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Newbee's First Laser

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Ponz

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Hello Everyone,

Maybe I should have introduced myself first and asked a few questions prior to this purchase. However, I did lurk for a while.

I recently joined a local Astronomy Club here in the Kansas City area and was very impressed with the pointers the club members were using.

After pulling my hair out searching for the best bang for the buck, I decided on this one:

500mW Laser Pointer - High Power Laser Pointer Kit

Please tell me I didn't screw up!

Thanks
Ponz
 





Fiddy

Fiddy

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LoL,

500mW is oer kill for astronomy but, that laser wont be 500mW at all, probs in the 200mW and below range, it runs off a single 3V lithium.

It will probably be ok for your application, now you will have to guess the power of it.

Also did you buy safety glasses?
 
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Ponz

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Stop laughin' at me Fiddy (-;

Ok, let's say it's not 500mw......Did I get burned?

Ponz
 
Fiddy

Fiddy

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:p

Nah, a 500mW green is worth a lot more than $95 more like $270.
If its in the range of 150 - 200mW its pretty close to what you paid for.

If its 50mW, your starting to get ripped off.
 
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Ponz

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OK, thanks for the info.

What would a good 'bench test' be without the proper test equipment? Surely, there would have to be something.....let's say, perhaps, a burn test of some sort??

Ponz
 
ZRaffleticket

ZRaffleticket

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Only good way is to lpm it, if it lights a match its >50mW. My <600mW (50 avg) greenie doesn't light a match.
 
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Ponz

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Ponz said:
OK, thanks for the info.

What would a good 'bench test' be without the proper test equipment? Surely, there would have to be something.....let's say, perhaps, a burn test of some sort??

Ponz
Click to expand...

One of those white-headed matches or a plain match?

Ponz
 
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Ponz

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Fiddy said:
LoL,

500mW is oer kill for astronomy but, that laser wont be 500mW at all, probs in the 200mW and below range, it runs off a single 3V lithium.

It will probably be ok for your application, now you will have to guess the power of it.

Also did you buy safety glasses?
Click to expand...

BTW - Did not buy safety glasses. Will they be necessary if I'm careful? Do I need them to simply look at the beam??

Ponz
 
Fiddy

Fiddy

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No, always use safety glasses when there is chance of beam reflecting back at you.

You said you are using it for Astronomy, that's fine without glasses just be careful like you said, but if you wish to use it else where you will need glasses, best to buy them now.
 
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Ponz

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Fiddy said:
No, always use safety glasses when there is chance of beam reflecting back at you.

You said you are using it for Astronomy, that's fine without glasses just be careful like you said, but if you wish to use it else where you will need glasses, best to buy them now.
Click to expand...


Thanks man....

Ponz
 
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Ponz

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Hello Again!

Well, the alleged 500mw arrived from IOQS yesterday.

It's solidly built and boxed well with one cheapie 3V LI-ion battery, charger and set of safety keys.

I charged the battery to full and immediately tested it on a piece of black plastic trash bag. It does burn through the bag, just not very fast. I don't have any black matches or balloons on hand.

I took it outside after dark and the range seem OK.

So - I don't know what to think regarding if it is 500mw or not. I watched a youtube video of a guy burning through balck plastic material with a 200mw unit that went a lot quicker than mine does.

OK - let's say that it is NOT 500mw. What does $100 buy in a legit rated unit these days?

Thanks,
Ponz

ps - "If" it's not 500mw, I wonder if I should jack with trying to get a refund or exchange of some sort. Of course, if it's at least a 200mw, I guess a hundred bucks isn't too bad, right?
 
Last edited:
jeffreythe00

jeffreythe00

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^ you probably won't get your money back. The Laser for the money you spent is probably around 75-150 me rather than the claimed 500. I would just save your money and buy a NEW laser from a reputable company or member here so you know what you are getting.
 
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Lethere Belight

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If it does what you wanted it to do you made out OK. Also if it came from the other side of the planet, the return shipping will be about $40.
Keep it and enjoy. Do more research on he next one.
 
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