O-like Blu-ray 400mW 405nm Focusable/Waterproof Laser Review (Picture Heavy)

[redhouser]

Did you try using protected batteries? I am using some and (since they are longer) they are being held in with more force and it now doesn't rattle at all. If not, did you try wrapping a layer or 2 of electrical tape inside the battery compartment to stop the battery from rattling?

I've not got protected mode batteries yet but as that has worked for you I'll give it a go.. assuming I can get them as 16340 batteries.. my 445 takes two of these small ones, just did a quick check on Amazon and they don't seem to stock them, only the slightly larger cr123a's which run at 3v rather than the 3.7v I need.
Wouldn't wrapping electrical tape cause heat retention?

Great Review! When did yours leave China? Mine left on the 10th and I have still yet to see it. I am getting kinda worried considering that i ordered on December 20th, and still no laser :S

I ordered mine on the 23rd dec, left China for London on the 9th, got to me on the 18th. don't worry too much, I'm sure you'll get a package soon enough.. if all else fails just message susie and they'll track it down for you. my advice next time use DHL, I certainly will!

 

[david1235102]

Nice laser you go there , thanks for the review.

No problem

I've not got protected mode batteries yet but as that has worked for you I'll give it a go.. assuming I can get them as 16340 batteries.. my 445 takes two of these small ones, just did a quick check on Amazon and they don't seem to stock them, only the slightly larger cr123a's which run at 3v rather than the 3.7v I need.
Wouldn't wrapping electrical tape cause heat retention?


I ordered mine on the 23rd dec, left China for London on the 9th, got to me on the 18th. don't worry too much, I'm sure you'll get a package soon enough.. if all else fails just message susie and they'll track it down for you. my advice next time use DHL, I certainly will!

If the battery is high quality it shouldn't heat up much, especially if you stay within the laser's duty cycle. Instead of using the 16340 batteries (which are smaller and will rattle even more). Also, the 650 in 18650 means 65mm long. 16340 batteries will be 34mm long. 34 + 34 = 68. 68mm may be too long because they will be a mm or so longer than a protected 18650. Because they are thinner than an 18650, they could even rattle around more. MOST IMPORTANTLY, they will be too high of voltage and could cause the laser to output way more than it is intended to and will dramatically shorten the diode's life.
If you want some (very cheap) medium-quality protected 18650 batteries go here:
2 x 18650 2400mAh 3.7v Protedted Rechargeable Battery g - eBay (item 390274849539 end time Jan-24-11 11:06:26 PST)
They are the same ones that I bought. They will take the normal 2-3 weeks for shipping though.

If you want high quality batteries go here:
AW 18650 Protected 2600 mAh Rechargeable Lithium Battery
AW 18650 Protected 2900 mAh Rechargeable Lithium Battery
These will have faster shipping times, but they are WAY WAY WAY more expensive.

I would go with the cheaper batteries because you only need the high quality ones for super high drain equipment. The cheaper ones are more than good enough for this laser.
I calculated the run time for a 1.4W 445 laser that is using a flexdrive that pulls 1.5A for the cheaper eBay batteries: In a laser that powerful, and if the batteries are 2400mAh, they should last 1 hour and 36 minutes. That laser is much more powerful than this Blu-ray laser so they will last a very very long time in it. I have been using the same battery in the Blu-ray laser for days now and have not needed to charge it.

Sorry about the long message. I think I started rambling. lol

EDIT: Same here. From now on, I'll be using DHL shipping from O-like since I won't care if the batteries arrive later than the laser. Something to note though: O-like charges $15 extra for DHL shipping. They will take the $8 flat rate shipping price and add $15 on to it. This means DHL shipping is actually $23. The reason they still charge the $8 is because the battery has to be shipped with the slow, normal shipping.

 

[david1235102]

This post I'm reserving for the addition of more videos
EDIT: Does anyone know where I can buy balloons cheap not online? I tried walmart, cvs pharmacy, walgreens, kroger, meijer, and big lots. None of them have regular balloons except online.
If you have any requests for me to burn something, just post what you want me to burn and I will try to get that for you.

DVD Burning Vid is sorta self-explanatory based on its title. Normally, it burns faster than what you see in the video. I was just having some trouble keeping it focused because I was holding the laser at an angle to the DVD. It has to be focused just right for it to burn into the DVD.

