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View Full Version here: : 1mW Green Laser Pointer Mod


Shark Bait
07-12-2012, 12:37 PM
This alteration will work for the following model which is from ebay:

www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Stylish-532nm-Green-Laser-Pointer-Light-Pen-Lazer-Beam-1mW-High-Power-/110927559203?pt=AU_LaserPointers&hash=item19d3cc3a23 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Stylish-532nm-Green-Laser-Pointer-Light-Pen-Lazer-Beam-1mW-High-Power-/110927559203?pt=AU_LaserPointers&hash=item19d3cc3a23)

If you would like to tweak the 1mW green laser pointer listed above for a brighter beam, this is how to do it:

with the battery case removed you will see the spring at the end of the module housing
carefully remove the black foam spacer and place to one side
push down on the momentary switch button untill it slips under the case and gently push it past the pc board and spring until it falls out (you may have to gently lever the pc board down to allow the button to slip past)
the switch fixed to the pc board should now be exposed
using a pair of needle nose pliers, secure the spring and pc board, now gently turn the assembly anti-clockwise
with the pc board and diode free, remove the assembly and locate the small pot with a small phillips head socket
turn this pot anti-clockwise using a small screw driver and put the whole assembly back together in reverse order
I turned my pot all the way anti-clockwise to maximise the output. If turning yours anti-clockwise ends up providing no power to the diode, you will have to turn it all the way clockwise. The 5000 hr laser diode life will be shortened but as they only cost $10, it does not really matter.

If all goes well you should have a brighter beam. If it all goes pear shaped, it won't cost much to replace the whole thing.

The last photo shows the portion of the module that holds the collimating lens. It has been glued to the laser host case. Luckily there is no need to remove it for this improvement.

NOTE: Various models of laser pointers may be assembled using slightly different methods and will need a different approach to remove the module. Anyone who decides to modify their laser pointers will run the risk of damage beyond repair.

alistairsam
07-12-2012, 12:46 PM
I've been wanting to take out the PCB and assemble it in an insulated case with an external switch. That way the cold won't affect it and it can stay on the scope permanently.
I might try this mod as well as I've got two of these and they're great from my backyard.

Shark Bait
07-12-2012, 12:56 PM
I like your thinking. I have ordered another of these GLP's. I might do the same with it and use the case for a 40mW module that I have ordered from overseas.

It will be interesting trying to get the cemented portion of the 1mW module out of the case. It won't really matter if I break it, but I would like to keep it intact to have a spare 1mW module on hand.

steve000
07-12-2012, 08:35 PM
I think I over did it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djZFHTa6TfA

bojan
09-12-2012, 06:10 AM
Just keep in mind laser needs cooling (if switched ON for the longer time periods) - that is why the case (usually connected to positive battery terminal) is the heatsink at the same time.

alistairsam
09-12-2012, 09:39 AM
Thanks Bojan, I didn't know that.
Will keep it in mind

doppler
09-12-2012, 11:39 PM
Be carefull laser pens are pressed together and are hard to dissasemble, empty pen "host" kits are onlly a few dollars mail order from china http://www.rayfoss.com (http://www.rayfoss.com/) or the Uk. http://odicforce.com The UK exchange rate is not as good but laser parts get here a lot quicker. There is alot of info about building lasers on the UK site odicforce.

redbeard
10-12-2012, 12:08 AM
Thanks for the explanation Steve,

I was wondering why I was floating around in space shortly after seeing a big green flash! LOL Perhaps next time, a little bit less anti-clockwise.

2stroke
14-12-2012, 06:35 PM
Great tut stu just did my wifes laser pen and its juiced it up nicely. Will give it ago tonight, there a really handy tool for astronomy its just a shame idiots have ruined the use of high powered pointers for the rest of us.

allan gould
14-12-2012, 07:52 PM
Thanks for the heads up as mine arrived this afternoon and I can't believe the quality of the laser for only $10.

Shark Bait
14-12-2012, 08:07 PM
Glad it worked as expected. They work well in their original form but improvements can always be made. Almost everyone I have met in astronomy ends up tinkering with their gear.



Suzy deserves the credit for making us aware of these GLP's. After ramping up the trim pot, I would guess that they are good for approx 5mW.

Quality long life lithium batteries make a world of difference as well.

iTrooper
05-07-2013, 05:53 PM
I got one today, but it seems a bit tricky popping out the laser from the casing so I can access the pot and give it a go.