Laser Pointers - Page 2

square_peg114GT · #21 19-09-2005, 04:22 AM

I think the 5 mW is fine as an observing tool, star pointer or finder. It's also cheaper and safer than the 15mW laser. The 15mW sure would be fun to play with though!

JohnH · #22 19-09-2005, 09:31 AM

Agreee with all the good comments, much easlier to use than the shocker of a finder on the ETX90. Bought mine via eBay, 10mW for 25 UK pounds (you might get one for less). See:

http://search.ebay.com.au/_W0QQsassZcleverlasersQQhtZ-1

RapidEye · #23 20-09-2005, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robin

Ok....so is 5mW good for all round use or should you for one with more green grunt?

5 mW is PLENTY enough for what we use it for.
Just make sure it truely is a 5mW unit: many of them are lower due to variances in the manufacturing process.

mch62 (Mark) · #24 20-09-2005, 06:46 AM

.Graeme (Saturn%25) gets in the good Leal light brands 5mw (only ones to get), and I tune them using a multi meter up to about the maximum available with out doing circuit modifications to about 15-18mw's.
Easy enough job , you just have to be real careful of the potentiometer or you have a buggered Laser.
After that some minor mods are required.
We have done a side by side test against a very expensive Wicked Laser so called 25mw unit and except for a slight difference in beam thickness ( more than likely manufacturing tolerance of the focusing lens) no one was able to tell the difference.
The 25mw unit was a Lead light and by rights should have had a modified circuit board and for over $300 you would want better .
So just don't assume that because it says it's 25mw that it is.
Although at 15mw you don't need any more than that.
At 15mw's there quite visible on a still clear full moon night.
You do have to be very care full even with the 5mw units as permanent blindness will result and a test done at several klm at ground level was able to fully illuminate my vehicle cabin with a green glow to the point of being able to read at night.
So defiantly make sure that the star is not moving with flashing lights.
Always ask before using them at star parties .
We use them all the time and find them very useful for pointing out objects .
You just have to be responsible which I think most Astronomers are by nature.

p.s. don't drop them as they have a crystal at the frount that is very fragile and non replaceable ecconomicaly.

JohnH · #25 20-09-2005, 10:02 AM

I mentioned the web supplier only because they are cheap - mine cost the equivalent of $60 odd not $300 and arrived in two days. From local suppliers they are >$100 for 5mW. I was not advocating more powerful models only pointing out a cost effective source, I am certainly a happy customer.

atalas · #26 20-09-2005, 07:12 PM

Robin the orion 5mw ones are good and worth the extra for the user friendly capability It has over the cheaper ones.

Louie

Roger Davis · #27 21-09-2005, 09:58 AM

Green lasers are great. But stand by for the new legislation about green lasers and what class they are going to allow the public to have and use. A type IIIA, which most are, you may find that they will have to be locked up as secure as firearms. I can't put my fingers on the URL for this, but I will post it later.
Brackets are easy to buy, I believe that once the laser is mounted on your scope, it no longer comes under the legislation.

Roger Davis · #28 27-09-2005, 08:05 AM

For those in Victoria you should be aware of the following. Here are the links for the Control of Weapons Act (1990) and the Control of Weapons Regulations (2000) . You'll find the reference to laser pointers in the Regulations, Schedule 2, Item No. 33.

Act
http://www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubLawToday.nsf/a12f6f60fbd56800ca256de500201e54/76dc7cbe3982194eca256e7700231800/$FILE/90-24a032.pdf

Regulations
http://www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubLawToday.nsf/b12e276826f7c27fca256de50022686b/d385e4efe92cfaa6ca256ec300027eee/$FILE/00-130sr003.pdf

OneOfOne (Trevor) · #29 12-10-2005, 12:34 PM

I found out only two weeks ago, if you live in Victoria, you actually should have a licence to possess a restricted weapon. If I actually had one, I would need to fill out a form and send a cheque to the government so I could use it for three years. Interesting that the form says, effectively, do you want a:

gun, knuckle duster, flick knife, shot gun or a laser pointer? You also need to get your ID witnessed (passport, drivers licence, gas bill etc.)

Once I get the licence, I must buy one. I believe they make alignment of my Goto much easier. Just have to be careful not to cut people in half like on Star Wars, maybe I should get a gun while I am at it?

Roger Davis · #30 12-10-2005, 12:54 PM

Well, I once built a helium-argon laser and had a bit of fun with it for a while. Then I built a simple laser that cost an arm and a leg to make (nowadays you can get one for as little as $3 for a 1mW red laser pointer [by the way even a 1Mw will suffice for a finder]).
The act also specifically mentions a "cat of nine tails" with each of the whips being knotted. This is supposed to be in the same category! Apparantly, if you read further, the lawful excuse for having a controlled weapon is:
(b) participation in any lawful sport, recreation or entertainment.
Therefore: It can be used in any lawful sport, recreation or entertainment as long as it is carried and used in a safe and secure manner constant with the lawful excuse for which it is possessed or is carried or is to be used. So if a sex shop sells a whip, known as a "Cat of Nine Tails" they would also be breaking the law, but then I presume since it would be used in a sport or recreational activity it would be exempt !!!!! :-) :-)