 

[redhouser]

No problem

If the battery is high quality it shouldn't heat up much, especially if you stay within the laser's duty cycle. Instead of using the 16340 batteries (which are smaller and will rattle even more). Also, the 650 in 18650 means 65mm long. 16340 batteries will be 34mm long. 34 + 34 = 68. 68mm may be too long because they will be a mm or so longer than a protected 18650. Because they are thinner than an 18650, they could even rattle around more. MOST IMPORTANTLY, they will be too high of voltage and could cause the laser to output way more than it is intended to and will dramatically shorten the diode's life.
If you want some (very cheap) medium-quality protected 18650 batteries go here:
2 x 18650 2400mAh 3.7v Protedted Rechargeable Battery g - eBay (item 390274849539 end time Jan-24-11 11:06:26 PST)
They are the same ones that I bought. They will take the normal 2-3 weeks for shipping though.

The batteries I use currently are these..

One in my cute 300mW 650nm, and two in my 1w 445nm, it's in the 445 that they rattle in.. thing is the voltage of these is 3.7v so 2=7.4v which is .2v over the working voltage of the 445nm according to rayfoss's duplicate product [not much info on o-like about this] ... now I would like to go for the protected battery you mention but it's only 3.7v and I'll only fit one in because of the length of them so my 445 is going to be way underpowered and probably not work at all.. am I wrong there?

EDIT: Same here. From now on, I'll be using DHL shipping from O-like since I won't care if the batteries arrive later than the laser. Something to note though: O-like charges $15 extra for DHL shipping. They will take the $8 flat rate shipping price and add $15 on to it. This means DHL shipping is actually $23. The reason they still charge the $8 is because the battery has to be shipped with the slow, normal shipping.

Didn't think about that.. agreed I have the batteries now so not bothered how long they take, will only be spares anyhow. or I may even ask them to omit the batteries altogether and subtract the cost of them and the charger from the total.. either way as long as the laser gets to me asap that's all I'm bothered about.

 

[david1235102]

The batteries I use currently are these..
One in my cute 300mW 650nm, and two in my 1w 445nm, it's in the 445 that they rattle in.. thing is the voltage of these is 3.7v so 2=7.4v which is .2v over the working voltage of the 445nm according to rayfoss's duplicate product [not much info on o-like about this] ... now I would like to go for the protected battery you mention but it's only 3.7v and I'll only fit one in because of the length of them so my 445 is going to be way underpowered and probably not work at all.. am I wrong there?

I didn't know you were talking about your 445. My bad for not reading carefully. I'm not sure how to fix the rattling. I still think that a layer or two of electrical tape would work. One layer around the middle of each battery may not stop the batteries from shaking, but it may stop the rattling sound because it would add a layer of padding between the batteries and the side of the host.

 

[redhouser]

I didn't know you were talking about your 445. My bad for not reading carefully. I'm not sure how to fix the rattling. I still think that a layer or two of electrical tape would work. One layer around the middle of each battery may not stop the batteries from shaking, but it may stop the rattling sound because it would add a layer of padding between the batteries and the side of the host.

Yeah I think unless I can find some fatter battery of the same voltage I'm kinda screwed, just makes me wonder what that 445 host was designed to hold in the first place :thinking: either it's for a battery I don't know about or someone in D&R made a big mistake when designing the host. :thanks: for your help anyway.

 

[Napalm101]

I have posted some pics before.

It's a very nice solid laser, does not feel cheaply made. The price is very nice even with DHL Shipping i paid $120 i think...

Overall :
Burns Very nice
Nice and Solid Beam (Very Powerfull)
Dot is clear (minimal Splash)
Size is good enaugh to carry with you as a "pocket laser". <-- Reason i'm saying this, some lasers are too big to carry with you on a day to day basis. This one is not that big, yet powerfull.

 

[david1235102]

I have posted some pics before.

It's a very nice solid laser, does not feel cheaply made. The price is very nice even with DHL Shipping i paid $120 i think...

Overall :
Burns Very nice
Nice and Solid Beam (Very Powerfull)
Dot is clear (minimal Splash)
Size is good enaugh to carry with you as a "pocket laser". <-- Reason i'm saying this, some lasers are too big to carry with you on a day to day basis. This one is not that big, yet powerfull.

Did you buy it before or after they raised the price to $102.99?
Also, if you do use it underwater, the splash will be worse until you clean the lens.

