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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

A great article on LC regarding the AU laser ban.






Switch

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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

Anyone care to post it here for the tons of LPF members banned from LC and too lazy to find a proxy that actually works? ::) ::)
 
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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

haha i've never seen a pic of nero's face before [/offtopic]

a very well written post, if my account wasn't banned i'd give him a thumbs up
 

Razako

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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

The article copied word for word.


original.jpg

Hello everyone.
I've been a member of these boards for a few years now and although I've been a little busy lately, I find it necessary to sit and write a letter to fellow Australian laserists.

Laser devices of all kinds have been in use in Australia since the year 1984. You can find them in supermarket scanners, on golf clubs and there's even a laser-pointer module available that snaps onto your iPod.
There have been no accidents associated with aircraft and low powered pointers. None. There are no recorded incidents resulting in disaster from higher powered lasers either. It's simply impossible for such devices to remain focused and concentrated over such distances. With pointers, they are so underpowered that I am prepared to state professionally that they serve no threat whatsoever to aviation on any level. I'm talking about lasers that are between 1 and 5 milliwatts. Anything ABOVE 5 milliwatts is not a 'pointer' and should NOT technically be referred to as such... because anything above 5mW is usually too bright to be practically used as one in the lecture environment.

I've worked in the Australian Film Industry for many years and each and every single day, I kept a fairly strong Wicked Laser brand laser on my person. I used this laser for legitimate work, much of it innovative and experimental. I've been extremely pleased with the products from Wicked and have used them for lectures (lower powered outputs of course) and for the examination of fossils and even emergency field surgery to stop bleeding under the skin. I've used them for wildlife interaction both below and above the water, for starpointing and astro-photography and even forgery identification. I used an Executive Elite laser pen to create the beautiful images used for the opening scenes of the movie Happy Feet (& won the Oscar for best Animated Feature for it last year). I've used the same laser for photographing wildlife in the rainforests and for detecting and signaling when in the outback. Some of my best filmwork and photography has been the result of this pocket sized laser which runs on two tiny AAA batteries. Why is it that anyone even owning one of these lasers is being demonized as a terrorist or worse? Well, you can blame the media for this beat up. Specifically the news channels and certain printed media. Some even had the gall to steal images from this website (including my own videos and pictures) and use them on the nightly news.
original.jpg

Oscar... sees the light.

For those in other parts of this planet, Australia has become the LAUGHING stock of the WORLD. We've begun to adopt archaic behavior based on fear (thanks to the Media) and misinformation (thanks again to the Media) which will hinder our creative and scientific progress in the world. By choosing to ban things that we don't understand rather than punish people for abusing the rights of others means we've headed down the path of religious zealots and the ignorance of the Dark Ages (no pun intended). America is now watching the Australian laser bans and intends to follow suit with a similar proposal. American documents were quoted and used when drafting this new Australian legislation. Those screaming for lasers to be banned know little or absolutely nothing about them and some people actually believe it's possible to down the Space Shuttle with a laser mounted to a strong telescope. The only lasers capable of bringing down an aircraft are the size of a truck and use chemical dyes which act as a laser catalyst.
original.jpg

This is what some people believe, thanks to the media

Laser 'devices' that are well and truly above 5mW are indeed much brighter than pointers. That's also why they're more useful. They can project a dot much further whilst a visible beam can be seen in low light. This is the sort of laser that concerns pilots and yet such lasers are really only a very remote concern because they can only cause a distraction to a very low flying aircraft when it's in the process of landing or taking off. That's it. There's no risk of bringing down aircraft and there's no risk of eye damage due to the beam divergence over the kilometers of distance involved. But the media and the newspapers are on a roll right now. They've spun lies and misinformation for many years at a time and even now, we have bogus media referral to YouTube videos claiming that harmless 5mW lasers can be cranked up to 200mW 'monsters'. That the diodes themselves cannot output this sort of power would get in the way of a good story so instead, the media has resorted to lies and deliberate misinformation. And with terms like "weapon stockpiles" and Terrorist Lasers" being bandied about, I believe the press has perhaps enjoyed far too much of the 'freedom' that it demands for itself. I think it's time to call the media out for being the cowards and liars that they so obviously are with the exception of the Sydney Morning Herald which has attempted to pose a more balanced view of the upcoming legislation and its restriction on creative and artistic freedoms.

