.

 

[Kirby-Morgan]

Re: My Diodes laser beams dot is big, is this norm

This is interesting because it is indeed inside a module but turning the housing did not seem possible, unless you mean exposing the back end of the module (where the pins are) and turning that instead?
Is this what you mean?

Cheers

KM

 

[Jimmymcjimthejim]

Re: My Diodes laser beams dot is big, is this norm

He means turning the lens to find a good focus

 

[Kirby-Morgan]

Re: My Diodes laser beams dot is big, is this norm

Yeah but the lens is so far recessed I doubt I can easily get to it.
Damn, I wish I knew this before I'd installed the laser into the housing and mounted it

They should ship these pre-focused when Stonetek ship them out.

Bugger!

 

[daguin]

Re: My Diodes laser beams dot is big, is this norm

Yeah but the lens is so far recessed I doubt I can easily get to it.
Damn,  I wish I knew this before I'd installed the laser into the housing and mounted it
They should ship these pre-focused when Stonetek ship them out.
Bugger!

Can you post a picture?  Does the front look like it has a threaded piece of plastic in it that looks like this?

Or is the front of the module just a hole with a diode in the bottom of it, kind of like this?

Peace,
dave

 

[Kirby-Morgan]

Re: My Diodes laser beams dot is big, is this norm

hang on...

I don't think it has a built in regulator AFAIK.
I have a seperate driver which does that.

Ok, I've stripped down the exterior housing (shell) ahhh, now I see the focusing ring.

I'm turning and adjusting the ring now... Yes, its now a fine point like spot worthy of Foxhound themselves

I didn't notice that it had one before. Doh!

Thanks for all your help on this one dudes.

Cheers Davey

Peace

 

[daguin]

Re: My Diodes laser beams dot is big, is this norm

hang on...
I don't think it has a built in regulator AFAIK.
I have a seperate driver which does that.
Ok,  I've stripped down the exterior housing (shell) ahhh, now I see the focusing ring.
I'm turning and adjusting the ring now... Yes, its now a fine point like spot worthy of Foxhound themselves
I didn't notice that it had one before.  Doh!
Thanks for all your help on this one dudes.
Cheers Davey
Peace

SWEET!

Peace,
dave