 

[TeLight]

Got my laser today! Focusing ring is very tight indeed, and o-rings needed some lubing but other then that the threads were of good quality and the laser has good beam spec, especially at this price point! Pretty good laser, although the shipping took exactly 1 month from the time i ordered . (actually slightly more since i ordered on Dec. 20th at night, but i won't dwell on that).

 

[extremeodd]

Yeah I think unless I can find some fatter battery of the same voltage I'm kinda screwed, just makes me wonder what that 445 host was designed to hold in the first place :thinking: either it's for a battery I don't know about or someone in D&R made a big mistake when designing the host. :thanks: for your help anyway.

To help with battery rattling, take a piece of printer paper and cut a strip thats like 3-4in long and as wide as the batterys are stacked long. Roll it up and insert into host, if its not snug cut a longer piece. I did this in my o-like waterproof 200mw 650nm. The spring from the driver was bent and I did this to keep it from shorting on the host, as a byproduct the battery fits in quite snugly with NO side to side movement.

 

[redhouser]

To help with battery rattling, take a piece of printer paper and cut a strip thats like 3-4in long and as wide as the batterys are stacked long. Roll it up and insert into host, if its not snug cut a longer piece. I did this in my o-like waterproof 200mw 650nm. The spring from the driver was bent and I did this to keep it from shorting on the host, as a byproduct the battery fits in quite snugly with NO side to side movement.

Yeah I've been thinking of doing that with some thin A4 card I have, seems like my only option.. still shouldn't have to really, it should just 'fit' but there you go :undecided: Actually I've just realised why the CR123A batts rattle in my 445, it's because the host is actually intended to house 1x 18650 like in the o-like 400mW 532nm :banghead: not had one of those batteries yet so didn't know the size difference.

 

[david1235102]

Yeah I've been thinking of doing that with some thin A4 card I have, seems like my only option.. still shouldn't have to really, it should just 'fit' but there you go :undecided: Actually I've just realised why the CR123A batts rattle in my 445, it's because the host is actually intended to house 1x 18650 like in the o-like 400mW 532nm :banghead: not had one of those batteries yet so didn't know the size difference.

THEY'RE HUGE!!! lol
That's what went through my mind when I saw my first couple 18650's. Well, if you want dimensions, the 18650 is 18mm diameter and 65mm long. Add 1-3mm onto the length for protected ones.

 

[redhouser]

THEY'RE HUGE!!! lol
That's what went through my mind when I saw my first couple 18650's. Well, if you want dimensions, the 18650 is 18mm diameter and 65mm long. Add 1-3mm onto the length for protected ones.

yep I totally see it now, that extra few mm on the diameter coupled with a tight fit with the spring will make all the difference.. I'll let you all know how it fits in the 400mW when I've got the spare cash to get one [and when they get back in stock again]. rattling aside I've just been outside and got some sweet beam shots..

http://laserpointerforums.com/members/redhouser/albums/my-o-like-1w-445nm/4667-bat-signal-01.jpg
http://laserpointerforums.com/members/redhouser/albums/my-o-like-1w-445nm/4668-bat-signal-02.jpg
http://laserpointerforums.com/members/redhouser/albums/my-o-like-1w-445nm/4669-burning-ozone.jpg

 

[david1235102]

yep I totally see it now, that extra few mm on the diameter coupled with a tight fit with the spring will make all the difference.. I'll let you all know how it fits in the 400mW when I've got the spare cash to get one [and when they get back in stock again]. rattling aside I've just been outside and got some sweet beam shots..

http://laserpointerforums.com/members/redhouser/albums/my-o-like-1w-445nm/4667-bat-signal-01.jpg
http://laserpointerforums.com/members/redhouser/albums/my-o-like-1w-445nm/4668-bat-signal-02.jpg
http://laserpointerforums.com/members/redhouser/albums/my-o-like-1w-445nm/4669-burning-ozone.jpg

Wow, that last one is awesome! nice pics. I'll post some of my ~1.3W 445 in a few days in the multimedia section.

 

[redhouser]

Wow, that last one is awesome! nice pics. I'll post some of my ~1.3W 445 in a few days in the multimedia section.

Cheers :san: I'm particularly pleased with that one [got it as my wallpaper now lol].. look forward to seeing your 445 beast.

 

[johnboss]

Is anyone else having problems with their laser? The first two days it worked great. Very bright and visible, but I put it down for a couple hours and when I turned it back on the dot wasn't bright at all. I charged the battery completely, and it still isn't getting as bright or as powerful as it was orginally.