Problems with my new NV-100

[Luminator]

Two days ago I got my Envee-100 laser from Lucent Optics. I must say that my expectations are not met. I didn't measure output (lacking the necessary equipment) but neither does it pop any balloons nor burn matches or dark materials. It seems to be weak compared to the descriptions of some owners and the videos on Lucent Optics website (although I'm very impressed by the brightness as a high-power laser newbie).

When I measured the amperage at stable operation I found it to be 0.55 A (for the Envees Lucent Optics website says 0.6-0.65 A).

So I'm asking myself what could be wrong with it? Are my expectations too high?

 

[Hemlock Mike]

The baloons have to be red or black to absorb the wavelength.
Are your cells new or used ??
Most matches have to be colored black with a sharpie - Wood matches seem to work best.

Try this stuff - It might make a difference.

Mike

 

[Apex007]

Yea, it's all about what absorbs or reflects 532nm light. A red or black balloon should go bang. Any other color will probably just sit there and stare at you. Same goes for matches, red or black.

Try different distances too. Closer is not always better.

 

[ajohnson]

What batteries are you using?

 

[Luminator]

Batteries are new, and I even used a DC power supply - no difference.

I tried four different sorts of matches, red and black, any distance from the laser between 1 cm and 1 m - no success. Not even smoke is coming from the matches.

With exposure times of 20 sec and more I can melt small holes into very thin plastic but not tape or something similar.

 

[532nm]

Also I suspect the balloons on those videos are filled up VERY FULL to the point of nearly bursting.

 

[spyderknut]

I have done both of these tricks with my EnVee 100 I got last week. It is hard to keep the beam focused on the matchhead. What kind of batteries are you using? I am feeding mine lithium cells.

 

[Luminator]

I have done both of these tricks with my EnVee 100 I got last week. It is hard to keep the beam focused on the matchhead. What kind of batteries are you using? I am feeding mine lithium cells.

I tried it with new alkalines as well as a power supply (3.0 up to 4.0 V using an AA battery dummy). The laser constantly drew 0.55 A, regardless of input voltage (I assume it's constant current regulated).

 

[zigziggityzoo]

I tried it with new alkalines as well as a power supply (3.0 up to 4.0 V using an AA battery dummy). The laser constantly drew 0.55 A, regardless of input voltage (I assume it's constant current regulated).

Shouldn't the amperage have gone down when you went from 3 to 4v? Maybe I'm calculating wrong, but

.55A @ 3v=1.65 watts
.55A @ 4v=2.20 watts

Unless I'm misunderstanding the current regulation or something. I'm no expert here...

 

[ted_park]

I think a lot depends on the balloons or the matches. I have some matches that are resistant to ignition by laser. You have to have something to hold the laser in position since the beam has to stay on the same spot for a while for the match to ignite. As far as balloons go, some of them are really resistant to popping by laser - the RPL-300 I have can burn through things, but I have a batch of these little water bomb balloons that can't be popped with the laser, and its got the right measured output. Sometimes you have to put a mark on it with a marker to absorb enough energy.

As far as the envees go, make sure to use the lithium batteries, and make sure the contact where the positive of the battery touches is clean. Take a pencil eraser and give the point on the endcap where the positive terminal of the battery touches a gentle rub. This will give you the best performance. Another thing to watch out for is batteries - some of the batteries you buy can be old and you won't get the best performance out of your laser.

 

[dr_lava]

even my 40mW green could pop a full red baloon at some disatance. If you set your laser on a flat table and point it at the back of your hand very still, you should feel a strong stinging rather quckly. Also, it should penetrate black electrical tape within a few seconds (again held still).

 

[Luminator]

Yesterday I successfully popped an orange balloon which was fully inflated up to the limit. But if you can do it with a 40mW laser it's no surprise.

I'll send this laser to a measurement service (10 EUR) and if it has less than 100mW I'll have to ask for a replacement.

 

[cmacclel]

All you need is a green LED and a Multimeter to measure the output of a green lazer.


Mac

 

[Luminator]

All you need is a green LED and a Multimeter to measure the output of a green lazer.
Mac

This is interesting ... Could you please give me an advice how to proceed or provide a link to a description?

I wonder how one to calibrate a setup like this and how to get absolute power values..

 

[cmacclel]

This is interesting ... Could you please give me an advice how to proceed or provide a link to a description?

I wonder how one to calibrate a setup like this and how to get absolute power values..

http://www.angelfire.com/co3/coinsnxs/

 

[dr_lava]

This method is inaccurate. It is also in the stickys at the top of the lasers forum!

Here is the original website
http://www.phalkin.com/sbk/PowerMeter.htm

Here is the rebuttal:
http://argonholo.webhop.net/electronics/greenLEDs.html


PLEASE if you talk about this or post it in a website, don't say it is accurate, because it's NOT unless you calibrate your diode!!!!!

 

[Luminator]

Thanks for the links.

I too think that if I should have a calibrated measurement before asking the seller.

 

[liveforphysics]

cmacclel- Laser is an acronym for:
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation


Until "zebras" become parts of the function of lasers, I think it will be best to stick with laSer over laZer.

 

[FNinjaP90]

Luminator,

Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier. I haven't been on CPF in a few days. If it doesn't light a match, it doesn't do 100mw. PM sent for exchange info.

 

[lgehrig4]

Luminator,

Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier. I haven't been on CPF in a few days. If it doesn't light a match, it doesn't do 100mw. PM sent for exchange info.

I'm not sure if it was you who emailed me, but after I received my 100mW Emvee (1/6/07) I emailed about the same thing (not being able to burn a match) and was told that they had to be the strike anywhere matches?

I haven't been able to even make a match smoke. I've tried red matches and red colored with a black Sharpie. Both were stick matches. I've also tried distances of 1in to a foot.

Thanks
Jeff