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WTB Astronomy capable laser

Grover

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Feb 27, 2011
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I currently own 2x greens ~50mw each and 2x greens ~5mw each.

These do fine for star pointing and scope alignment in warm conditions.
The problem is that they dim then die in cold conditions.

I was wondering if I could get a green laser (or possibly other easily visible laser) that will work at below freezing temperature. Are there any lasers that work in these conditions?

Any lasers for sale that work in freezing conditions or info/advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Grover
 





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Jan 14, 2011
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If you are using it for star pointing, just leave it inside your coat, in a shirt pocket, when not in use to keep it at body temp.
If you are using it for scope pointing, you might try this: if your pen pointer will fit in a piece of thick walled 3/4 in PVC, a short piece of PVC witha cap on one end will fit most small finder scope brackets. set up the PVC in the finder scope bracket, slip the pen laser in the PVC and align the laser on a target (like you would setting up the original finder). If you are good and alittle lucky, when you put the pen laser in the PVC it will fit snuggly enough to pusg in the activation button for the laser. When you are out star gazing, leave the pen laser in your shirt pocket to keep the laser warm. Then take it out, put it into the PVC in the finder bracket, and point the scope. Even if you are sloppy with it, it will get you in the ball park and you can zero in with a wide angle eye peice. Don't for get to put the pen laser back in your pocket when done spotting.
 

Grover

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Feb 27, 2011
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If you are using it for star pointing, just leave it inside your coat, in a shirt pocket, when not in use to keep it at body temp.
If you are using it for scope pointing, you might try this: if your pen pointer will fit in a piece of thick walled 3/4 in PVC, a short piece of PVC witha cap on one end will fit most small finder scope brackets. set up the PVC in the finder scope bracket, slip the pen laser in the PVC and align the laser on a target (like you would setting up the original finder). If you are good and alittle lucky, when you put the pen laser in the PVC it will fit snuggly enough to pusg in the activation button for the laser. When you are out star gazing, leave the pen laser in your shirt pocket to keep the laser warm. Then take it out, put it into the PVC in the finder bracket, and point the scope. Even if you are sloppy with it, it will get you in the ball park and you can zero in with a wide angle eye peice. Don't for get to put the pen laser back in your pocket when done spotting.



ya I have been doing the old warm it with my body trick and was wondering if there were any lasers out there that would work well when the laser itself is cold. I use a telrad and am fin with that for finder scope purposes but like to use the greeny for star pointing at star parties or public observing nights, or just with friends/family. I can keep using the ones I have now by putting it up my sleeve but I would prefer to own a laser that I could just have in my coat pocket and worked well when cold.

Maybe I could try wrapping the laser in a hand warmer when it is my pocket but that seems like a waste of money in the long run if i can just get a laser that will work when cold.
 
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I'm still new at lasers, but from what I've read and from some limited experience, for some reason (seems to be more an issue with the greenies, so maybe something to do with the freq dbbl crystals) when the pens get cold, they get dimmer or stop altogether. Another GUESS is that it may have something to do with delivery capability of the batt.s When I pull out a green that is cold, and try to fire it up, but get a dim dot, I can get it back up to speed if I just keep it on (and let it watm up).

Good luck, but I don't think you're gonna find a laser that will fire at sub-zero.
 

Grover

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Thanks, I am not too confident that I will either, but I figured this would be the place to go if it was at all possible. People on this forum seem to be among the most knowledgeable when it comes to lasers and are usually helpful. Looks like I will be trying to body heat the ones I already have for the time being. Although there has not been a clear sky here in over a week... :cryyy:
 
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There is a guy, here on the forum, named 'Scopeguy'. I'm suprized that he hasn't chimed in on the issue. I think he is an Astro-Pro and if there IS a solution, I'd bet he's got it.
 

Grover

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There is a guy, here on the forum, named 'Scopeguy'. I'm suprized that he hasn't chimed in on the issue. I think he is an Astro-Pro and if there IS a solution, I'd bet he's got it.

Thanks, I'll give him a PM.
 
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Sep 16, 2007
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When working in very low temperatures, you will want to use a diode laser.
DPSS is just too sensitive.

A 200mW red should be bright enough.
Another option would be to use a 445nm at around 50mW.
 
Joined
Jan 13, 2010
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like you said in your first post.. your lasers are fine for pointing purposes. The problem is they are cheap. I can bet money on it you paid no more than 40$ for them... Now... As they are cheap they work.... The problem is because they are cheap they are inefficient. If you want a laser that will not dim... I suggest you look into getting something better... Higher powered cheap lasers will dim but not as much as a low powered cheap laser.... and a very expensive high quality laser will fluctuate in power as well due to green lasers being tempature sensitive. Try looking for a known high quality laser in the BST section or some better known company's if you want a new one... There plenty of info about good company's with high quality lasers... Just don't buy anything cheap and you shouldn't have much of a problem... unless you get lucky. Sorry my help isn't a little more organized and structured but I'm in a hurry.

Thanks,
Jeff

Good luck!
 
Joined
Jun 28, 2007
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Lithium batteries are a bit better in the cold, and RA is right, a red or a 445 blue laser is going to be much more stable in cold weather. I just don't observe in truly freezing weather though, so I may not have all the answers. jayrob is likely very knowledgeable on the topic... ;) -Glenn
 




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