Laser Pointers

[larry brockman]

Can anyone offer some advice on the use of Laser Pointer as finders with your telescope? I have seen the Laser Dot type which looks effective and for that matter cheaper. I am one of the poor ones that can’t afford the “Go To” and actually have to look and find. Any advice would be appreciated.
Regards Larry

[Wavytone]

I have a Skywatcher green one, its quite effective as a finder, simple to use without straining your neck and others can see where you are aiming the scope. However there are downsides:

a) its totally unsuitable for use in urban areas (aircraft) or anywhere there are kids around - it is just too tempting and they will try to get their hands on it when you aren't watching and do something really stupid.

b) mine is also quite sensitive to temperature and laser action will not start if its cold - in winter I have to keep it warm inside my jacket.

c) when looking through the main scope you will see a big patch of green (the beam) so you end up turning it off and on frequently. It becomes a tad tiresome and I 'd sooner be able to leave it on continuously.

The red-dot reflective sights are just as effective as a find and don't suffer from any of the downsides.

[rogerco (Roger)]

I still have a green laser which I brought as a finder for my dob just before they became illegal for everybody except us. To follow the letter of the law you need to tell the police you have one and on the night the local cops otherwise you will have then coming round to check you out.

I found it wasn't really all that effective. They are great for pointing things out. But the red dot reflective finder systems are much better and work really well providing you set them up accurately each time you us them (best done during daylight).

[larry brockman]

Thanks for the feedback, I live near flight path at Tullamarine Airport so Laser Pointers are out of the question based on what you told me, will go with the laser dot finder.
Regards Larry

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

I have a 20mW laser pointer and IMHo it is the best zero power finder out there. The one I have has options for the switch, either permanently on or only on when the pad is pressed. Eay to aligned and once done put naked eye stars with FOV very quickly. Much easier than a Telrad or red dot finder (which I have tried and discarded)
Downsides are that I only use it because there is almost no air traffic near me, occasionally helicopters (ambulance or police) but they are easily heard and I just don't use it. If I am at Snake Valley there is more air trafficso have to be a little careful. Only other downsides are the cold, so I have it wrapped in a couple of dew heaters, and the fact some star parties (eg BSG, Vic South, ASV) don't allow so I have to use the Telrad which I do not like if I want to go to them

Malcolm

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Larry,
In Vic you need written approval (and pay a $170 fee) to use and hold a laser >1mW. Same basic requirements as a firearms licence.