Whats the deal with laser pointers now?

[Jutscher]

Hey all,

I was fortunate enough to get some help the other day from another IIS member, to perform an accurate polar alignment. What I found of particular benefit was to have one person holding bino's on crux with a laser pointer while the other lined up the polar scope (EQ6) on the laser.

I dont actually own a laser myself, but after that night, I decided that I have to get one as it makes it so much easier.

I have had a bit of a browse on the net and am coming up short on where to actually by one in Perth these days.

I am aware that the laws have changed, however I thought they (lasers) were still available for legitimate purposes.

So... does anybody know where to get a reasonable laser now in Perth (around 10mw) without having a non descript black van park up in the street out front? Can it still be done?

Cheers

[zipdrive]

I think we can get one from Sirius optics in QLD, but would like to know about the law side of things in Perth as well.

[Jutscher]

yeah, last time I checked, they were out of stock on all LP's. Might change after Xmas holidays, unless it is a legislation thing.

[danielrigano]

What about buying the laser pointer at Amazon.com?

[Jutscher]

Yep, that is definately an option, equally buying from singapore or the states. I just wanna make sure that customs wont confiscate it once it gets here.

[marki]

I did this a year or so ago out of curiosity as to how the new laws would work for the average person. Basically you need to start about 6 weeks before you intend to have the laser arrive. First you need to go to the customs website and download the application form to to import the laser and print it. This form has a list of other forms you will need to fill out. Go to the local cop shop and get the required form (cant remember off hand 64B????) fill that out and send it too the firearms people. They will get back to you when they can be bothered (they were not very up to date with the new laws at that stage). Once they have given you permission they will return the form stamped etc and you then need to send this along with the application to import to some commissioner dude in canberra. They will eventually get back to at their leisure and you then have to sort the customs people out (e.g. permission numbers etc). Once you have done this its time to press the buy button. If you attempt to import without doing all this crap I imagine you will never see the laser. PS don't try to get one over 5mw as they wont play.

Mark

[Jutscher]

Thanks Mark, good to know, seems like a heap of effort for such a simple little device. But that is A typical beurocracy.

[Davros]

Or just but one of ebay for $10 thats around 3mw and dont point it at planes and you shouldnt have a problem. If you are sensible and using it for astro purposes then you wont have a problem. We are not a total police state yet.

[mozzie]

star optics have them for sale!!!!!! there a great tool to use for astronomy but there always idiots that spoil things.lasers were on the news the other night one was pointed at a plane for several minutes while landing in newcastle.theres some real intelligent people around:mad2::mad2:.im in my dome when using mine and id have something to say to the police if they ever turned up at my place...

[Stu Ward]

I tried that and it was confiscated by Customs, only thing i received was a rather nasty letter saying do it again and you are in trouble sonny !!!

[TrevorW]

Try

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/green-laser-pointers-international-supplier.htm

he's in SA

Since 9/11 the rights of the average honest man have been eroded to curtail the activities of those who are not, police state maybe not yet

[Jutscher]

Further to Marks comment... Telescopes @ astronomy.com said that a permit etc is only nescessary for >1mW lasers


"If a membership to an Astronomical Society is undertaken, then purchase of a Green Laser Pointer over 1mW is allowed. It is best to confirm information with your local Astronomical society first.

High Powered Green Laser Pointers can be purchased for any worthwhile use, including Mining, Building, Display etc. Federal Laws require the owner to apply for a permit from their states FireArms Dept. The Permit is a B709B and can be downloaded as a PDF File from many State Police web sites."


Might just call them and ask.

[Stu Ward]

So have I got this right. Less than 1 mw will get through customs just fine ? How good though would a 1 mw be in reasonably dark skies ?

[Jutscher]

Less than 1mW would be useless I would think. SO you basically would have to get police clearance first.

[Blue Skies]

I would check this, from memory that only applies to NSW or Vic people.

I know a group that imported some green lasers for their own use (astronomical use) last year and they had to jump through all the hoops Marki described. We got them ok, but there was a lot of paperwork involved. That was for a direct import. I'm not sure what might happen if you're just buying interstate.

I should add that I haven't heard of anyone buying laser collimators having any problems, just laser pointers.

[Geoff45]

Here (http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/139894/FACT_SHEET_Prohibited_Weapons_LASER _POINTER_May_2010.pdf) is the official NSW police document, via a link from Astronomical Society of NSW
Geoff

[Geoff45]

Tell them to read the NSW law--see my post above.

[Davros]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-Stylish-5mW-5-mW-532nm-Green-Beam-Laser-Pointer-Pen-/150540618526?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Access ories&hash=item230ceb8b1e

This is what i got through fleabay. Maybe Qld customs are more level headed than down south. I didnt have any problems. Oh and it does the job.

[Stu Ward]

I'm not currently a paid member of an Astronomical society, but if i read that right, if i were i would not need a permit ?

[Jutscher]

Here is the link to the Fed's Customs PDF on LP's
http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/LaserPointers.pdf
Pretty much backs up Marks comment, however it only applies to imports.
So dunno how you would go getting one from Telescopes @ astronomy.com, they are australian, so it may not be a problem.

Again, I think I might just call them and find out. Will post here when I know.

[Stu Ward]

Lol order me one and i'll send you the money !!!!

Stu

[Omaroo]

Our society issues this statement on our website, and it may help you: http://www.macastro.org.au/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=165&Itemid=115

[mithrandir]

That appears likely it will not work in practice due to the "left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing" rule. Quote from NSW Police B709B:
You could try asking Customs if they require a B709B if you could demonstrate you have exemption due to membership of one of the "NSW Police list of approved Astronomical Societies".

I wouldn't hold my breath, and I belong to an organisation on the list.

[Jutscher]

I called the guys at AGWA to ask about our groups policy. Turns out my club (AGWA) is not a registered club, nor any other in WA. Basically this means as mark was saying to legally use one in WA a B709B needs to be applied for before purchasing and operating a laser over 1mW.
Sounds like I have some paperwork to do...
Hope this helps others in WA

[marki]

Andrew if you email a pic of the item to customs they respond very quickly. I did exactly that when I imported a laser collimator and they quicky responded that it was not on the banned list and the item passed through customs with no problems.

Jutscher, the paper work is not really the hassle, its getting the people (those who whose job it is to regulate) up to speed on their own laws.
Again it works out in the end you just need to patient and well organised. I only did it as I wanted to see if it would be possible for an amature to actually get their hands on one from OS when the new laws came into play. I would imagine it would be easier just buying one from QLD.

Mark

[grantboxer]

Hi All,

I have made enquiries with the WA Police and they said that Laser Pointers are banned in WA.

Does anyone have any different information?

Cheers
Grant

[mithrandir]

Is there a newer statement than this (http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=130007) one? It seems to be current but does not explain what a "lawful excuse" is.

[Cosmic]

Hi Sam,

Well...hmm heres my experience getting green 50mw from Singapore. I do think paying (like I did before) 100 bucks at jaycar is a bit hexi just for the laser module, considering I payed 20 for mine. 5mw is a bit to weak for my liking.

Look 20 and the risk of losing it...do you go to the casino :) Be sensible and you cant go wrong, whats the harm.

Dan

[mswhin63]

I will be getting my licence some time this year, max for Perth is 5mW without the user getting a licence as well. Police knowledge of the law is limited, they consider any use of a laser to be unlawful, go figure.

I hope to provide a police information card allowing it authorised use but that will be a difficult one.

If caught your only alternative is to fight it out in the courts as the police do have limited resources when it comes to understanding every legal aspect.