Older rotary laser not bright anymore

[signcrafter]

I bought a really nice topcon self leveling laser about 20 years ago. I don't remember the exact price but think it was close to 2000 dollars back then. I have used it a bunch since then doing drop ceilings and other stuff. It's red laser, don't think green was even a thing back then that I remember. But it used to be pretty bright and laser cards could pick it up no problem at long distances, even in sunlight. I went to use it in a bigger room last year and at about 50 feet in the dark it was barely putting any light out and even with laser card it couldn't be picked up. I tried new batteries and it was still very dim. It really doesn't owe me anything but I don't use it often anymore and the money for a good one could be spent on other tools if there is anything to see if I can get this one working again. Anyone ever run into a laser that went dim and have any suggestions on trying to get this one working again? Hate to take the money for a new one when I don't use it very often but still need one for occasional use.

 

[Beerhippie]

Clean everything--battery contacts, optics, etc.

If that doesn't do it, send it back for service? Sounds like it's worth it.

 

[tiredoldironworker]

a twenty year old laser can be beaten by hundreds of new lasers that are less than 50 bux. Even green ones.

 

[signcrafter]

a twenty year old laser can be beaten by hundreds of new lasers that are less than 50 bux. Even green ones.

Show me one 50 dollar self levelling rotary laser that can read 1000 ft with receiver. If my 20 year old laser was working correctly there is no 50 dollar laser that compares. Mine has tilt adjust on the x and y to do sloped ceilings and shooting sloped grades. Had a remote until I ran it over with a scissor lift years ago. I'm sure a 50 dollar cheapo can beat my laser as it is now but if my beam can be brought back to life there is no way a 50 dollar laser is going to beat this one, weather it's red or green.

Like I said it doesn't owe me anything and I don't have a problem buying a new one if this one can't be fixed. But have other tools I would rather spend the money on since this laser sits on the shelf 90% of it's life until it's needed for something that comes up. My 3 plane laser and receiver does most of what I need now. Just seeing if anyone has ran into this and if there is someone that knows the workings of lasers better then me that might have something I can do or replace to get this one working again.

 

[mike93lx]

I agree on cleaning and fresh batteries, then a call to Topcon

 

[RTM]

Dirty lenses by chance?

 

[KnurledNut]

@signcrafter
Sounds like laser diode degradation.
I wouldn’t waste time cleaning it. These have ingress protection and are designed for dirty environments.
This is a high end unit. If you plan to continue using it, its worth getting repaired IMO. I recommend sending for a repair quote.