[Video Added] Is my 520 too dim?

[Pi R Squared]

Re: Is my 520 too dim?

Alright I'll get 16340's as soon as possible. What's strange is the my 532(which im sure needs at least 3V to run) dosen't have difficulties when I run with my 2XAA batteries 1.5V, so why would this one be any different? Kinda strange how these things work

Thanks for the help Pi!

-Alex

Remember the 532nm uses an IR diode, I don't know how much the driver needs, but the operating voltage for IR diodes is very low, mostly under 2V. For a 520nm it's more like 7V.

Alan

 

[Pman]

Re: Is my 520 too dim?

I wonder if your 532nm is increasing output soon after turning it on like many do. Definately run them with max recommended battery voltage. Did they send a data sheet or power graph with them? 67% brighter on the 532nm dot would look way brighter at such a low output I would think. I don't own anything that low to verify it myself. Maybe the greenlander does.
I can say for a fact that all of my laserbtb.com pens outputs increase by a large % with more voltage and it wouldn't surprise me if your pens do the same. Can be very hard to get an accurate power measurement with most standard lpms at such low power.

 

[NightExplorer96]

I wonder if your 532nm is increasing output soon after turning it on like many do. Definately run them with max recommended battery voltage. Did they send a data sheet or power graph with them? 67% brighter on the 532nm dot would look way brighter at such a low output I would think. I didn'ton't own anything that low to verify it myself. Maybe the greenlander does.
I can say for a fact that all of my laserbtb.com pens outputs increase by a large % with more voltage and it wouldn't surprise me if your pens do the same. Can be very hard to get an accurate power measurement with most standard lpms at such low power.

Hey Pman,

No they didn't send any power graph, only a spectro reading. I'll go ahead & buy 2 16340 batteries

Edit: Is it normal for 520 to have quite some splash around the dot?

-Alex

 

[Lifetime17]

Re: Is my 520 too dim?

Hi as for the LPM Nospin has them with an Ophir thermopile and the read out box I think for about 300. Choice of blue or red led readout depends upon what wavelength your useing with glasses. It out to 5W and then some awesome unit am pleased with mine. 3 and 4 W greens no way dude. A 1 W Nichia diode goes for 290 or better . Well this LPM is great if you have the cash it's worth it if your going to be building or even buying . Without depending on some one else's reading for a sale end.
Hope this helps buddy have fun be safe )

 

[NightExplorer96]

Hi as for the LPM Nospin has them with an Ophir thermopile and the read out box I think for about 300. Choice of blue or red led readout depends upon what wavelength your useing with glasses. It out to 5W and then some awesome unit am pleased with mine. 3 and 4 W greens no way dude. A 1 W Nichia diode goes for 290 or better . Well this LPM is great if you have the cash it's worth it if your going to be building or even buying . Without depending on some one else's reading for a sale end.
Hope this helps buddy have fun be safe )

Hey Lifetime,

Thanks for the advice it's greatly appreciated! My main priority right now is wether the batteries are causing the apparent dimness or if it's just my eyes when I see 532. What's strange is when the dot seems to be at its dimmess I can still easily see the beams of both lasers

Anyone have any other battery that has a higher voltage and fits as the same length of 2 CR123?

-Alex

 

[icecruncher]

Re: Is my 520 too dim?

Hey Lifetime,

Thanks for the advice it's greatly appreciated! My main priority right now is wether the batteries are causing the apparent dimness or if it's just my eyes when I see 532. What's strange is when the dot seems to be at its dimmess I can still easily see the beams of both lasers

Anyone have any other battery that has a higher voltage and fits as the same length of 2 CR123?

-Alex

This may have some good info, at least for brands.

http://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/Common18650Summary UK.html

 

[NightExplorer96]

Re: Is my 520 too dim?

Alright,

CNI said the sound is coming from the PC board & that is totally normal. She also said that if it starts to dim after 1 min then that is normal as well hum o______O

-Alex

 

[crazyspaz]

Re: Is my 520 too dim?

It's 3 piddly milliwatts....It's not going to be bright by any stretch.

 

[NightExplorer96]

Re: Is my 520 too dim?

Alright, I guess the laser is performing fine. It's just can't be kept on for too long which caused the brightness to drop slightly! Thanks everyone for the help

-Alex

 

[Laser Chick]

Re: [Solved] Is my 520 too dim?

Being a <5mW laser it probably has just a plain metal end cap but make sure all connectors are clean and making a good connection.

 

[brucemir]

Re: [Solved] Is my 520 too dim?

I thought the way it works is :

1. you get the laser
2. you put the correct batteries in
3. you turn it on
4. it either works correctly or it doesn't

Based on all of the issues you describe, it does not work correctly. For what you paid for it, you should demand a new unit. It may take weeks to get a new one, and the hassle (and costs) of returning the DEFECTIVE one, but you need to get a unit that works the way it is supposed to and not settle for a broken shutter, noises, etc. And if you think it is too dim, it probably is, even though it is only a few mw's.

 

[NightExplorer96]

I thought the way it works is :

1. you get the laser
2. you put the correct batteries in
3. you turn it on
4. it either works correctly or it doesn't

Based on all of the issues you describe, it does not work correctly. For what you paid for it, you should demand a new unit. It may take weeks to get a new one, and the hassle (and costs) of returning the DEFECTIVE one, but you need to get a unit that works the way it is supposed to and not settle for a broken shutter, noises, etc. And if you think it is too dim, it probably is, even though it is only a few mw's.

I was debating that. The laser has a 6 month warranty so I should send it back to CNI & ask for a unit with a working shutter & one with no sound. I don't mind waiting weeks for a working unit so long as CNI pays for shipping there & back.

I shouldn't have to pay $50+ for shipping to them when they even said they tested the laser before shipping it out. I'll send them an email.

Edit: It shouldn't be too hard for CNI to make a flawless 520 PGL.

-Alex

 

[NightExplorer96]

Hey guys,

I took a video to better try & show what im seeing. Hopefully this helps(yes my iPhone sucks at taking videos). :beer:



-Alex

 

[Pi R Squared]

It looks normal to me but it's hard to tell from a video. I think since your using 3V disposable batteries instead of the 3.7V 16340s the battery voltage is dropping under load (as it should) to probably 5.6V or so and causing a small power loss, plus the 532nm warming up and increasing power will make it look like the 520nm is loosing power even if it isn't. I doubt anything is wrong.

Alan

 

[NightExplorer96]

It looks normal to me but it's hard to tell from a video. I think since your using 3V disposable batteries instead of the 3.7V 16340s the battery voltage is dropping under load (as it should) to probably 5.6V or so and causing a small power loss, plus the 532nm warming up and increasing power will make it look like the 520nm is loosing power even if it isn't. I doubt anything is wrong.

Alan

That's what im thinking also, it seems my mind has managed to completely tricked me! I'll go ahead and purchase some 3.7 16340 batteries & a charger which can't charge to more of 3.7V each cell just for safety sake's. So it seems CNI hasen't messed up at all

-Alex

 

[Pi R Squared]

That's what im thinking also, it seems my mind has managed to completely tricked me! I'll go ahead and purchase some 3.7 16340 batteries & a charger which can't charge to more of 3.7V each cell just for safety sake's. So it seems CNI hasen't messed up at all

-Alex

I have never seen such a charger, all Li-Ion should charge to 4.2V. If you get the charger I recommended you can watch the display and not fully charge them if you wanted but there's no reason to do so that I can think of.

Alan