New guy introduction + Question

[Wouternet]

Hi guys!

So this is my first post on LPF. There won't be too many of them, because I'm not really into the lasers (more flashlights, a lot safer :yh.
But the thing is: I picked up this cheap ~5mW green laser pointer from DX to use with a science project I'm doing.
The project went fine, and since it has been collecting dust in the drawer. When I last took it out, I noticed a lot of 'spill' in the beam. There is just a cloud of light around the laser. I don't like it!

How do I get it out?

PS: I do respect the dangers of lasers. Some kid at school was selling >200mW lasers from DX and was frequently shining into people's faces with it. I took a hammer to it. That's why I bought the lowest wattage from DX and I don't 'play' around with it that much.

Thanks!

 

[Blord]

Welcome to the LPF forum.

The lens is probably dirty, you need to clean it. Blow the dust away or clean the lens with 96% alcohol and Q-tips or tissues.

 

[kiyoukan]

avoid Q-tips they can scratch lenses.
Use an air duster for a pc and if that wont work use a lens cloth for glasses.

 

[Wouternet]

This is the laser I'm talking about : True Green Laser Pen 5mW - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
It has a metal shroud/cap over the lens. It makes it really hard to clean.
Do I need to take the cap of as instructed in this tutorial? http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/diy-newwish-5mw-green-laser-pen-power-upgrade-up-150mw-47716.html

Is there a way to put an IR filter in there, on the cheap?

 

[Sigurthr]

NewWish style housings can be a real pain when it comes to cleaning the lens. I had'have the 50mW 450nm (blue) pointer from laserlands, which was built in to such a housing. The lens was recessed over 48mm away from the aperture - no lens cloth would get in. Now, Q-tips can work for glass lenses, but not acryllic lenses, as they will scratch. I wound up resorting to the q-tip, which destroyed the acryllic lens. I ended up completely disassembling the laser and rebuilding the module in to a DIY custom host. I replaced the acryllic lens with an Aixiz 3-element AR coated lens. Now it is much easier to clean the lens.

Good luck cleaning yours, and avoid Q-tips for cheap lasers.

 

[lasersbee]

to the Forum....
Don't forget to read the FAQs...the Stickies
and the Forum Rules..

If you plan on buying anything on the Forum....
PLEASE read this first...

6 Steps To Prevent You From Getting Scammed

and this....

33 Reasons NOT to Buy From Wicked Lasers

I couldn't have answered your questions any better
than the the members above...

Enjoy your stay...


Jerry

 

[Wouternet]

Thanks guys!
I will try to take the cap off this evening.
Btw, I have an olf UltraFire C3 body laying around, can I pop the laser module in there with the Mohgasm heatsink for the C3?
Ultrafire C3 Heat Sink - $10.00 : Mohgasm!, Because it feels so good.
What else do yoy recommend? Where can I get a good lens?
PS: I do NOT want it having the ability to burn stuff.

 

[Blord]

You will need a 14500 battery for that host. And a very small driver if the original one is broke.

Eudaimonium sells also the C3 heatsink, http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/ultrafire-c3-direct-pressfit-heatsinks-68748.html

From where are you ? You seems have a Dutch nick.

 

[Wouternet]

Yeah I'm Dutch.
I have a replacement driver laying around, it was made for use with an LED. Will this work?
I have the AA extension tube, which will give me 3V. Won't that be suffice?

 

[Tech_Junkie]

I have a replacement driver laying around, it was made for use with an LED. Will this work?

How the heck are we suppose to know. How about posting pictures, and specs. We cant guess what you have, or if it will work.

If you want to learn to build lasers there are plenty of stickies to get you started. Please read them, and have the information on the items you have when asking a question.

I'm starting to think if its that kid who wanted to buy a 200mW DX module, and put it into a flashlight.

 

[Paddy]

Urm i found a way of cleaning the lenses on the type of laser pretty easy, take a cotton bud/q-tip whatever you wanna call it, pull all the fluff off it, cut a strip off a glasses cleaner cloth and push it inside the cotton bud tube.
Just keep a bit dangling off the end and cut it enough so it just fits in and clean it.
Worked a treat for me, just make sure you don't cut it too much or the plastic will scratch the lens. Hope this helps xD

 

[electron]

Welcome aboard! Don't forget to get some Laser Safety Glasses, and the search function here can be your best friend; don't forget to read the Stickies.

I see you already have plenty of good answers......Enjoy :beer: