I bought 2 5mw green pointers from ebay. Both have same problem, which from what I have read, is common with these cheap green lasers.
When first turned on, dim for a second, then bright for a short time, then dim again. From then on each time it is turned on, a bright .5 sec flash, then very dim again.
I was using recharageable batteries, I changed to several sets of Duracell alkalines with same result. Current in all cases was about 350 ma.
After quite a bit of experimenting, I said "aw what the heck" and connected 3 AAA recharageable batteries. 1 second or less dim, then WHAM, it's a great green laser, but current is around 500 ma. I have been playing with it all evening and the thing is still working great.
Since I am retired, I do not have access to test equipment any more.
Has anyone else experienced this, done any experimenting or testing especially in the area of LASER LIFE or OUTPUT POWER. I don't expect this unit to last very long being overdriven at this current and I don't want to harm anyone's eyes or burn holes in anything.