Hi, and thanks for welcoming me, LPF!

Hi, everyone! I've read all the stickies, and it appears as though this is a very nice community in which I can expand my now minute knowledge of lasers. All I ever had was a tiny red laser pointer that was definitely under 1mw up until a few weeks ago when I purchased a 10 dollar green laser on eBay which was much brighter than I expected for a laser labeled as 5mw. My older brother believes it is actually closer to 100mw. So I really know almost nothing about laser pointers, other than they're rather incredible instruments and I would like to hear from all of you about them!

Thanks for all your hospitality!

Sincerely,
Leetstorm.

Let me quickly be the first person to welcome you to the forum! If I can get this post in before the next. Yes, those 5mw laser on ebay for ten bucks, the ones often touted to go 8000 meters or 5 miles can put out up to 100mw, on average between 50-70mw with about 20 or more percent of that really infrared you can't see.

Welcome to LPF!

-Alex

run away dood-
its a TRAP!!!

BUT if its too late for you already.... WELCOME

Since you admit being 'New' I will assume you have Qs.

SO.. that said .. adding your location into your profile helps us to help you.

BUT by ALL MEANS (even google) do your BEST to find your own answers and saving us as your LAST resort-

We all have other lives and answering the same Qs is a waste of our time.

A great idea is to start at the top section on home page- click it and read/skim ALL the stickied threads and there are MANY- and do that to all sections (some call these sub-forums or just forums)--

I have some Positive FEEDBACK to give you after you add your location.
And you should be getting posts in this thread from others near your location-great for hands-on help or getting your lasers metered for free-etc
Just be careful- especially if contacted by another new member-- when in doubt contact a MOD before risking your 'safety'--
There may be a social group for your area or for other interests-

Reading the stickies will answer a lot of questions before you can ask them.

good luck

hak

Welcome here. When location is added, plus from me.

It's a trap, lol, like moths to the flame, attracted to lasers.

Thanks, guys! Location added!

Welcome to LPF and everyone is right. This is the home of photonic addictions ! The first step is to admit you have a problem, second step is to become a member! LOL