O-like OL-CR-250 (250mW 650nm red laser)

[LethalLight]

Well, after scouring the Internet looking for a somewhat visible laser that can burn things, coupled with focusing capabilities, I have just purchased this: Cute High power 250mW red laser troch/focusable [OL-CR-250] - $54.99 : Welcome to O-Like.com, Your source for laser products

I have watched a TON of videos of all sorts of lasers. I decided on the red one, due to its lower cost, ability to burn and in the right conditions, a visible beam. I know that the 532nm wavelength per unit of power is the most visible to the human eye, but to get beyond 200mW in this wavelength, in a pre-made device, costs over (currently) $100. Anyway, I hope this laser is good. I can't wait to try it out. My only other laser pointers in the past (years ago) were 5mW 650 nm ones. Lastly, I could not seem to find a pre-made 300mW 650 nm laser for under say $80...

 

[Benm]

250 mW is about as high as single mode red lasers go.

I'm not sure about the actual performance of this model laser, but i suppose it will effectively output in the order of 200 mW. Compared to your previous 5 mW model this will be an amazing laser to handle

 

[LethalLight]

Thanks Benm. This is my first laser in a long time. If I had a laser power meter, I would post output results on fresh batteries for this device, but unfortunately, I do not currently own one. I wanted a laser that just works, is already put together and below $60.

Now, I am planning on making either a ~600mW 405 nm laser or a 1+ Watt 445 nm laser I want to put this together as a kit to learn so to speak. I LOVE the blue-violet, single mode lasers!

 

[Emc2]

Well i just ordered one as well. I have the new style (dilda asd you call it) 200mW red already and it will be good to see if the extra 50mW +/- will make a difference. I'll let you know what I think when it comes in, approx 14 days.

-Todd

 

[LethalLight]

Yipee!!! My laser finally shipped out from o-like. This is my very first laser "pointer" that is over 5mW in power. I can't wait to get it and to start lighting-up stuff in my house and to check out the beam qualities in long range mode at night. Unfortunately, I don't currently own a LPM, so I cannot confirm its true output power in its stock configuration on fresh batteries. I wonder if there is a "pot" that we can play around with on it:yh:

 

[Emc2]

Yipee!!! My laser finally shipped out from o-like. This is my very first laser "pointer" that is over 5mW in power. I can't wait to get it and to start lighting-up stuff in my house and to check out the beam qualities in long range mode at night. Unfortunately, I don't currently own a LPM, so I cannot confirm its true output power in its stock configuration on fresh batteries. I wonder if there is a "pot" that we can play around with on it:yh:

Congrats! As for the pot mod, well don't do it. it is probably at max now and pushint it further will most likely blow the diode. It is already at or near 250mW. Most likely 230~240mW. This will burn plenty without adjusting it. If you don't know much about the milli amp current going to the diode or have a way to measure it, I'd leave it alone. Check out LarryDFW on the forum, he sells custom high power lenses for the red laser and it will boost the lasers power by 30%! I have one for my blu-ray.

 

[LethalLight]

"Check out LarryDFW on the forum, he sells custom high power lenses for the red laser and it will boost the lasers power by 30%! I have one for my blu-ray. "

Thanks Emc2, I will definitely check that out. I am hoping this will be my general purpose, carry around laser. That will free me up to build a 1.2+ Watt 445nm laser I really would like to build a 2 Watt 445nm, hand-held laser, but that would probably kill the latest round of these type of diodes?

 

[Meatball]

O-Like is so funny. The "Click for large picture" brings up a smaller one, they show attractive photos of someone's hand holding a cigarette, and they call many of their lasers "cute"! lol

 

[Stephen j gilman]

I have one and made a laser nintendo gun out of it! It burns amazingly!

 

[srinag]

Thanks Benm. This is my first laser in a long time. If I had a laser power meter, I would post output results on fresh batteries for this device, but unfortunately, I do not currently own one. I wanted a laser that just works, is already put together and below $60.

Now, I am planning on making either a ~600mW 405 nm laser or a 1+ Watt 445 nm laser I want to put this together as a kit to learn so to speak. I LOVE the blue-violet, single mode lasers!

Hello there,
I just received the OL-CR-250 yesterday. It did not come with the battery or charger as DHL does not ship these.
Went out and bought a Duracell battery(CR123A) for it, as it is my first laser and I don't have any other battery for it.
After much anticipation, I finally switched it on. Saw the powerful red light and was in awe.

