Spartan 1watt 447nm not operating properly

[shovelboy]

So i purchased the Spartan watt 447nm from Dragon Lasers. At first it far exceeded my expectations. the best example of its power i can give you,since my time with it was limited, is that it would light a match at 10 ft. three days in my possession I picked it up and it was a completely different laser. Past 10" the beam has no heat. The beam now appears to have two beams which is visible in the photos. When shined on a wall there are now two dots that appear to be out of focus. The beam is also surrounded in a blue light that gives it a conical shape as it gets further from laser. after repeated emails, to dragon, looking for direction this is what i got.

Hi Joseph,

The two beams you described is called mode shifting and this normally occurs
when the laser is not getting enough power or is over heating.

First make sure that the batteries you are using are fully charged. If you
can, use a second set of batteries to make sure batteries are not the issue.
Also make sure your batteries are fully conditioned.

Try using a duty cycle where you use your Spartan for 3-4 minutes on and 1
minute off.

Please let me know how you go.

Cheers
Frank
Green Lasers,Yellow and Blue Laser Pointers :: Dragon Lasers

The batteries are fine. any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cube777]

Maybe there is damage to the lens? Can you maybe get a picture closer to the dot (On a dark surface otherise we won't be able to see the dot, just a bunch of blue light).

 

[shovelboy]

here are some more pics i hope they help

 

[Cube777]

I presume the first and second picture is of the lens. Is the three black blobs inside the lens or is it just glue or something next to the lens?

 

[shovelboy]

That is surrounding the lens. My concern is what appears to be a crack that starts at 1 o'clock and runs to 7oclock. I also see a bubble or chip off center to the right on the lens. Ann I just looking too long or is what I see something else.

 

[Cube777]

I can't see the crack you are talking about (pics aren't clear enough). If you see a crack in person, that would be the cause of the splitting beam. Can you maybe get a bit clearer and closer shot of the lens?

EDIT: I can see it now. It does look like a chip and a crack (or scratch) in the lens. Maybe you can contact Frank and he could replace the lens for you

 

[Shakenawake]

I have a a spartan and I agree, its the lens. these are not just screwed it, but glued also. Replacement lenses are not much. If I were you, I would attempt to remove the lens. you cant really make it worse, and you cant harm whats behind the lens until it is screwed out anyway. you should be able to do this without removing the module. If you do remove the module, don't unscrew it or you will twist off the wires connecting your driver and diode. most 445 lasers use standardized lenses and a replacement could be had from rayfoss or survival lasers. Getting the old one out may be a pain because of the glue, but it should be simple to screw in a new one, though it may take some adjusting to get the focus to infinity set right. Hope this helps

edit: never try to clean your lens with rubbing alcohol. they have a coating the alcohol destroys