Anyone have any experience with green lazer pointers? I have some cash that is burning a hole in my pocket.
Green lazer pointers
Started by jdurica, 07/09/2004 07:50PM
Posted 07/09/2004 07:50PM
Opening Post
Posted 07/09/2004 11:10PM
| Edited 07/09/2004 11:37PM
#1
I purchased a ZBolt (Beam Of Light Technologies) as did another club member and we compared my 20mw against his 10mw and could see very little difference in beam strength. It was the first time I used my laser at a public viewing session in the year I have had it. So much easier than using a white light beam aimed skyward or just pointing. The folks at ZBolt were very nice to deal with too.
Stu
Stu
Posted 07/10/2004 01:28AM
#2
Jon,
If the only reason you want one is because you have some money burning a hole in your pocket, then make an investment. Put it into a CD or whatever. Buying does not make a person happy.
Now, specifically about laser pointers. They are very good at public teaching sessions (pointing out constellations and such). I can see no other reason for having them. We go to a lot of trouble to find dark sites to take astrophotos and do our observing. Why would we want to bring a bright light (even a well focused laser) into that environment?
They work better if there is something in the air (moisture, a little dust, whatever) to illuminate the beam.
Alex
If the only reason you want one is because you have some money burning a hole in your pocket, then make an investment. Put it into a CD or whatever. Buying does not make a person happy.
Now, specifically about laser pointers. They are very good at public teaching sessions (pointing out constellations and such). I can see no other reason for having them. We go to a lot of trouble to find dark sites to take astrophotos and do our observing. Why would we want to bring a bright light (even a well focused laser) into that environment?
They work better if there is something in the air (moisture, a little dust, whatever) to illuminate the beam.
Alex
Posted 07/10/2004 10:20PM
#3
Personally I prefer a Chemical Dye Laser, however its hard to get a commitment from the Air Force Airborne Laser (ABL) Platform to come to my star parties....
Scott
URL http://www.SPACEAHOLIC.com/
Preserving Space History for the Future
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