Lasers for shutting down streetlamps

I need a good laser for shutting down a powerlight. I moved here two years ago because there were no lights and now some lady decides she wants a mercury vapor light from the power company for the entrance to her driveway from the street. This is directly across from my viewing area and less than 100 feet. It would destroy my observing. So what are some good lasers and what is the best way to mount one into an efficient system.

I'd love to know this too, we have this 'sun on a pole' behind us, it's in the south of course, grrr. Our power company ignores all requests for even a sheild on it.
It's so annoying, we even have to have blinds and curtains in our bedroom window as it lights that up too.

Ron

John,
Do you have a deer rifle?

i'd perhaps suggest to the neighbour that perhaps small (12v) driveway lights may be an option... speaking for myself, i'd offer to ply my trade and help install them.

Failing that, i'd consider suing for light trespass.

This is a big problem. Local power companies love to give these lights away, mostly because they use them to trace the extent of power outages out in the boonies.
Right now, i'm shopping for a nice parcel of rural land with an eye to building am observatory someday. i've already rejected several otherwise promising sites due to the proximity of "barnyarders."

i've heard that certain green pointer lasers work well on photocells, but sometimes the neighbour takes exception to the dousing of their light.

Good luck!

Look hard at the light for the photocell controlling it. Point the cheapest laser you can find at that photocell. If it goes off, just figure a way to mount the laser so it will turn the light off.

Alex

A friend of mine made a shade on a pole that he would place over the light while observing, then remove it after he was finished. It was a box type arrangement that blocked the light in 3 directions.
Floyd

Is this totally automatic? Does she have the ability to control the light?

If so, the "kind" solution might be to talk with her and tell her your problem and ask her if she might be willing to help you out. If she can turn off the light she may cooperate with you. If not, you may be able to get her to install a different kind of light that she could control.

Many times the "social" rather than the "technological" solution is more efficient. Now if I could only figure out how to get Santa Barbara High School to shield their freakin' football lights, I might be able to observe during the evenings...

Unless she went to a lot of expense I doubt if she could turn it on and off. That would require:

A. A change to the inside wiring and additional wiring from the lamp to the house; doubtful.
B. Radio controlled also doubtful.
C. Timer controlled; this would have to be changed with the seasons; doubtful.

From any I've seen they are light controlled. See if a red one will work first. The green ones show up like a flare at night obviously pointing to the culprit.

As for confrontation, what the hell. She was inconsiderate enough to put the damn thing up without asking permission from her neighbors; turn the damn thing off when you need too. If anything is ever mentioned just look stupid and shrug your shoulders.

Darrell

John,
I would try and find a laser with an alternate power source then batteries. They can get expensive and not last as long. I'm sure they make a laser with a 12V or 120V power cord. Try calling Z-Bolt. The owner John is very willing to help.

Good luck,
Jay

Why a laser, why not a flashlight on a pole the you could just place against the sensor?
Floyd

Hey John,
Just shimmy up the pole with some red filter and wrap a couple layers around the damn thing! 8)

Lights down - Stars up

Linton