Welcome to Laser Pointer Forums - discuss green laser pointers, blue laser pointers, and all types of lasers

LPF Donation via Stripe | LPF Donation - Other Methods

Links below open in new window

ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Newbie & IR and some other questions

Revlak

0
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
6
Points
0
Greetings, i recently bought 10 mw green laser for test and i LOVED it
Now, im planning to buy 200 mw

$28.80 - 200mW 532nm Green Laser Pen (2*AAA) - Green Lasers

First of all, im not idiot, im NEVER gonna use it inside, only outside, because i like the view, pointing sky, and things that are far away, not buildings which has people inside, cars or anything (i think i dont even need to mention about pointing to other people) and im not gonna lend it to anyone

So now, i have question, how safe it is? considering im only gonna use it outside and point things that are far away. And what about IR radiation, is it dangerous if i point things that are far away?

Cheers !

Thanks already

Revlak
 





Joined
Jan 14, 2011
Messages
3,816
Points
63
You don't have to worry about IR radiation when pointing at things far away. Our optics don't collimate IR very well, and the divergence on IR is pretty bad. So my guess is that about 10-20m away, the IR is negligible (just a random number, don't take that as law).

Also, you realize that the "200mW" of optical power you get from that laser will be probably 20-50mW of green... DealExtreme never really has any reputable numbers, and they aren't often IR filtered. I would buy a higher quality, IR filtered greenie from O-like, Rayfoss, or the other high end shops. They are more expensive, but you can bet your sorry ass they will be up to spec (+/- 10%) and, if it says it is IR filtered, it definitely is.
 

Morgan

0
Joined
Feb 5, 2009
Messages
2,174
Points
0
Along with Wolfman29's comments on the laser probably, (definitely!), being underspec the statement on that page says these will not be shipped to the US. Not knowing just where in the world you are I don't know if that affects you but it's something to read again and bear in mind.

There are other places to go to get a better laser, not least the ones mentioned above. Please check out the, "reviews", and other sections to do more research on this. Good luck with whoever you choose to buy from and please let us know what you think about your eventual purchase.

M
:)
 

Revlak

0
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
6
Points
0
Well, its done what its done, i have ordered it, and i know 200 mw isnt correct power for that laser, i have heard its 100-150 mw, but tbh, i think its just good for me, since 10 mw -> 150 is VERY big skip to me. I just wanna get cheapish laser at start,

Seriously, my 10 mw laser shows on GREAT distances

I dont think i can even realize how powerfull that laser is gonna be. So il be VERY VERY carefull with it, because i still fear my vision gets damaged for IR radiaton somehow, you can never be too carefull with these things.

Well, il be sure posting some kind of review for that laser when i get it : )

Thanks
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2009
Messages
1,321
Points
0
Welcome. :beer: Also be aware of any shinny / gloss objects. No matter how far away. Street signs are dangerous (retroreflector), & anything else that "lights up" in car headlights.
 

Revlak

0
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
6
Points
0
Thanks everyone for support : )

Hmm, what about goggles?

Do i really need them if i only use them outside?

Dealextreme sells them for 40 bucks, but i got rent to pay etc, so i dont have motivation to pay that. And i want laser that i can show my friends without everyone having to wear goggles.

And also, what do you think, should i cancel the order and order $33.80 - SD-301 Focusable 100mW 532nm Green Laser Pen Pointer with Battery Set (1*18650) - Green Lasers instead?

Seems better quality, but is it any safer? What do you think?

And if you have suggestion what laser got most suitable MW for just having fun and point things outside as a "hobby"?
 
Last edited:
Joined
Jan 14, 2011
Messages
3,816
Points
63
So... this is a hobby for all of us ;) But if you are going to order from DealExtreme, may as well get the highest power thing they have there, right?

Still, I would suggest going from Rayfoss. Really high quality stuff there, that's where I got my greenie. It still works six months later, it came with a high quality battery and charger, and she even sent me a free pair of goggles with the order.

It was quite a bit more expensive, but worth every penny.

However, regarding goggles - it was recently revealed that many of the members here actually don't use goggles. Nonetheless, you should get them if you don't know what you are doing with lasers. If you are just going to use them *strictly* outside, though, you probably don't actually need goggles... but then again, it's your eyesight, so beware.
 
Joined
Mar 27, 2011
Messages
14,125
Points
113
However, regarding goggles - it was recently revealed that many of the members here actually don't use goggles. Nonetheless, you should get them if you don't know what you are doing with lasers. If you are just going to use them *strictly* outside, though, you probably don't actually need goggles... but then again, it's your eyesight, so beware.

That's true but don't forget most of those members saying that are very aware of what they are doing, and the dangers involved.

Many of them also like lasers more for the beam than for burning. For burning you absolutely do need safety goggles.
 
Joined
Jan 14, 2011
Messages
3,816
Points
63
This is true, but regard what this person is saying - he just wants the laser for the beam outside at night!
 

Revlak

0
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
6
Points
0
Well, its status just changed to "Packaging"

I will write review on the review section when i have gotten and studied it.

And about the goggles, i just found cheapy ones at www.rayfoss.com

So what do you think, is those goggles good enough?

If you know better cheapy goggles, be sure to throw url :)
 
Joined
Oct 26, 2007
Messages
5,438
Points
83
The IR from those cheapy greens can be somewhat substantial if you get a direct hit, and the divergence can mean it hits more objects if shown at close range.

Another thing is that if you're wearing goggles for green that don't also block IR (such as the standard red-laser-enhancement-turned-green-protection goggles), you may be exposing your eyes to even more IR than before, as your pupils may dilate. Moral of the story: make sure you know what you're shining it at or get some more fancy goggles like some ML7s.
 

Revlak

0
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
6
Points
0
Thanks for worrying : ) But im never gonna point myself or even near me, have goggles or not, i know they wont block IR radiation, but they still make laz0ring much more safer than without them

Umm.. and another stupid question : S How does the IR radiation actually works, does it just point invisible beam that eye cant see to somewhere near laser like this YouTube - Infrared radiation from 5mW 532nm green dpss laser pointer, or does it raditate around?

Ps. Sorry for bad english
 
Joined
Mar 27, 2011
Messages
14,125
Points
113
That video is accurate...

Usually the IR is less focused and is more of an invisible halo around the the dot of the visible light. IR content in cheapies can be pretty high.... Basically to avoid the issue, I just don't do that much burning (read ANY) burning with green lasers.
 




Top