SD Laser 303

[Alphonsus Dokuro]

Hey there everyone,

I've just gotten myself a SDLaser 303 532nm today, but even after recharging the battery it I still feel that the beam isn't as bright as it should be. Hence, it would be good if you guys can answer my following queries:

1) Averagely, how much power should a 303 be outputting?

2) Is 303 a popular laser model? Does it often perform well?

3) what are some simple tests I can do to estimate the power of my laser (without using LPM)

Currently I'm overseas so I can't compare this to my other lasers, but all I can see now is a barely visible beam in my well lighted hotel, though the dot is rather bright. At night in the sky, the beam is clearly seen but not exceptionally bright.

Looking forward to your replies

 

[USAbro]

303 laser tend to work well. Usually over spec between 30mw and 100mw with 100mw being very rare. They work well at first, but because they usually way over use the pot, they are bright and burn out quickly. Most can light matches and make leather smoke slightly. They are popular for beginners. I own one. Many other people own them. And they're only $6-$20 depending on the different sellers out there.



I'd use three words to describe it: Worth the Price.

 

[Alphonsus Dokuro]

Yeah, thanks for all the info! I'm currently in china now and I'm quite happy that I've managed to get the laser and the charger for merely 10 USD, though it can be disappointing how exquisite it looks on the outside (mine is gold colored), but outputting relatively low power. Was looking at around 150mW or so. But oh well, I guess I can't expect much for the price. But in any case, thanks!

 

[Sta]

Interesting! Every other 303/301 I've seen has been black.

 

[USAbro]

Interesting! Every other 303/301 I've seen has been black.

I've seen a few in gold. Golden 303 Green Laser Pointer Pen Adjustable Focus 532nm Lazer Visible Beam | eBay

 

[RYDorDIE278]

Have you tried leaving in on for 5 minutes and seeing if it gets brighter at a certain point? they are cheap and low quality.....
some start bright and dim slowly, some maintain a reasonable brightness,
some slowly get brighter then dim off at a certain point, heaps of factors account for this, alot to do with ambient temp. and laser temp. etc

*I cant really say an average output because some leak more IR than others and even when you LPM them they are so unstable that the output fluctuates alot of the time
*The 301/303 lasers seem a bit popular for starters, people on a budget and for people who dont listen to our recommendations
*I guess you could try burning matches or black paper or plastic with it focused to infinity and then do the same again focused to a small point to guess the output
You WILL be doing this with the correct Safety glasses!!!!

 

[The Lightning Stalker]

$10USD on the China mainland? If so, then
you got ripped. They are less than that on
eBay with shipping. I would take it back
where you got it and get a refund,
especially since it's an underperformer.
Anyway, on to the questions.

1) Averagely, how much power should a 303 be outputting?

Averagely, maybe 80mW, but an average does
not reveal the huge difference between one
that performs well and a dud. They can be
anywhere from 0mW on up to 230mW, maybe
even more. And my 0mW, I mean some of them
arrive completely nonfunctional or give a
quick flash the first time you hit the
button, then that's all she wrote. (Who is
this 'she' I keep hearing about anyway?)

2) Is 303 a popular laser model? Does it often perform well?

Yes, it is very popular. No, it doesn't
always perform well. When it does, though,
it makes a pretty nice laser.

3) what are some simple tests I can do to estimate the power of my laser (without using LPM)

Try burning some black plastic and lighting
a match, with and without a sharpie. Don't
forget your safety glasses.

 

[Alphonsus Dokuro]

Hi all, thank you for all your replies. Just to answer some quesions:

1) The 10USD was for the laser, a rechargeable battery and a charger, so I guess it isn't that much of a rip off after all?

2) unfortunately, yes. The laser is now showing signs of poor workmanship. The laser now reduces is output power significantly like a split second after powering it on, which is rather disappointing.

Just another question, how long should a rechargeable battery take to charge fully? And for those cheap china made chargers, does green light mean that it is fully charged?

Thank you once again

 

[Sta]

Hi all, thank you for all your replies. Just to answer some quesions:

1) The 10USD was for the laser, a rechargeable battery and a charger, so I guess it isn't that much of a rip off after all?

2) unfortunately, yes. The laser is now showing signs of poor workmanship. The laser now reduces is output power significantly like a split second after powering it on, which is rather disappointing.

Just another question, how long should a rechargeable battery take to charge fully? And for those cheap china made chargers, does green light mean that it is fully charged?

Thank you once again

@2: The lowering of power would seem to be low battery manifesting itself, I've never seen that in any of my billions of 301s (all dead now.)
And yes, green light means it is charged.