70mW Green Laser problem

[gixer]

Hey guys, I'm sort of new to these forums, I used to read them a while back when I first had a 5mW laser but never posted. Anyway, about a year ago I bought a <70mW WickedLaser. It worked really great all up until a few weeks ago. It seems as if 95% of the power has just vanished! The dot is rather small and looks weak, you cannot see the beam and it doesnt go far at all. One thing that I've noticed is when I turn it on the dot goes even dimmer after about 1 second. I have never dropped it or damaged it in any way.

Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong with it ? Even with new energizer lithium batteries its still no good.

I'd really like to somehow fix it because Wicked Lasers won't exchange it and I don't want to spend a ludicrous amount of money on a new one.

Thanks for any help :\

 

[wells05]

Did you ever have the laser on for an extended period of time - or did the laser get really hot to the touch? Also, does the beam start out bright, then quicky drop power? Do you store your batteries in the laser when not in use? Is it modified at all?

A couple quick things to try - Use a paperclip, straighten out and bend a small hook on one end. Carefully hook the spring theat the batteries touch and stretch out GENTLY. Or, just put some foil between the batteries and the end cap. If nothing, you might want to try adjusting the pot. The rubber buttons are not the easiest to get out without ripping, but it can be done (not by me, I tore mine up and had to make a new one). If you look in the button hole toward the front/lens end of the laser, you should see the pot a bit forward and right of the button. Adjust with pins or a modifed screwdriver (I bent a small flathead for this), or whatever else you can come up with to adjust the pot. I would try turning counter clockwise just a bit, as this will reduce the current. See if it helps. Make sure to be careful doing all this. Don't use much force.

I picked up a 105mW wicked in a trade that had a mode problem. I adjusted the pot to see if it would help and it did. As I was finding a good stable setting, I went a bit too powerful, and the beam would be really bright for an quick second, then drop WAY down. A slight adjustment back, and I'm at a relatively stable 95 mW (est). Hopefully your diode isn't dying, but that could be the case.

 

[gixer]

Thanks for the advice, no I never really held it on for a long time. The dot starts out bright (no where near as bright as it used to be) and then it does quickly drop power. I usually don't take the batteries out of the laser no and the laser is not modified.

I'll try what you said, hopefully it can be fixed ! :/ I'll let you know how i go.

 

[livetofall]

maybe the foil trick, but I wouldnt do anything to mod. How long have you had it? I would first mention it to them, and let them know you stayed withing the power off/on guidelines and want a replacement. If you go pulling stuff off you cant expect them to replace it. You can always let them know that there will be yet another bad word against them on the forums if they cant back up their product. Ripoff.com is another good site to mention. Good luck!

 

[wells05]

He stated he purchased over a year ago, well out of warranty. I would guess that wicked won't help, or if they did, would charge a decent amount (not including the $30 to ship to/from China). I'm guessing he doesn't have many other options.


As for the foil trick, try it with regular batteries as well as the lithiums.

 

[gixer]

Yeh the warranty period is only for 3 months :( I think its completely stuffed for some reason. I tried the spring and foil trick, no go. I removed the button but could not get the pot to turn. I've sort of lost hope now :/ WL did say they could offer me a discount on another laser, whether or not I buy another one depends on how much of a discount they're talking about.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[wells05]

You could try drilling/dremmel a hole over the pot to access it that way. Sometimes the pot has a bit of adheasive holding the pot that needs to be broken for the pot to move. It can be a tedious process and your case my not be pretty, but it is an option.

See what Wicked will do for you, but I'm guessing the discount won't be much. I think there is a guy over at wicked's boards that works on lasers for people at a decent price (not sure about the turnaround time). There might be someone here as well(?).

I wouldn't give up on your laser until you have exhaused all options. Worst case senario, you further break your broken laser.

Edit:
If you end up buying a new laser, there are some users here that can beat wicked's prices for the CNI lasers. Pseudonomen137 / Carter Haines is selling CNI lasers at good prices. I haven't purchased from him yet, but have been in contact with him and it seems like he's offering a good service.

Atlasnova (atlasnova.com) is also a great choice, but I don't think Arnold has anything over 50 mW. They are however VERY stable and nicely priced. He tests all his lasers for power and stability, so you know exactly what you are getting. I have a 38.7 mW from him and love it. Call him directly and make sure to mention the CPF special if you are interested.

 

[FNinjaP90]

Madz and I will be selling the PGLIIIA 60mw and 85mw within a month for a good price.

 

[livetofall]

He stated he purchased over a year ago, well out of warranty.

It doesnt matter now, but he actually did state about a year not over and nothing about contacting them. But yes i didnt look close,and have no idea of their warranty...i always felt they were way too expensive and commercial. I see your point and about/year isnt close too 90 days..dang. I dont think I would do a discount unless it was a good 25% or better.