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FrozenGate by Avery

need help with 473 module problem

Jmillerdoc

Jmillerdoc

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Hi,
I recently purchased two complete (one working one not) 473nm laser modules with power supplies from a guy who claims they came from the recent Tron movie set. One works great and the other is doing something strange. I used both power supplies to test the head thats acting up and both do the same thing so I have eliminated the power supply as being the problem. Basically what happens is when the power supply is turned to about 30% it starts to laze at a very low level, maybe 3-5mw. Then as I turn it up it gets a tiny bit brighter but when i get to about 75% of the PSU output it starts to get dim and at about 80% it goes out altogether. is this a bad IR diode? What could be causing it to do this? the other functions perfectly on both power supplies.

The output of the malfunctioning head is supposed to be about 200mW which would equate to about a 2W 808 I suspect.

If someone here believes this is the IR diode acting up then where would be the best place to get a new one? I understand there is a FAC on the diode and I am not sure if all 808nm C mounts have this FAC....can I just buy any C mount 808 at the right wattage or do I need to specifically find one with a FAC?

Thanks!
 





If the current diode has a FAC then I would think a replacement would need it too. quick ebay search tells me that they cost 50% more with a FAC, $95 vs. $65. Can you take the cover off the head and check if the diode is dimming or anything at higher power levels (eye protection please), and maybe measure the amperage going through the diode? The problem could be alignment or a bad tec or something too
 
Perhaps the tec for the crystals is broken. I Think I recall hearing similar symptoms from a broken tec. If you leave the PSU set for max brightness for awhile will it eventually dim? Try adding a fan directed on the crystals. Do you have an LPM? Don't run it open without IR glasses.

Only a couple 808nm Fac diodes on ebay. If you do need a diode ask snoctony how close to 808nm they are. Of course he might not know. Since there isn't a big price difference between 2W & 3W, I would go for higher in case the wavelength is off & you lose efficiency.

The crystals will be damaged from long term exposure to humidity. I would toss a couple desiccant packs in it once its fixed & getting closed up.

May I ask how much you payed? Pictures? :D

※edit※ Re-read OP. Considering it was designed as 200mW & only doing 3-5mw it feels like more then crystal overheating. Others certainly know more.
 
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i'm buying one of those "broken" cni 473 modules and of course i plan on opening it. as of yet i have NO experience with ir and need a recommendation on good eye protection. ir kinda scares me.
 
yep one of those. i'm not TOO worried about the low power 473, it's that invisible (almost) 808. thanks for the links!
 
i decided on survival's. wanna keep it in house. i'm looking forward to playing with this one.
 
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