The dangers of IR

Hey guys and gals... first and foremost I am absolutely a noob, and have no intention to argue about the crap quality of the lasers on feeBay, but I must admit I am really impressed with my latest $12 purchase of a "JD-303" Green >5mw (WAY overspec, but probably only 30-40 from comparisons I've seen (only online in fairness)).

My primary concern is IR, and how dangerous it is if I'm keeping the thing pointed in the right direction. I realize accidents happen, but assuming nothing does get in the way, is indirect exposure cause for concern?

It sounds like there is a lot more danger here than meets the eye (so to speak), and I'd rather not go blind.

Would I be wise to get a pair of goggles even for this type of laser? What about IR (most have some disclaimer about it not protecting from it in some respect...).

Also, what about an IR filter? Worthwhile? Or because the laser will probably die in a few days should I even bother?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. The laser is insane, and I couldn't be happier for $12 shipped, but still, gotta be somewhat careful with things we don't understand.

Thanks!

Hello mate!

I am new to lasers also. You can see if your laser is putting out IR by filling a glass up with water and a some red food dye. You then shine the laser though the glass and it should take out all of the green light. You then can take a picture with a camera and an IR beam should be visible if there is one.

Be REALLY careful while doing this. Some of the laser beam WILL reflect off the glass.

(I am not sure if this is the correct way to test IR, I am simply stating this from experience. Please be careful.)

If I were you I would stay away from the cheap lasers because of this issue as well as they they break quickly. Yes, they are often very bright, bit this is usually because of over driven pump diodes.

Visit laserBTB for quality, IR filtered lasers, the HL and PL series being focusable.

Its worth every penny

:beer:
-Matt

the green is going to be more dangerous than the IR leak. IR filters are very cheap and easy to install. If the green beam is not going into your eye the IR is not either. The one concern you should have is for your glasses as they may block the green light but If they are low end ebay glasses they will not block the IR and it will go right on through. If you are going to play with cheap green lasers get an IR filter or good glasses.

they they break quickly.

Click to expand...

I've heard that 303s last a long time and my $8 fasttech pen has lasted forever and its been dropped

Extra "they"^

Maybe these two of my recent posts gonna help you a bit

http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/100mw-532nm-15-a-87292.html#post1269407

http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/b-wtb-100mw-532nm-b-87331.html#post1270221

Thanks for the replies =).

I have to say that my experience with the Chinese "products" hasn't been that they are crap, it's been that they are extremely hit or miss. I have some things that have lasted forever, others that are flakey, some that were DOA. In the end, if I totalled all of the money I've spent on the bargain Chinese stuff, working and not, it would probably not exceed the cost of one "quality" item.

If my life were depending on a laser working, or a cell jammer jamming, flashlight flashing, sure, spend the bucks. No doubt there is a place for quality. Overall though, one $150 laser vs twelve feeBay lasers is a pretty compelling choice to people, especially with buyer protection for DoA items.

Maybe your one will outlast my twelve. If you say definitely though I don't think that's fair or accurate, especially with the number of people that have decent experiences with the "crap" =).

I am as Merican as they come, but I have to give my Chinese friends credit: this is the most fun I've had for $12 since... my last trip to Asia:evil: LOL jk