Thoughts on the DX #91

[The Lightning Stalker]

Okay, so several days ago I FINALLY received the DX goods following the PVG airport
scandal. Among them was the 532nm "gadget", and I must say I am quite impressed.
The host is of all metal construction. Even the button is metal. The clip even aligns
perfectly with the button when the two halves are threaded together, displaying quite an
impressive attention to detail. The focusing is perfect. I didn't measure it, but the dot
appears quite small even at hundreds of feet. The beam is easily visible in dim light, even
with no smoke or fog. The dot will light up my whole porch at night when reflected off a
white surface. Sharpied balloons can be popped with no focusing. It takes a few seconds
and a steady hand though.

Now I have 2 questions, or thoughts. The first is this laser likes to be warm. When cold,
there is no green output at all. As it warms up, there will be some very dim output and
then gradually more and more. It seems to be most efficient right around body temperature
or perhaps slightly above, though I have yet to test at more than this.

The other interesting attribute of this laser is that the output "builds." That is to say, it
does not achieve full brightness immediately when switched on. Bear in mind that this is
when it is warm and operating "properly™." It takes maybe 500ms to reach full output.

So, that being said, are there any pmans out there who have been experienced by this
unit? Also, is it safe to power this unit with a lithium cell or will 4.2V possibly kill it?

 

[grainde]

This is quite common with DPSS lasers - they are quite sensitive to temp. I have a green pointer that wont emit 532 if it is cold and holding it for a few mins in the hand will make it work. Once the laser has warmed up it runs normally. It was a bit of a pain taking the mountain photo shots I did in the snow and I had to keep the laser in my pocket between shots... :beer:

Edit: If you havent seen that thread and would like a look, its here: http://laserpointerforums.com/f44/updated-new-photos-couple-beam-shot-pics-79200.html