Star Pointer

Looking for a star laser pointer to use with my wife and son. I really dont care the NM or color. Blue and Green look cool, but i'm open to red or anything else.

I'd actually prefer to go with the lower power side of things. In the event my kid gets ahold of it i'd prefer to not have to worry about it.

If it required a key a huge plus.

I'd like to spend $50ish. If it requires a key then i'd be down for any wattage and $100ish

Go for a ~50mW green.
Here is a decent one: New cute pocket Green laser 50mW /adjustable [OLCGL50] - $34.99 : Welcome to O-Like.com, Your source for laser products

enuro12 said:

Looking for a star laser pointer to use with my wife and son. I really dont care the NM or color. Blue and Green look cool, but i'm open to red or anything else.

I'd actually prefer to go with the lower power side of things. In the event my kid gets ahold of it i'd prefer to not have to worry about it.

If it required a key a huge plus.

I'd like to spend $50ish. If it requires a key then i'd be down for any wattage and $100ish

Click to expand...

What are you using it for star Pointing?

Even a 30 mw laser can damage your eyes, so you son should really understand the dangers behind them if he is using it by him self.

If your useing it for star pointing a low mW (20-70 mW) 532 nm would be best seen to point stars out.

Krogith is right. I overlooked the part where you said it could get in the hands of your son...

I can FULLY RECOMMEND you this one here
Firedragon-V 532nm 20mw Pure Green Laser Pointer Pen ( FDA Certified Power Guaranteed), Europe - DinoDirect.com

Have a high powered model of this one. The price is AWESOME for the quality you get.

It also has a safety key feature. So you need a key to activate the laser.

My review of this model ist going to come this week.

If you have a local astronomy club, get in contact with one of the members. They will most likely be more than happy to help you out in a selection (and foster a potential new member, clubs are like that, if they are worth a hoot). A true 5mW Green (best color for observability) pointer will give you a servicable beam, but it is hard to know if you will have a true 5mW if that is what the seller is rating it at, unless you know you have a reputable seller. I bought 130mW green modules to use as spotters on my reflectors, way too much for the purpose (but impressive). I ended up switching to 30mW modules. they run off of 3-4.5V (AA & AAA alkalines work just great). I would definitely stay with greens, less than or around 20-30mW advertised (probablly get you to around 5-7mW, but that will work just fine).
As far as your son getting a hold of it: As with any potentially hazardous tool, the best safety measure is to teach them how to properly use it, teach them the potential dangers, and do not make it a mystery by hiding it from them (you only make them more curious and that means that they may, in fact, end up getting to it when you are not around. Let them hold it and maybe even point with it some, just under supervision. Next best safety measure is proper handling and storage protocol. Do NOT leave it laying around where they can get to it without your being aware of it.

Hey, I bought from this guy a couple of times
5mw 2 in 1 Green Laser Pointer Visible Beam FastUSAShip | eBay
I bought 5 of his green lasers, sold them off at a flea market fro $30 each along with protective glasses for $5 more. The beam is easily visible at night and the low price makes it look bad but the only thing bad about it is the paint chips off easily. However, there is no safety key feature.

Thanks guys. I'm looking threw your suggestions.

My son is 16months old. So i'll do the same as with my guns, and keep them away. However accidents happen, so i'm simply looking forward.

Oh and i live in BFE The "local" astronomy club is 90miles away.

DJNY said:

I can FULLY RECOMMEND you this one here
Firedragon-V 532nm 20mw Pure Green Laser Pointer Pen ( FDA Certified Power Guaranteed), Europe - DinoDirect.com

Have a high powered model of this one. The price is AWESOME for the quality you get.

It also has a safety key feature. So you need a key to activate the laser.

My review of this model ist going to come this week.

Click to expand...

The picture shows a key, but the description says on/off button.

enuro12 said:

The picture shows a key, but the description says on/off button.

Click to expand...

I bought a couple of low power green pens from Amazon awhile back, they both work very well for star pointing, although they are a little temperamental at times, so I would recommend that you buy two. They are cheap enough.

I think the seller I bought mine from was "plexsupply" and they were under $15.00 each.

DJNY said:

I can FULLY RECOMMEND you this one here
Firedragon-V 532nm 20mw Pure Green Laser Pointer Pen ( FDA Certified Power Guaranteed), Europe - DinoDirect.com

Have a high powered model of this one. The price is AWESOME for the quality you get.

It also has a safety key feature. So you need a key to activate the laser.

My review of this model ist going to come this week.

Click to expand...

After messing around on their site, i've ordered this one. Hope it has a key.

enuro12 said:

After messing around on their site, i've ordered this one. Hope it has a key.

Click to expand...

Trust me, it has

Here is my review of the same FIREDRAGON model, just IR.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/review-400mw-dinodirect-808nm-laser-63163.html#post900621


I also have the red version of this on the way and the 60mW green one on hand (review during the next 24 hours)

awesome! That'll be perfect.