Two WL Spyder 3 Arctics Measured

[electron]

Yes I know it was w/o the lens and that was reported by Dave at 800 something, not in the 900+ mW's range as just posted, thus my question. Seems like some of DIY meters are posting higher numbers.

My review is posted in the review section for the G2, not sure if the G1 review I did is still here, I think it might have gotten moved didn't have time yet to go and look for it.

 

[Benm]

i've personally noticed no difference between the output on quality batteries vs. the supplied battery. I'd like to say that this is a linear driver inside this thing but I'm not too sure that it's not heat causing the output to drop down.

I'd suspect the heat... most laser diodes have lower efficiencies when running warm, so that could explain it. Also, some voltage references drop a little when heated up (like using simple diodes as a reference), causing a drop in current as well.

If you want to know which factor is the problem (if not both) also measure the current draw during the reading. If that stays constant, its just the diode heating up - not much to worry about.

 

[Kenom]

well, I'd be more than happy to send the laser to you to meter it on your Coherent. Especially given that it's a Nist traceable meter. I could also send my Kenometer and you can compare readings. I don't believe it's off by more than 5-10% which is withing even tolerances set by Coherent.

 

[cracked]

I'm not sure why others have seen such a dramatic (100mW) power drop with the standard glass lens in place. I just received a Spyder 3 Arctic (G2) yesterday (after a short 5+ month wait) and checked it out at 720mW without the standard lens and about 10mW less with the lens in place. Maybe WL changed the lens material at some point...

 

[aryntha]

If the clear front lens is reflecting right back onto the diode, it could be a heating issue from getting bounceback reflection.

I ordered a lens kit, punched the material out of the silly 'diffraction' ones, and used those "hole only" caps for my arctics.

 

[ZapU]

I'm not sure why others have seen such a dramatic (100mW) power drop with the standard glass lens in place. I just received a Spyder 3 Arctic (G2) yesterday (after a short 5+ month wait) and checked it out at 720mW without the standard lens and about 10mW less with the lens in place. Maybe WL changed the lens material at some point...

I have both and measured them. The G2 barely blocks any mW (about 8)
The G1 does block almost 100. Arctic has been fixing things as they are reported. Better battery, better goggles, better main lens, better lens caps, better fit and finish, better reliability. Now, if they could just improve customer service. (And get them through customs)