Laser Flares

sailor · Nov 20, 2007

Hello,

I am looking at getting a laser flare for my emergency signaling kit. I have found one at http://greatlandlaser.com it is 250.00.

But I was thinking the price was too high. It looks like they enclose it in a rugged housing and have a 4 degree spread on the laser as it exits.

Is there anyway I can mod a cheaper laser and get the same effect?

I am guessing that not having an IR filter would be good because SAR may be using IR goggles?

Edit link fixed

me_too_lazy · Nov 20, 2007

lol is that a laser with HUGE divergence
maybe you can buy one of the adjustable reds people are selling on this site
set you back only 100-150 ish

timelord · Nov 20, 2007

That's a lot of money for a waterproof laser mate I did a review on a laser that is very waterproof and has more power too. It only costs $34 as well..
Click here>> http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1195483141

sailor · Nov 20, 2007

Thanks that waterproof laser looks like the ticket. I think the flare has the beam in shape of line instead of a dot so it will be easier to see from far away.

sc_bond · Nov 21, 2007

I think a very powerful green with a thick beam is best but in order to get good enough visibility for the kind of conditions you'd have in a storm etc. you'd be spending a lot.

sailor · Nov 21, 2007

I just thought of something. The technique to signal search and rescue aircraft with a laser or mirror is to hold 2 fingers in a V on one hand putting your target aircraft in the middle of the V. You then slowly move your laser/mirror back and forth flashing the target.

Am I going to burn my fingers? The laser would have to be low enough power not to.

I think they made the beam I shaped on the laser flare to maximize the coverage.

I could just get one and test.

Sorry for the questions, I know NOTHING about lasers.

timelord · Nov 21, 2007

The review you see with the waterproof laser. Well that laser won't burn your fingers so don't worry I'd buy it mate just for signaling purposes, and if you get the laser bug like all us looneys here

then have a good read and see what takes your fancy as nearly every laser on the planet has been reviewed by at least one of us here.......

sailor · Nov 21, 2007

Good enough, I will get it and test it to see how well it works before I replace my standard flares.

Thanks

sc_bond · Nov 21, 2007

To burn your fingers with any laser you'd need to have enough power output and then have it on one spot of your skin for a bit. If you were moving it constantly then you wouldn't have a problem.

Hopefully it's a great product and works out perfectly for you. Like timelord said, you'll probably get addicted! ;D

timelord · Nov 21, 2007

sailor said:
Good enough, I will get it and test it to see how well it works before I replace my standard flares.

Thanks

With safety in mind I would never replace your standard flares with a laser

but have a laser to compliment your flares ie once you've launched a flare then this will be treated as an emergency.
The laser will be a great asset for the emergency services to locate you faster

hope this was of some help to you

sailor · Nov 21, 2007

I have a flashing strobe, signal mirror and flares. Some areas out west when dry dont mix well with flares. I would hate to send up a flare only to be caught in canyon fire.

On the water, I stick with flares.

This would be a limited replacement.

My routes are always logged with a family member, and they know that if I dont call after a certain time period to send out the troops.

Laser Flares

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