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Targeting Lasers for Nerf Guns

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Thaxor

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Hello all.

I have recently gotten into modding Nerf guns, and one of the things I have wanted to do from the start was add some laser sights, without actually buying real laser sights.

I recently saw this Dead Space 2 Plasma Cutter video and realized my goal might be easier than I thought.

I eventually wound up here and and with a little searching found this thread: DIY Cheap IR Laser Pen For $5 and Under. Linked within that thread was this eBay auction.

My question is, do you think that laser pointer linked above would function well as a laser pointer for some Nerf guns? I would think I could just pop it out and place it in the gun with a power supply and I should be dandy, though I am an electronics/laser novice and so am unsure. If it would not work do you guys have suggestions of where I can get low price lasers to make it work?

If you read all the way to here, thank you for taking the time to read this newbies post.

Thanks!
 





bluuray

bluuray

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WELL you only need to see the dot right?
or you can get a 5mW green.
 
T

Thaxor

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Ya, I don't need to burn, explodify, liquify, deathify or do any other kind of -ify-ing with this laser. I simply want it as a (cosmetic?) targeting laser.

So I guess yes, I only need to see the dot.

Color really doesn't matter to me, though I am defaulting to red since that is the "traditional" targeting laser color.
 
T

Thaxor

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The eBay link says that it's a 5mW laser. Am I missing something there?

Also, from the direction of the conversation so far, I'd assume that these lasers (wattage aside for the moment) should be able to work as I require?
 
Pilgor

Pilgor

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The ebay link will work as a sight but it is a pen, so it would look fugly on a gun. The other link you posted in an IR laser which will not be visible to the eye. You best bet will be a green.

Do some shopping around the forum, you should be able to find a cheap 5mW greenie.
 
T

Thaxor

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Some clarification:

I realize the eBay link is a pen. I plan on removing the internals and placing it within the Nerf guns (if you haven't yet, check this Dead Space 2 Plasma Cutter vid for the basic idea of what I'm going for).

I don't plan on using an IR laser, I was just referencing that build for reference purposes.

I'm still not understanding the difference between the 5mW green laser you recommend and a 5mW red laser. I'm not looking for great distance here, 50 feet max (well beyond the accurate range of the Nerf guns), so I would think a generic laser pointer like the eBay ones would suffice. Again am I missing something here?

Further, that CR2 build looks 1) way to big to fit, 2) to costly for what I want and 3) way beyond my abilities.

I don't mean to be confrontational or anything, just trying to understand the basics of a new field I know nothing about. Thanks for your replies so far Pilgor.
 
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Pilgor

Pilgor

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I get what you mean now, the main difference between the two is that green will be way more visible then red (mW per mW).

Green will be more temperature sensitive and not as accurate. It is hard to get a green laser that comes out straight.

For ease, I'd go with a red. It should be good for the distance you want. Good luck.
 
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T

Thaxor

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Awesome! So just for clarity, my basic idea of taking out the internals of that pointer and sticking it in a Nerf gun should, in theory, work?
 
Prototype

Prototype

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If you're going red, I'd look for a 5mW 635nm pen/module. They're much brighter than the normal red pens.
 
T

Thaxor

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3zuli and Prototype, those are all some great ideas, however given the increased price, complexity and my novice status (not even sure if I'll be able to extract and wire the thing up properly!) I think I'll stick with these $1 5mW red lasers for the time being.

I have to say, I am really thrilled by your help for a complete stranger who just jumped on the board a few hours ago. If I can get this to work, I'll make sure to come back here and post some pics, and start plotting my next bigger move.

Thanks guys!
 
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laserhead2112

laserhead2112

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If you build this you will be one your way to becoming a laser addict.
Have fun and be safe. Make sure if you build bigger lasers get the
proper safety glasses.these things can blind you. And welcometo lpf
Your going to learn a lot here.:D
 
T

Thaxor

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Thanks for all the replies and encouragements.

Now... I hardedly apologize in advance for the following very noob question, but my investigations have left me slightly confused and unsure:

Is a 5mW laser considered class 3A or 3B (or 3R or 3B)? What I've read at times make it sound like 3A (3R?) is <=5mw; other places have said that 3B lasers are those that are >5mW, so I'm not sure if that's inclusive or exclusive. The Wikipedia article talks in terms of "limited to" (3A) or "may not exceed" (3B) 5mW so again, not really sure if that's inclusive or exclusive.

Again, sorry for the noob question. Basically I'm trying to figure out which class this laser falls into so I can decide whether or not to order it and risk confiscation by customs. I might just end up ordering the same from a US seller for slightly more, but regardless I think it's good to know what classification it is.

Thanks again for all your help!
 
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Johnyz

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5mW is considered 3A in the old rating system and class 3R in the new rating system.
 
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