Green Laser Pointers

[sletts02]

I've read that Australia has a ban on importing lasers over 1mW.

What is the minimum mW needed to be effective for astronomy purposes, in particular mounting to a scope to easily align.

JayCar have a 10mW laser for $99 - would this be suitable?
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=ST3117&keywords=laser&form=KEYWORD

[mswhin63]

I have one of those and the maximum for most Astro organisations is 5mW most states have there own laws. 5mW for WA.

Importation though greater than 1mW will require registration.

[sletts02]

This particular jaycar model? What do you think of it?

The other option that I have found is this 20mW from Sirius Optics which seems applicable
http://www.sirius-optics.com.au/laser%20pointer.htm

[Osirisra]

You can legally import any size laser module or diode.

You cannot import a 'laser pointer' with out getting a clearance.

A laser pointer is a prohibted fire arm class object and is regarderd to be a unit that is over 1mw in power and a complete operating item.

Laser diodes and modules are not prohibted, they are cheap and easy to make to what ever you need them for. Most just need a switch and power supply.

I have made hand pointers and alignment guides for my scopes. Hand laser powered with rechargable batteries and scope mounted ones with a converter to my normal 12v scope etc supply.

Anything around 10,20,30mw are perfect to uising tops show people objects to us use as a guider for the scope.

I wouldn't bother spending $99 when you get a 10mw diode for around $20

[Satchmo]

I use one of these on my scope and also ( as it comes with 2 brackets) also use the laser on my bino mount for 25X100 binos. It works really well and the easy align feature is much faster than a standard finder bracket. They do tend to lose brightness in winter so I sometimes have to keep it warm in my pocket when not using it but the quick release bracket makes it quick to put back on . I think they are better insulated than the pointer pens and therefore better for telescope mounting.

[mswhin63]

It seems to OK, it has a control to change power level but haven't gone that far testing. Like most things bought ages ago but never got around to construct a housing for it.

[OneOfOne]

I actually received my renewal for my license the other day (Victoria) and I don't know if I can qualify any more. It says basically they can be used for education and astrology.

[jjjnettie]

:rofl: What a crack up!! Your tax dollars at work.

[sletts02]

I mounted my red dot finder after purchasing batteries for it last night... it's amazing (at least compared to me trying to use the finder scope). I think I may hold off on the laser pointer until Christmas now. Thanks for the recommendations, muchly appreciated

[mswhin63]

:rofl::rofl:

[stopusinmyid]

Our lad purchased a laser off eBay the other week. Eagerly checking mail daily only to receive a letter from customs saying it was being seized :lol:. Sadly disappointed and angry he was, not knowing it was illegal to bring them in.

[icytailmark]

i know that you have to be a member of an astronomical society in NSW to use a laser pointer