What we have here is an ignorant and misinformed media led in part by morons of the highest order. One of those most misinformed and venomous creatures of the tabloid-style reporter is a certain Byron Kaye, who's woefully incorrect and inflammatory article was published in the Telegraph newspaper... and what a worthless rag of bigoted bile this 'news' paper has become in recent years. You sir, are as accountable for the current climate of phantom menaces as the reckless fools pointing laser devices at aircraft in defiance of the bans. You could have done something to better the community at large but instead you publish sensationalist drivel that stains the minds of those who look to you for advice and opinion. These bans and your behavior will indeed come to haunt you in future days. You are the perfect example of the decline of enlightenment in the 21st Century and my own desire to see you drawn and quartered some time in the near future on programs such as Media Watch.
original.jpg

Byron Kaye is the George Costanza of the Australian press.

Byron Kaye is the George Costanza of the press. He's printed false information as fact in a national newspaper and he's a shoddy reporter if he thinks that false information constitutes the larger good of the people. Remember the laser pointer episode on Seinfeld where George Costanza was surrounded by anonymous persons in public, all projecting red laser dots on his face? Byron has become the angry, bitter little man who believes he has become victimized when in reality, the people who actually need discipline are the idiots pointing lasers and pointers at aircraft. We all know it's bad behavior. Nobody here does it. So why does Byron Costanza feel a need to resort to branding the VAST MAJORITY OF THE AUSTRALIAN POPULATION as being evil incarnate? Clearly, through the simple process of deduction, he must have been the victim of a laser pointer incident in his youth. Of he couldn't pony up the cash for a Wicked Elite.

How serious were the discussions on lasers and the reason they have made it into the media recently: Lasers Being Pointed At Aircraft? I'd suggest that they weren't too serious at all. I personally contacted CASA (our Aviation Safety Authority) and spoke with the General Manager last year and he seemed to be incredibly unfamiliar with lasers in general. I also note that NO pilots were invited to speak at the inquiry to determine the dangers and examine any possible risks involved, to the dismay of the CASA representative. So if the people at risk were not invited to partake in the talks and members of the scientific community were not involved directly, how reliable is the legislation? It's not. And it's not only flawed, it's completely unnecessary and should be rewritten.

These bans (and I have a copy of the legislation in my hand) are contradicted on a daily basis depending on which news channel and which newspaper you happen to be reading at the time.

Why the bans are useless:
1/ There are HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of lasers in the Australian Community. I've been quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald as saying there are easily over 300,000 lasers out there at the moment and I was not referring to many other devices that can be converted to handheld lasers.

2/ What do people do with these lasers, even if they wish to get rid of them? They can't sell them due to Federal Legislation passed in 1996-97.
There's no "buy back scheme" to reimburse owners for the hundreds and indeed thousands of dollars worth of lasers they own. The only option would be to give them away because that's probably the only lawful alternative other than to hand them in. And the backlash from people who lawfully bought their lasers is going to result in defiance.

3/ Many people own a dozen or more lasers. Almost all of them have a threaded cap on the front. What stops people from screwing a short pen-tip to the end to conceal them or disguise them as a writing implement?

4/ All laser devices have a serial number. Sometimes this is found on the adhesive sticker. More expensive models may have this stamped on the case. How hard would it be to have implemented a license system? Not too hard, I imagine. And the government could have profited nicely from it.

5/ You design a laser pointer and give it to a curious human and they will point it at things. They do it because it's interesting to see the bright dot in action so far away. People do a lot of other things far more dangerous that playing with lasers and yet the media tends to ignore such behavior. Try banning football as a dangerous sport and see where it gets you. The same goes for gambling, vending machines and internet addiction.

The laws in NSW Australia as detailed will be as follows and apply AFTER July 1, 2008:
* All lasers are now defined legally as "dangerous implements".
* Police may now search a premises or person for said lasers.
* Anyone CARRYING a laser pointer in a public place may be fined.
* Anyone USING a laser in a public place may be fined and imprisoned.
* Police now have the ability to frisk those suspected of carrying a laser.
* Class 3 & 4 Handheld Lasers will be restricted from import.
* The laws apply to handheld lasers, regardless of the ouput of the laser.
* If you own a laser pointer under 1mW, you may use it as needed.
* People who wish to use stronger handheld lasers in their work, hobby or business may apply for an exemption.
* If you are stopped and found to be carrying a laser, you must show that you were traveling to or from your place of work/hobby/business to/from your home at the time or you may be subject to a fine.


