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Old 18-01-2011, 12:46 PM
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wasyoungonce (Brendan)
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wasyoungonce is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Mexico city (Melb), Australia
Posts: 2,359
100mW..a bit overkill. 5~10mW is plenty for most amateur..maybe 20mW at a pinch.

Problem with cheapy OS lasers is that they have no or poor IR filtering which can make them very damaging to peoples eyes.

You do not have a "blink reflex" when exposed to these wavelengths (all invisible wavelengths) thus a laser strike on the eye ..you will not automatically have a protective "blink" thus ...damage is insidious..it's too late.

Add to this most near IR wavelengths tends to focus on the retina so..damage can be catastrophic.

I don't think I'm overstating Laser dangers..it's just most laypersons do not understand the real hazards.
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