But beyond that it was useless. It could NOT light a single match stick, despite focusing it properly and the long time for which I pointed it at the match stick.

Are you having the same problem with it??? OR have I just received an underpowered laser??

Please reply..... as I have to email them and ask why it is so weak.

I mean its a 250mw, it is supposed to be really powerful, but I'm not able to even singe the match stick with mine.:yabbmad:

 

[EDC Laser]

Hello there,
I just received the OL-CR-250 yesterday. It did not come with the battery or charger as DHL does not ship these.
Went out and bought a Duracell battery(CR123A) for it, as it is my first laser and I don't have any other battery for it.
After much anticipation, I finally switched it on. Saw the powerful red light and was in awe.

But beyond that it was useless. It could NOT light a single match stick, despite focusing it properly and the long time for which I pointed it at the match stick.

Are you having the same problem with it??? OR have I just received an underpowered laser??

Please reply..... as I have to email them and ask why it is so weak.

I mean its a 250mw, it is supposed to be really powerful, but I'm not able to even singe the match stick with mine.:yabbmad:

Yeah, It's no big thrill.
IMO...You need class IV (500mW +) power in this wavelenght to keep from getting bored.

The 3.6 volt 16340 cell that will come with the charger helps it light a match from about a inch away, but it takes time and you have to fiddle with the focus to get it right. As far as lighting a smoke with it...I think not!

I'm thinking about giving mine to my 16 year old niece for Xmas...she's into lasers,
and I won't have to worry about her blinding herself with it.

It's WEAK!!!

 

[LethalLight]

That sux. Yours did not come with a battery and charger? I would immediately contact them and complain and/or demand an RMA. It sounds like other members have complained about this particular laser's output. May be the "pot" is set too low from the factory? If it truly is a 250mW red laser diode, then it should handle being turned up to the power levels it should be putting out. That's why we need to get a LPM on this thing in its stock configuration to see just how much power it actually puts out. I am still waiting for mine to come in the mail. I am going to at least try it out. If it does not have a battery or charger when I receive it, it is going back.

I knew I should have bought this one: $41.06 HLP18130 Focusable Burning Red Laser Pointer 200mW - BudgetGadgets.com

 

[srinag]

That sux. Yours did not come with a battery and charger? I would immediately contact them and complain and/or demand an RMA. It sounds like other members have complained about this particular laser's output. May be the "pot" is set too low from the factory? If it truly is a 250mW red laser diode, then it should handle being turned up to the power levels it should be putting out. That's why we need to get a LPM on this thing in its stock configuration to see just how much power it actually puts out. I am still waiting for mine to come in the mail. I am going to at least try it out. If it does not have a battery or charger when I receive it, it is going back.

I knew I should have bought this one: $41.06 HLP18130 Focusable Burning Red Laser Pointer 200mW - BudgetGadgets.com

I contacted Susie and told her about the problems.
She said the battery and charger will reach me seperately as they are being sent by standered mail.

But, when it came to the 250mw red's burning capabilities, this is what she said,

"Dear Srinag
The one I gave is sure over spec

Lighting match needs skills ,even I gave you the same or the higher power than the one on youtube ,if you don't have skill ,you can not light it . you should focus properly and find focus ,focus is the thinnest part of beam . if you don't put things on focus ,it is hard to light






Thanks and Best Regards
Susie "

Oh come on!! I'm not trying to light a rocket. It is a simple a match stick, I FOUND the "thinnest" part of the laser. The focus was perfect with respect to the distance from the match head. Kept it like that for 1 whole minute before I finally stopped and realized that it is crap!

I don't want to invest $50+ just to buy a LPM for OL-CR-250. There is no way I can prove that it is seriously underpowered.

What a waste of cash......

 

[LethalLight]

Have no fear srinag, there are always alternatives. If it is weak, then at least I have a charger and these batteries. I will just buy the Budget Gadgets laser listed above in the link I provided and then sell the O-Like laser on Ebay.

 

[midieval10]

I received mine. It is very overspec. Measures stable 313mW on my Alpha Radiant LPM. Easily lights matches. Can see the beam at night.

 

[srinag]

I received mine. It is very overspec. Measures stable 313mW on my Alpha Radiant LPM. Easily lights matches. Can see the beam at night.

Could you possibly post a video of you lighting it?
I would like to see you focusing it....