Summary Offences and Law
Enforcement Legislation Amendment
(Laser Pointers) Bill 2008

Note: Laser Pointer means any hand held battery operated laser device used for the purpose of aiming, targeting or pinpointing.

FINES and PENALTIES:
Schedule 2 [2] Possessing a laser in a public place without a reasonable excuse can result in a maximum penalty of $5500 or two years imprisonment (or both). It is a reasonable excuse for a person to have custody of, or use, a laser pointer if the custody or use is reasonably necessary in all the circumstances for the lawful pursuit of the person’s occupation, education, training or hobby. It is also a reasonable excuse for a person to have custody of a laser pointer during travel to or from or incidental to that occupation, education, training or hobby.

Home Affairs Minister: Bob Debus said that "Legitimate users of lasers such as Surveyors, Astronomers and those in the Construction and Mining industries can apply for an Exemption to the ban".

Expect an education campaign to deal with the numerous high intensity lasers in the community to become apparent after the bans commence.

___________________________________________


Confusion: The State Premier Morris Iemma says people caught with the devices could face between two to 14 years in jail. (ABC News)

Confusion: According to The Australian "Under penalties introduced last year, perpetrators are liable to up to two years' jail and fines of up to $30,000." (SMH April 2, 2008).

Explanation: pointing a laser at the sky could result in imprisonment for charges of Terrorism for up to 14 years and fines of up to $30,000. This is not related to the new legislation listed above. The laws to impose these two harsh penalties are already in effect and were introduced recently.
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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

here's the thread

edit - gah razako
 

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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

Very well written and I like Nero's work. :)

This should be posted in every laser related forum on the web!
 

Switch

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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

Except for this part
I've worked in the Australian Film Industry for many years and each and every single day, I kept a fairly strong Wicked Laser brand laser on my person. I used this laser for legitimate work, much of it innovative and experimental. I've been extremely pleased with the products from Wicked and have used them for lectures (lower powered outputs of course) and for the examination of fossils and even emergency field surgery to stop bleeding under the skin. I've used them for wildlife interaction both below and above the water, for starpointing and astro-photography and even forgery identification. I used an Executive Elite laser pen to create the beautiful images used for the opening scenes of the movie Happy Feet (& won the Oscar for best Animated Feature for it last year). I've used the same laser for photographing wildlife in the rainforests and for detecting and signaling when in the outback.....


::) ::) ::)
 

Chad

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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

Switch said:
Except for this part
I've worked in the Australian Film Industry for many years and each and every single day, I kept a fairly strong Wicked Laser brand laser on my person. I used this laser for legitimate work, much of it innovative and experimental. I've been extremely pleased with the products from Wicked and have used them for lectures (lower powered outputs of course) and for the examination of fossils and even emergency field surgery to stop bleeding under the skin. I've used them for wildlife interaction both below and above the water, for starpointing and astro-photography and even forgery identification. I used an Executive Elite laser pen to create the beautiful images used for the opening scenes of the movie Happy Feet (& won the Oscar for best Animated Feature for it last year). I've used the same laser for photographing wildlife in the rainforests and for detecting and signaling when in the outback.....


::) ::) ::)

Have some respect.
I've known this guy for years. You know why he posts things like that? He gets paid through the nose. He knows the truth. He's willing to do that over there for the money... and he refrains from blurting out his personal opinions because he knows there are places that WL's BS isn't tolerated.

Now that I've finished ranting...

That was a masterfully done article. Nero fails to disappoint once again. :D
 

Razako

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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

He just posted some very interesting loopholes in the thread on LC. Apparently the ban only applies to battery powered lasers. You could have a lab laser modified to run from your car cigarette lighter and they can't touch it.

This is also another interesting way to bypass the law
"What's to stop people from simply putting fake <1mw stickers on their lasers? It isn't like the AU police are going to carry laser power meters around to test them."
-illuminati
"illuminati: There's NOTHING to stop people from doing just that. In fact, you could easily avoid heavier punishment since Class 2 and 3 Lasers often look the same to the eye. Furthermore, lasers can (and will) spike at higher outputs and they can often be supplied with higher output than intended by the factory. All legitimate excuses in court too.

