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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

520nm Pointer for Astronomy Suggestions

Joined
Dec 2, 2017
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8
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Hello,

My wife had wanted a green laser pointer for pointing at stars for a few years now. After doing a lot of research the past couple of days it seems a 520nm would be the way to go because I wouldn't have to worry so much about the temperature (gets cold here in Pennsylvania) and trusting that the vendor put a proper IR filter in it.

At this point, I'm not sure what mW I would need. Likely it's only going to be used on clear nights. I don't need a laser pointer that can burn wood, etc. And I don't know of reputable brands or where to buy a reputable brand in the US. I keep finding cheap chinese ones which is what I do not want and I don't want something taking forever from ePacket delivery from China.

Looking forward to your suggestions.
 





Encap

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Joined
May 14, 2011
Messages
6,111
Points
113
Hello,

My wife had wanted a green laser pointer for pointing at stars for a few years now. After doing a lot of research the past couple of days it seems a 520nm would be the way to go because I wouldn't have to worry so much about the temperature (gets cold here in Pennsylvania) and trusting that the vendor put a proper IR filter in it.

At this point, I'm not sure what mW I would need. Likely it's only going to be used on clear nights. I don't need a laser pointer that can burn wood, etc. And I don't know of reputable brands or where to buy a reputable brand in the US. I keep finding cheap chinese ones which is what I do not want and I don't want something taking forever from ePacket delivery from China.

Looking forward to your suggestions.

Please make a Welcome post in the Welcome sub-forum and indicate your location in your profile if you expect to be recognized and given help on LPF
 
Joined
Apr 6, 2014
Messages
2,436
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Maraakate, welcome.
Thanks for making a welcome intro.
I'm an Astro photographer, the 520nm is an excellent choice.
You only need between 20-50mW in power.
Preferably 20mW.
Anything higher and it will interfere with her dark apapted eyes for Astro observing.
You don't need a bright pointer for Astro work.
Also you need to be very mindful of aircraft in the area.

RB
 
Joined
Dec 2, 2017
Messages
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Maraakate, welcome.
Thanks for making a welcome intro.
I'm an Astro photographer, the 520nm is an excellent choice.
You only need between 20-50mW in power.
Preferably 20mW.
Anything higher and it will interfere with her dark apapted eyes for Astro observing.
You don't need a bright pointer for Astro work.
Also you need to be very mindful of aircraft in the area.

RB

Thanks RB astro. 20-50mW sounds about right from what I was reading. The other thing I'm unsure of is who makes a quality/reliable pointer and a vendor in the US.
 
Joined
Dec 2, 2017
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Thanks, but I'm specifically trying to avoid ePacket deliveries from China. Christmas is coming soon and if there's a problem getting it resolved from China can be difficult as I've experienced in other hobbies.
 
Joined
Dec 2, 2017
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Get in touch with my good friend Rich. (lifetime17) member on here.
https://laserpointerforums.com/members/lifetime17/
Tell him I sent you.
He can make a beautiful custom laser for you.
Cheers
:beer:

The Sanwu on laserpointerstore.com (linked on this forum) looked like it could be something decent. Not sure if the store is US based, didn't look too hard at the site yet. If the brand is reputable I would be OK with it.

Regarding a custom laser pointer, this is something I would be interested in but depends on price. The budget for this is about $100-$125 (not including a charger and batteries). I want something nice that I know she can use for a long time. So any $5 ebay/amazon no-name brands are out.
 
Joined
Apr 6, 2014
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Trust me.
Custom pionter for her from my friend Rich.
Can't go wrong.
She'll love it.

RB
 
Joined
Dec 15, 2014
Messages
6,775
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113
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for the kind words buddy .
@ Mara,
Here you go a plug n play prewired 24AWG, brass and copper, 1x14500 battery. Put any diode in that take 1x single cell.

Rich:)
 

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Joined
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Hi, Mara,
You can buy a diode and driver, lens set up from DTR and have him send it to me to build in the host pictured in this thread. Once i get the diode package will be shipped to you the next day in time for Xmas.

Rich:)
 
Last edited:
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Dec 2, 2017
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Hi Rich, I sent you an email. Thanks for all your help, and for everyone else on the forum!
 
Joined
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Also consider the other wavelengths, 505nm and 515nm.

RB

:beer:
 

Benm

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Aug 16, 2007
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Power level choice is a bit tricky on these things - you want a visible beam even in clean outdoor air, so you need a fair amount. On the other hand you are standing out there in the dark with probably fully dilated pupils, so the chance that accidental exposure would do serious damage is a lot larger compared to the same power leven with contracted pupils in a daylight environment.

These things don't combine well, you need to somehow safeguard that noone can be hit by the laser beam or even a reflection off it from something like a window.

520 nm is a good wavelength though as it is very visible for a given power level. 532 is a tiny bit better but with dpss lasers you get temperature issues, sometimes emissions of 808 or 1064 nm light that is hardly/not visible but yet damages eyes and such, so the direct diode is a better choice.
 




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