"upgradable" lasers and customs?

As we know, some countries (*cough* Australia) do not normally allow handheld lasers over 1 mW to be imported. However, lasers can be designed to have different outputs. A company could make a 500 mW laser that would lase at only 0.5 mW unless the user has inserted a special key or dongle. The company can then sell the laser (without the key) as a "0.5 mW" one.

I know this strategy has worked for video games.

A long time ago, 3D Realms' game Duke Nukem 3D was banned in Australia due to its violent content. In response, 3D Realms sold an Australian version with reduced gore, but released a downloadable patch that upgraded the game back to the uncensored version. Will a similar tactic work for lasers?

that is a great idea maybe they could do that for the U.S. also because it is a risk importing anything over 5mw.

Someone already thought about it before, where they would turn a pot down to make them <5mW or something like that. But I don't know what happened in the end.

yeah I have heard about turning the pot down but not using a key to make it lower power!

I think this is a great idea ! Although it would have to be a very specific key that could not be duplicated or "shorted". If it was as easy as inserting a key say someone took it apart and just bypassed it ? lol then the company would be out a 500mW laser for the price of that .5mW. Or similar scenario, but you guys get it right ? haha.

EzPk0970 said:

I think this is a great idea ! Although it would have to be a very specific key that could not be duplicated or "shorted". If it was as easy as inserting a key say someone took it apart and just bypassed it ? lol then the company would be out a 500mW laser for the price of that .5mW. Or similar scenario, but you guys get it right ? haha.

Click to expand...

Ok, you guys start that, and they will start pulling samples of ALL lasers for test by a third party contractor with sovereign immunity..

I can't wait to help a client import a 22,000$ scientific laser and have to have it tested by a clueless third party, destroyed by said third party, not be able to challenge or witness the test, and then still have to pay said third party.


Besides, most cheap diode drivers don't back down that well.

Its been tried before, guys, and it just escalates the war..

Or they take the cheap route, and NOT even allow 1mW pointers.

I assure you governments read this forum. If you can't do something you want to do, maybe you need to work to change the law..

Steve

EzPk0970 said:

I think this is a great idea ! Although it would have to be a very specific key that could not be duplicated or "shorted". If it was as easy as inserting a key say someone took it apart and just bypassed it ? lol then the company would be out a 500mW laser for the price of that .5mW. Or similar scenario, but you guys get it right ? haha.

Click to expand...

No.

This is a perfectly good idea as long as it isn't overdone. I mean if someone modded something like a Herc/PGL/RPL to lase at 1mw it would understandably arouse suspicion. However for cheapo dx pointers and the like I see no reason why it wouldn't work just putting <1mw stickers on them. Not like the idiots at customs would have a power meter on hand.

Also you could take apart the laser and unsolder 1 wire on the module or something so customs couldn't test it even if they had a meter. Then when the buyer gets it all they need to do is resolder the wire and have a working laser.

The only way to fight unfair laws and restrictions like these is to break them and not get caught. Don't let the government fear mongers tell you what you can and can't have.

The only way to fight unfair laws and restrictions like these is to break them and not get caught. Don't let the government fear mongers tell you what you can and can't have.[/QUOTE]

Great attitude, Sir, Journalists just love ideas like that....

Better to work to change the law. Or just the get the high power use permit which is available by contacting the local cop shop... Might not be easy for a minor...

The head OZ cop got tired of incidents and put his foot down. But he never really heard from other users of lasers, I know a PROFESSIONAL laser show company owner who ran out to get weapons permits for each of his projectors. And that is insane... Somebody needed to speak some sensible and reasonable words to the folks that instituted the ban, and not just the local professional laser safety council, which evidently went gaga giving up everybody else's rights, so a few scientists had less paperwork. Sometimes its best to try to talk..

Instead, lasers got associated with firepower...

For the OP, five minutes of goggling , and I found a OZ vendor selling >125 mW for 225$ US for the front half of a OEM round green module, and they can legally import it as they sell scientific laser parts.. What you will use it for is up to you, but I would NOt go around telling everybody on the internet where you found it.. Find it, and enjoy owning one for research use... But don't blab to every immature person in OZ who wants one...

Steve

LSRFAQ said:

Or they take the cheap route, and NOT even allow 1mW pointers.

I assure you governments read this forum. If you can't do something you want to do, maybe you need to work to change the law..

Click to expand...

I just hope idiots stop shining them at planes or this will happen

wolfhunter9154 said:

I just hope idiots stop shining them at planes or this will happen

Click to expand...

That will never happen. People are stupid.