Of course, a user-accessed potentiometer will override all of these things if manufacturers install an access port. The lasers could then be shipped out at 1mW and could then be cranked up to the user's required output. You could even install the lasers into other devices to bypass customs scrutiny. The options are endless and it's the result of shoddy legislation that was rushed through without consulting ANY experts other than Law Enforcement, who were feeling extremely foolish in the first place.

But the biggest mistake of all, the reasons Legislation like this is genuinely loathsome: is because it paves the way from the Invisible Lasers in the Ifnra Red range. Now THESE are what I wanted to warn the media and the press about but nobody cared to listen. These IR lasers are REALLY powerful because they rely on none of the filters that visible lasers require. You can't see the beam except with night vision glasses. The power of these lasers is Class 4 (in the watt range and even tens of watts) and they can easily avoid all detection. By restricting all lasers, you inspire people to import lasers that can actually burn things from a distance, with MUCH more power than visible lasers, and yet the dot and the beam are completely invisible to the eye.

I'd advise owners of lasers in Australia to be mindful of their obligations and to show sense when transporting their lasers. I'll be back to write about a few options which may become available. I think it's terribly sad when boards like this one are set up to educate laser owners and to allow them a place to discuss the technology and then find the media nosing around here looking for something gruesome to plaster across their already debased tabloid rag. Dear Media: idiots who shine lasers at aircraft DON'T frequent these boards. And THOSE are the people you are legitimately seeking. One of the most touted notes of advice here has always been to avoid this sort of behavior and to endorse responsible use.

Regards,

Marco "
-Nero_design
 
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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

*sniffs*

That was so beautiful I was nearly moved to tears. :'(

Right on man... right on.
 

Switch

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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

Chad said:
[quote author=Switch link=1213208070/0#6 date=1213218355]Except for this part
I've worked in the Australian Film Industry for many years and each and every single day, I kept a fairly strong Wicked Laser brand laser on my person. I used this laser for legitimate work, much of it innovative and experimental. I've been extremely pleased with the products from Wicked and have used them for lectures (lower powered outputs of course) and for the examination of fossils and even emergency field surgery to stop bleeding under the skin. I've used them for wildlife interaction both below and above the water, for starpointing and astro-photography and even forgery identification. I used an Executive Elite laser pen to create the beautiful images used for the opening scenes of the movie Happy Feet (& won the Oscar for best Animated Feature for it last year). I've used the same laser for photographing wildlife in the rainforests and for detecting and signaling when in the outback.....

::) ::) ::)

Have some respect.
I've known this guy for years. You know why he posts things like that? He gets paid through the nose. He knows the truth. He's willing to do that over there for the money... and he refrains from blurting out his personal opinions because he knows there are places that WL's BS isn't tolerated.

Now that I've finished ranting...

That was a masterfully done article. Nero fails to disappoint once again.  :D[/quote]

I wasn't being disrespectful.But while we're talking about posting this on every laser forum, the WL advertising bit is more than irelevant. :p Why he's doing it, it's his buisness.
 

Ace82

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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

I thought the same thing Switch.   ;D

I like how he personalizes his attack toward Byron Kaye, especially while using his awesome, kick ass, super powerful, novelty, wicked laser to post a picture of his name! I really hope it has some effect toward liberating Australians.  The only way I see it making sense is that is gives the officers the freedom to decide whether or not to make an arrest, give a ticket (if they're happy, maybe just got laid), or let the person go (if they met their quota or about to end shift...), but I believe the government will make most money (off this "ban" aka scheme) off of the "criminals" possessing battery operated lasers.  You know everybody will take a plea with 3yrs informal probation and a nice slap on the hand with a hefty $1,500 fine; they don't really want you spending their money in jail. Unless, they catch you pointing at a air/space/water/land crafts/vehicles they might find the opportunity to beat the crap out of you, unless your in public then they'll have to arrest you! Not exactly sure how AU government works, but that's how I presume it would be here!  ;D
 
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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

why are so many people here banned from the other forum?
 
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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

Well I got banned because of that news article my comments appeared in.

Most people just got banned because they tried talking about lasers other than the ones sold by the people who run LC, or other forums or something.
 

diachi

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Re: A great article on LC regarding the AU laser b

You should all just build CO[sub]2[/sub] Lasers that are portable but can run off your car cigarette lighter ;D

Diachi
 




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