Ultra cheap 5mW lasers

[gb_astro]

Hi all.

Just wondering if anyone has tried one of those ultra cheap 5mW lasers on ebay?
I am after something for very occasional hand held use, so as long as the beam is just visible I would be happy.

Thanks,
gb.

[Davros (Lauren)]

I have one used on the scope occasionally for pointing the dob. It does the job but goes through batteries fairly quickly. They dont particularly like cold weather either, but they do the job.

[dannat (Daniel)]

there was something on the news the other night about the thousands of laser pointers customs is seizing..you would be lucky for it to get through..need to organsie your license first depending on state

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

I have not tried any of them off of e-Bay but would strongly suggest that you understand the local restrictions on importation and use...

[gb_astro]

Ok guys, thanks for the warning, might stay local.

gb.

[leinad]

From memory ebay wont even allow you to place an ebay purchase if the seller is not in Oz.

[hulloleeds]

I have recently had a laser pointer seized by customs.

I didn't fully read up and assumed that by "permitted for astronomy use" it meant I could import. Wrong. Nasty letter ensued.

You can get permission to import one and if you're budget conscious it would be considerably cheaper (I didn't see any associated costs with getting permission bar postage).

I can understand, given the trouble that is associated with import of these items, but to mark up a $20 pointer to domestic price of $150 is a bit rich for the consumer, in my opinion. Still, I assume that at $150 the "idiot buys for non legitimate use" level is minimised.

Oh and one other thing. Even going below the maximum permitted power is not a sure thing. Customs will test the output of every laser and whilst I had been extremely mature in selecting a reasonably low powered laser, the test result just ended up being way higher than what I paid for anyway.

China sellers will send to AU. They don't care. They get their money, anyway.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Be aware that the manufacturing of GLP yields a high percentage of duds that dont pass standards of output level and stability and are discarded as rejects. Many of these end up on secondary markets like ebay.

I know because I bought one a couple of years ago. Its pretty much useless.

If you're not buying it from a store that will back its products you're taking a big risk.

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

I dont know how true, but I remember reading that the cheapies can come minus important filters which can make them more dangerous ie. the wavelength they output.

[bobson (Bob)]

AOE is selling laser pointers:

http://www.aoe.com.au/miscellaneous.html

They have up to 40mW for $149 dollars
5mW ones for $109 dollars

Now, how strong do we really need for just pointing at the stars?

Thanks

bob

[erick (Eric)]

5mW is sufficient for reasonably dark skies and 6-8 people standing close to you. Big city suburban skies or a larger group of people, I'd go 20mW. Remember to obey State/Territory laws.

[bobson (Bob)]

Thanks Eric!

cheers mate

[Poita (Peter)]

For personal use in the backyard, the 1mw green laser I have seems stupidly bright and more than enough. I can't imagine a 20mw one!?!

[Shark Bait (Stu)]

Originally Posted by Poita

For personal use in the backyard, the 1mw green laser I have seems stupidly bright and more than enough. I can't imagine a 20mw one!?!

I had a look at the link in your other post. It is that same place that Suzy got hers from. I also purchased a green laser pointer from them. For $10 it works and is a bargain.

If you don't mind the risk of damaging the module you can tweak the pot to increase the output, making the beam a little brighter. I did it to mine and it is a noticeable improvement. It will probably reduce the 5000 hr diode life by half, but it is a simple mod.

[Astro_Bot]

Originally Posted by Poita

For personal use in the backyard, the 1mw green laser I have seems stupidly bright and more than enough. I can't imagine a 20mw one!?!

Depends how light polluted your skies are. For suburban Brissie, replete with haze, streetlights and a neighbour's spotlights, 20mW is pretty handy.

[alistairsam]

I bought two of the 1mw ones from ebay from oz sellers and they work very well in suburban skies. $9 each posted.
I use it on my scope to aid pointing and can easily see the beam. 1mw is not too bright but does the job very well, so didn't see the need for a higher powered one with all the risks involved.

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by Poita

For personal use in the backyard, the 1mw green laser I have seems stupidly bright and more than enough. I can't imagine a 20mw one!?!

How far are you from a large town Peter?

Originally Posted by Astro_Bot

Depends how light polluted your skies are. For suburban Brissie, replete with haze, streetlights and a neighbour's spotlights, 20mW is pretty handy.

In my part of Sydney 5mw is barely visible. 10mw works pointing out things for small groups. 30mw is probably a bit much but is certainly easy to see.

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

I have had a 5mw now for about 5 years , and it has not missed a beat ( touch wood ) , and the only problem is , as already said here is that they dont like getting cold .
In NZ that was a problem but I kept it in my top pocket and all was good .
Here up north that ain't a problem and the beam is plenty bright enough for people to see .
As said be careful on local laws , and as always dont be stupid with it . .
We will all be OK with this ,if that was the case . .
But yea 5 mw is plenty and buy local .
Brian.

[Poita (Peter)]

Originally Posted by mithrandir

How far are you from a large town Peter?



In my part of Sydney 5mw is barely visible. 10mw works pointing out things for small groups. 30mw is probably a bit much but is certainly easy to see.

My backyard is surrounded by lights, I have a streetlight out the front, and the town pool across the road that is lit up like a football field unfortunately.