3.0mw vs 5.0mw

Hey so I am shopping LaserGlow right now for a good 5mw green laser. The Anser is exactly what I need, but at the risk of sounding spoiled, I've been reading that it doesn't actually output 5mw but more like 3-4 and that worries me. Spending that much on a 5mw laser, I would like it to actually be 5.0 stable or more....but does it really matter? I am assuming it really doesn't, that I wouldn't be able to see any difference in brightness. However, I noticed that LaserGlow offers their Lyra green lasers in 3.0-4.0mw versions and it costs an extra $10 for 4.0-5.0mw versions. By that logic, it seems like it would make a difference! I understand that the Anser says "3.0-5.0mw" so anything in that range is perfectly acceptable; in other words I am not trying to nit-pick or knock LaserGlow. I just want to be sure that a laser of 3.5mw will have an easily visible beam (in the dark, of course) like I am used to from my other green lasers of 5mw or slightly more. Thanks for any responses! And sorry if this sounds like a silly question, I just like to know as much as I can before I buy something.

Hey beamjunkie!

I actually own a Anser from LaserGlow and as you can see in my sig it outputs 3.8(average) and I still manage to see a slight beam.

Of course it isn't the brightest greenie ever but for a 5mW it gets the job done.

Would you like me to take a quick picture of a beam test for you?

You can get a nice 50mw pen from Laserbtb for $30

Here: LP 515nm 532nm 1-150

Beam will be crazy visible then, just be careful PLEASE

:beer:
-Matt

Tha Greenlander said:

Hey beamjunkie!

I actually own a Anser from LaserGlow and as you can see in my sig it outputs 3.8(average) and I still manage to see a slight beam.

Of course it isn't the brightest greenie ever but for a 5mW it gets the job done.

Would you like me to take a quick picture of a beam test for you?

Click to expand...

That would be awesome! I love beam shots but fog is cheating haha. I want a laser that will last a long time, but above all I need to beam to be visible as I will be using this for star-gazing and teaching constellations. I like the fact that LaserGlow offers such stable lasers with incredibly low divergence, and that was the main attraction for me to their company (not to mention all the great service).

I definitely am still considering going for a 20-50mw laser, but I just ordered a laser from laserbtb and I hestitate to get another right now because who knows how shipping will turn out....maybe that is my best option though if I want a strong beam. My other consideration is quality; this needs to have a low divergence for a good, strong beam and I'd like it to last (I'm tired of $7 ebay lasers that mode-hop and stop creating a beam after a month!). The max I can spend here is around $50.

Thanks for the friendly replies!

beamjunkie7 said:

That would be awesome! I love beam shots but fog is cheating haha. I want a laser that will last a long time, but above all I need to beam to be visible as I will be using this for star-gazing and teaching constellations. I like the fact that LaserGlow offers such stable lasers with incredibly low divergence, and that was the main attraction for me to their company (not to mention all the great service).

I definitely am still considering going for a 20-50mw laser, but I just ordered a laser from laserbtb and I hestitate to get another right now because who knows how shipping will turn out....maybe that is my best option though if I want a strong beam. The max I can spend here is around $50.

Thanks for the friendly replies!

Click to expand...

Ok, I will get on it right after I finish this game on MC

I don't have fog, but I will take 4 pictures. 2 inside and 2 outside alright?

Edit: Well...my phone can't capture the beam when it's directed away from me but it did capture with good details the beams when aimed towards it. I just saw I also had a previous picture of all my lasers beam put together so that may be easier to see


Beam Inside:




Beam Outside:



See how *much* brighter it is? Kinda....sorta :wtf:


Best beamshot picture(outside):




Hope this helped

Wow nice beam shots! Especially for a cellphone haha. Thanks for making the effort. You're lucky to own an Aquarius too, those are amazing lasers (the 473nm is my second-favorite wavelength after 589nm). On a side note, it seems like the beam from your Libra is pretty visible, is that typical for a 5mw red laser?

I guess I have some decision-making to do, because it seems 3mw is enough to see the beam after all. My main regret is that I didn't just order a green when I ordered my 445nm from laserbtb a couple of days ago, because then I would have already paid shipping! Oh well. I will be shopping around, and LaserGlow is my fallback because, shipped, and Anser completely fills my $50 price cap haha.

Does anyone have experience with laserbtb pens or lazerer pens? How is the beam divergence and do they last?

beamjunkie7 said:

Wow nice beam shots! Especially for a cellphone haha. Thanks for making the effort. You're lucky to own an Aquarius too, those are amazing lasers (the 473nm is my second-favorite wavelength after 589nm). On a side note, it seems like the beam from your Libra is pretty visible, is that typical for a 5mw red laser?

I guess I have some decision-making to do, because it seems 3mw is enough to see the beam after all. My main regret is that I didn't just order a green when I ordered my 445nm from laserbtb a couple of days ago, because then I would have already paid shipping! Oh well. I will be shopping around, and LaserGlow is my fallback because, shipped, and Anser completely fills my $50 price cap haha.

Does anyone have experience with laserbtb pens or lazerer pens? How is the beam divergence and do they last?

Click to expand...

Normally the beam on a "red" is barely visible if at all until you get into the higher powers. When I was using my Libra/Anser earlier today the Libra's beam is barely visible unless you are right near it and/or you have a phone which easily picks up beams haha.

And yes the Aquarius is a beautiful little thing, I never though I could ever have afforded something like this :undecided:

Suprisingly, it's beam is almost as visible as the Anser's!

beamjunkie7 said:

I definitely am still considering going for a 20-50mw laser, but I just ordered a laser from laserbtb and I hestitate to get another right now because who knows how shipping will turn out....maybe that is my best option though if I want a strong beam. My other consideration is quality; this needs to have a low divergence for a good, strong beam and I'd like it to last (I'm tired of $7 ebay lasers that mode-hop and stop creating a beam after a month!). The max I can spend here is around $50.

