where to purchase a green laser pointer in AUS

[Peter Starr]

Where does one by a green laser pointer these days in Australia powerful enough to point out stars to a group of people. I used to purchase from telescopes-astronomy.com.au but they don't exist anymore it seems.

[kvmx]

Try eBay or Amazon. Both sites have plenty of items that ship from Australia. :thumbsup:

[gaseous]

Yep, Amazon has plenty.

[Leo.G]

I did reply in this thread where the OP hasn't returned or said anything but it's relevant information.
Many items showing shipping from Australia on both eBay and Amazon are actually drop shipped from China and if border force intercept the package you will get a very nasty letter and no goods and no refund. I guess through eBay or Paypal you may get your money back.


In NSW if you are a member of any astronomy club you can legally purchase and own them but I'm not exactly sure where you get the paperwork required, I did have it, long misplaced.


https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=214004

[Peter Starr]

I do have a license to use a laser pointer at my observatory. I point out the stars each night to the public that come along which I have been doing for 20 years. I purchased them from Telescopes and Astronomy but have heard he has sadly passed away. So looking to see if anyone else in Australia does a similar thing.

[Leo.G]

Sorry Peter but how do you get a license?
I have instructed the local constabulary of my rights to use one with my astronomy as a registered member of an astronomy society in NSW, they have asked if I could provide the paperwork to prove such a law exists. I merely pointed out it was their job to know the laws and while I'm not breaking any I'm not chasing it up for them either (politely of course).
I have in the past phoned to let them know I'd be using it that evening, now I don't bother.
I know that seems silly but I'm within a stone throw of a 24 hours McDonald's and I've explained to the police when I've phoned to say I'd be using it if they get a call from some traveller reporting the illegal use of a green laser at 1:00AM to ignore it because it won't end well for them if they come around harassing me over the matter.
There used to be a lot of the local cops knew I played with the telescopes at night, they've probably transferred, retired or I just forget who they were.

[gaseous]

In Queensland it's similar, in that you need to be a member of a registered Astronomical club to use a laser greater than 1milliwatt, however there is no application or license required by the individual user, as far as I'm aware. The Qld Police website has a list of the registered/approved astronomical organizations under their "Shooting Clubs, ranges and galleries" section, so I dare say presenting a current membership card would be sufficient if questioned. That's bloody cheeky of the NSW Police to ask you to provide evidence of their own laws!

[BlackNebula]

Hi Peter,

I have a green laser pointer I purchased in South Africa before we immigrated to Australia (14 years already!). And obviously brought it with all my other gear.

It is a higher quality one, I think (I sort of remember paying the equivalent of $70/80 AUD.

It has a power output of <50mW & wavelength of TH 532mm. And uses AAA batteries. Comes in a aluminium case.

Now, since being in Aus I have used once but am firstly more concerned to use due to not being sure if this is allowed or not and then I have no real use for it anymore.

Let me know if you might be interested.

[OzEclipse]

Hi,

NSW police have a webpage that details the use of lasers and another that lists the astronomy clubs whose members are approved to use higher power lasers.

https://ablis.business.gov.au/service/nsw/prohibited-weapons-laser-pointer-permit/38066#:~:text=Please%20be%20aware%2 0that%20you,%2C%20teacher%2C%20lect urer%20or%20builder.


https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/139895/List_of_Astronomical_Societies.pdf

The Council of the AAQ has just last month renewed their registration with Queensland police. NSW registration seems to be permanent.


In NSW, if you print out or keep a copy of the above docs on your phone plus your membership card for your club, the police wouldn’t have any ground to complain.

I have used a powerful laser > 1mW in the rapid polar alignment device I designed and built many years ago. My device is not designed to be handheld. Nonetheless I am compliant if it’s treated as a handheld device. Used responsibly, you won’t attract any attention from the police.

You need to check the law and be compliant in your own state or any state in which you use it.

Cheers
Joe

[Leo.G]

Our clubs have membership cards?

[Peter Starr]

Hi Mark (black nebula), I would be interested in your laser.

[Peter Starr]

Hi, I filled out a form years ago with the firearms registry, Application for a Prohibited Weapon.

[BlackNebula]

Hi Peter, was about to say I’ll PM you with photos but it’s not possible to attach photos in a PM if I remember correctly. Might just post them in this chat and we can take it from there. Cheers Mark

[BlackNebula]

Hi Peter,

Pics uploaded

Cheers
Mark

[RB]

I’ll allow these photos but please continue this via pm’s

RB

[Fofommp]

Have to be registered to astronomy club and illegal sell them now if I am no mistaken . Otherwise every jack and Jill will be pointing them towards planes and such