Newby looking for laser pointer

I'm looking for a green laser pointer, 5 mW or less. Powered by 2 AAA and with a constant on switch.

I work for a railway company and every now and then I need to inspect and test some Wayside Inspection Systems. More specifically the hot wheel detector. What I usually do is setup a temp target on the far rail and look down a "pea shooter" or a thin piece of tubing and try to centre it on the temp target. I believe a laser would make my job a bit easier.

It wouldn't necessarily need to be a pointer but could be a laser module that could fit inside a piece of 1/2" copper tubing but powered by battery. The only laser I own is a 5mW green laser from dx with a switch that is momentary. I'm sure it's not really 5mW but I don't want to have to use special filtering glasses. It will be used in the day time so I'm hoping green with a lower wavelength would be ideal.

I've been looking around at different stores but can't quite seem to find what I need. The switch is the deal killer most of the time. It must be constant on without my finger pushing it.

btw, very interesting site. I'll have to come back more often and do some more reading.

Try LaserGlow, they have very nice laser pointers but you need $$. Or you could try Wicked Lasers, their Core is pretty good, cheaper price. Good luck and welcome to the Forum :beer:

Laser glow is your only real option. Do not use WL!!!! Not saying thay because they are over priced and of low quality, IMO but since they will not provide a 5mW or less laser. Laser glow will meter your laser to ensure its 3-5mW if that is the series you buy. Will run you roughly $25-35

Would a laser level work? The trick would be finding one in green. They usually come in red.

Ended up getting a Galileo from Laserglow. Has an on/off switch and 5 or less mW. Pretty much what I was looking for. Thanks for pointing me there. I see it uses primary lithiums. Is anyone familiar with this laser? Would rcr123's work with it or would the voltage be too high? I have a couple extra aw batteries that I hope would go well with it.

@TLS - I don't have a picture but the hot wheel detector, with the lid removed, has a groove both on the front and back that a thin pipe can lay in in order to site it at a target that is set at a specific spot on the rail. I don't think a laser level would work as it would be too bulky.

I see. So you need a round device. They do make 3V RCR123s. The ones to look for are lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4. They need a special charger because of the lower voltage. The regular ones may work fine though it depends on the driver. I would have to take a look to tell for sure but I don't have one of those.

I like trains asfdf

for 3V rcr123s, I'd get either these:Tenergy 30200 LiFePO4 RCR123A 3.0V (3.2V) 750mAh Rechargeable Battery

or these:Tenergy 30201 RCR123A 3.0V (3.2V) 900mAh Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery

I have used both, they are great, just don't drain them completely. I believe the first are not protected, the second ones are

the LiFePO4 need a special charger

Thanks for the reminder guys. I actually have a couple LiFePO4 batteries and the correct charger. I just don't use those particular batteries and charger too often now a days. The charger's right behind me on my charger shelf and one of the batteries is on a shelf just above me in a flashlight I like trains as well TLS. The help pay my bills

Hmm. I guess you've never seen this then: