Just created my first expensive paperweight!

Gabriel · Jan 4, 2005

I ran a 330 ohm resistor from the potentiometer to the case, without actually soldering it on. This was a 5mw unit from wickedlasers. It worked fine, but when I tried to mount it, I lost the output. I removed the mod and tried again, and still no response! I got a few flickers of light, and one large burst, but then nothing more. Oh well.

Looks like I just made my first expensive paperweight! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

LeaKeD · Jan 4, 2005

i did too long before you.. you just need to accept yer loss

Raccoon · Jan 4, 2005

330 ohm is way too low. You might as well used a paperclip.

Gabriel · Jan 4, 2005

I was informed that 200-500 ohm was the best resistance. As it happens, I do take A-Level electronics: Systems and control, and i measured the resistance without skipping the POT of the whole system, and then with skipping the system, without turning the laser on before I tested it. The operating current didn't actually increase that much, and the difference in resistance was about 540 ohms, so proportionally not that great a chunk in terms of potential difference.

~Christian

LaserMod · Jan 4, 2005

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/huh.gif Don't worry, my score is 5 now. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Gabriel · Jan 4, 2005

Any tips to stop me doing it again, anyone?

Raccoon · Jan 4, 2005

Buy one from Arnold. He'll ask you not to modify it, and you'll be happy to oblige.

Tip in today's industry: "You get what you paid for." That is, instead of paying $59, try paying $99 or more. If you've destroyed 5 pointers at $59, think what that money could have bought you in unmodified power.

Gabriel · Jan 4, 2005

Half the fun is doing it yourself! But I agree, if you buy cheap only, you will get cheap only. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif!

Nothing to stop you modifying though. Unless you really want 3000 hours of continuous use out of a laser that you really have no use that consumes that amount of time for...

Just created my first expensive paperweight!

Gabriel

Newly Enlightened

LeaKeD

Newly Enlightened

Raccoon

Enlightened

Gabriel

Newly Enlightened

LaserMod

Enlightened

Gabriel

Newly Enlightened

Raccoon

Enlightened

Gabriel

Newly Enlightened

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