Green Laser Pointers

[Kenny]

After seeing one used on Stargazing Live this year, I bought a green laser point (1mW) from an Amazon.co.uk seller so I could use it to point out stars, constellations, etc for the Scouts - the one I bought uses 2 x AAA batteries. However, it doesn't appear to be visible as a pointer in the night sky, only as a green dot on hard surfaces. It did work initially but I have a feeling it burns out the battery incredibly fast such that while there is green light being emitted, it's not powerful enough to be visible in the night sky.

Can anyone recommend a good laser  pointer they've used for a similar purpose?

[Rick]

Search the forum for "green laser pointer" and I think you'll find at least a few messages about them. At least some of the messages are about which ones are good and which not so good...

[Kenny]

I did. Nothing coming up in the search results. Hence my post...

[Kenny]

Found something now using "pointers". Search.

[Rick]

Ones that seem vaguely relevant are:

http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=2251.0
http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=1963.0

...and a side-order in all sorts of news stories about idiots pointing the things in stupid directions...

[Kenny]

Yes, I noticed some articles saying the police would be using GPS, helicopters and police dogs to catch offenders. My concern is how do they identify someone pointing at constellations (and nowhere near aircraft) from someone abusing then laser. I note that apparently it's now illegal to sell >1mW laser points fro domestic / public use. Unfortunately, I think you need 5mW or higher to get a good enough beam. Would be interesting to know what the BBC were using on Stargazing Live and whether that complied with the law....

[Tony G]

My concern is how do they identify someone pointing at constellations (and nowhere near aircraft) from someone abusing then laser.

Hi Kenny,

If the Police used their common sense, they would only 'hunt' you down, if you were to point it at an aircraft, and being sensible adults as we are at OAS (well, some at least) and the Scouts, if an aircraft was in the vicinity, you would turn it off until it had past, and then there would be no reason for anyone to contact the Police in the first instance.
Anyway, here is a link to a site which caters for everyone's needs in lasers, even the hardest of DSC'ers.

http://www.blueskymarketing.co.uk/

Good luck.

Tony G

[Kenny]

Thanks. Tried that link. Mine 'looks' identical to the one they have here: http://www.laserpointers.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=501

I inserted new batteries tonight and can see a beam... not sure it will last very long though given I hardly used it on the last set of batteries.

[JohnP]

and being sensible adults as we are at OAS (well, some at least)

...

ummmmm... 'Lamping' & pictures of 'Private Parts' on trees spring to mind..... The good 'ole days eh Tone...!

[Tony G]

 

[Mac]

Dont forget the eye 

[JohnP]

of course how could I forget the eye... nothing like '50mW at 50mm' for warming up the back of the retina....!

[Tony G]

Sensible Adult..........

Tony G

[Kenny]

Coming back on topic  . I'm trying out different types of battery. Lithium seems to last a bit longer than Alkaline. But not alot longer.