Thanks for the friendly replies!

Click to expand...

As someone who likes astronomy and lasers, I can tell you that 50mw 532 would be perfect for astronomy. The divergence is usually very good in those low power DPSS, and the beam can be seen from a good number of feet away, so everyone will see what you are pointing at. You can buy a 50mw module on ebay or buy from companies like lazerer, o like ect for under $50. Good luck

That's what I figured about the reds haha but it still looks great in the pic with the green and that bright blue as well!

Well thank you for all of the advice, and sorry to make it all for nothing but I think I'm gonna back off on this one haha. I am likely going to settle for an el-cheapo laser from LEDShoppe or Ebay or something (but probably LEDShoppe). When I get it, I will be sure to make a video of it or at least take some pictures and say how it is for you all. Currently I am partial to the $15 20mw they offer! Here is the link:
http://www.ledshoppe.com/Product/ledp/LP1074.htm

I like the mini lasers they offer but can a 20mw diode even run off of 1.5v (one AAA)? I figure even if it could, the battery life would be terrible....so that's why I think I will go for the full pen-size.

And kaunak, thanks for the advice I know a 50mw would definitely do the trick but I am backing off on this one because 50mw is just a bit too dangerous for me to use indoors as well, and this one will be my "safe" laser. If I use it without goggles (which I will) 50mw just seems a little excessive haha. But thanks!

beamjunkie7 said:

That's what I figured about the reds haha but it still looks great in the pic with the green and that bright blue as well!

Well thank you for all of the advice, and sorry to make it all for nothing but I think I'm gonna back off on this one haha. I am likely going to settle for an el-cheapo laser from LEDShoppe or Ebay or something (but probably LEDShoppe). When I get it, I will be sure to make a video of it or at least take some pictures and say how it is for you all. Currently I am partial to the $15 20mw they offer! Here is the link:
http://www.ledshoppe.com/Product/ledp/LP1074.htm

I like the mini lasers they offer but can a 20mw diode even run off of 1.5v (one AAA)? I figure even if it could, the battery life would be terrible....so that's why I think I will go for the full pen-size.

Click to expand...

You didn't waste my time :crackup: Im glad to help members who need help.

About the laser, you feel what you do is best for you. If that is what you want, then go for it bud!

Please do post a review when you receive it


PS: No clue about the battery thing haha.

If you get one from eBay. Seller overfeel has "5mw" pointers (not pens) that are $17 and the last one I got was exactly 50mw. It is focus able and takes a 16340 and will also run on a disposable 3v. Cr123

Thanks for the tip Tmack, but I think I am going to stick with a pointer rather than a focusable laser as this is something I am going to carry around. My brother might want a laser though so that seems like a good option for him to have a sort-of powerful green laser for cheap. The mini 20mw green offered by LEDShoppe is going to be the one I get.

As far as my question about running a 20mw diode off of just 1.5v, based on my calculations of voltage and amps delivered by AAA zinc-carbon batteries, I think it is actually possible, I will just sacrifice some battery life. To compensate I will carry an extra AAA with me when I go stargazing. It is worth it to have a small pen which fits nicely in my pocket! Here is a post I found from 2009 (yeah that's a while ago!) where someone verified that he could get 30mw+ out of a pointer like the one I am buying with just one AAA. So 20mw shouldn't be a problem.
http://laserpointerforums.com/f45/30mw-green-laser-single-aaa-battery-45548.html

Here's a pen for you built this one last month. 1540mw! 445nm of course.


Took some modification but she's running strong. Super tight build.

Tmack said:

Here's a pen for you built this one last month. 1540mw! 445nm of course.

Click to expand...

Haha 1.5W in a pen that size! Very impressive. Congrats on the successful build! That's running on 2 16340 batteries or are they 18650s?
And btw I just wanted to mention that laserbtb is a generous website, I emailed Kevin about whether or not the laser I ordered (the 750mw 445nm HL) comes with a charger. The page where I bought the laser said it did, but I found out on the forum that it doesn't. He emailed back after just 1 day and added a free charger to my order, which will charge 2 16340 batteries for me. It may only be a $3 item on their site, but I am still impressed with the effort he made to make me a satisfied customer. I would've been happy if he added it to my order and charged me for it (because I forgot to add it) but I'm getting it free!

beamjunkie7 said:

Haha 1.5W in a pen that size! Very impressive. Congrats on the successful build! That's running on 2 16340 batteries or are they 18650s?
And btw I just wanted to mention that laserbtb is a generous website, I emailed Kevin about whether or not the laser I ordered (the 750mw 445nm HL) comes with a charger. The page where I bought the laser said it did, but I found out on the forum that it doesn't. He emailed back after just 1 day and added a free charger to my order, which will charge 2 16340 batteries for me. It may only be a $3 item on their site, but I am still impressed with the effort he made to make me a satisfied customer. I would've been happy if he added it to my order and charged me for it (because I forgot to add it) but I'm getting it free!

Click to expand...

Good stuff.
I heard Kevin was nice.

It runs off two 14500. How big do you think my hand is!? Lol. It is pretty thick, and the duty cycle (while still short) is better than you think. About a minute. I never even run it that long though. The side button is very nice too

As an astro person too, 50mW 532nm is what you need for star pointing... 5mW 532nm just won't do the job for that. But, anything over 5mW is too much for presentations... and you can't see the beam well from a 5mW 532nm laser at night... it's there but not very visible