Affordable laser line module that casts a clearly visible line at ~5 m range?

[VioletGiraffe]

Hi folks. New member here, barely know anything about lasers and especially about what's available and what costs how much, so please bear with me.

I want a laser line module (or a point module with a line attachment) that would be visible outdoors during the day (or at least evening) in the shade at a distance of 5 m. I reckon I need a green laser due to the human eye sensitivity curve peaking in the green area.

Is this even feasible? What kind of power do I need?

I've purchased a pair of 5 mW red line modules, thinking to myself: "Surely this will do, because IT'S A LASER!". I have received them today and am immensely disappointed, they are unbelievably feeble. So now I'm aware of the challenges behind this task

 

[CurtisOliver]

Yes you are correct. Green laser modules would be best for this use. 5m isn't too great a distance so should be feasible.
You will most probably need 50mW+ to get a reasonable line in light conditions.
Can I ask why you want this? Also welcome to the forum.

 

[VioletGiraffe]

Thank you!

I want to devise some kind of a parking guidance system, like landing lights on an airfield. I have a relatively narrow garage entrance and while I can now reliably enter it with no casualties (after a year of tears and suffering), I still find it difficult to align my car parallel to the walls. So I wanted to project some guide lines along the entrance approach to align the car by.

 

[CurtisOliver]

Ok, as long as the beams are not going to be on public property or is going to have people intercepting the beams then this isn't a problem. I'm wondering whether or not their is a better alternative to this however. An example could be reflective verge posts that you can use to align your vehicle, and they don't require power.

 

[VioletGiraffe]

It is on public property, sort of, which is why I cannot place any physical objects too far outside my garage gate. There is no law against casting light on the ground in my country, on the other hand. As for people - that is a valid concern, but not a problem in this case. And I think it should be possible to position and partially screen the module in such a way that it would be impossible for a by-stander to look directly into the aperture unintentionally.

I'm curious, though: will glancing briefly into the aperture of a green 50 mW laser inflict permanent sight damage?

 

[3DLaSeRBuiLDeR]

" MAY " I think that you MAY....BE you need to leave ! "

Hi Curtis

 

[CurtisOliver]

It is on public property, sort of, which is why I cannot place any physical objects too far outside my garage gate. There is no law against casting light on the ground in my country, on the other hand. As for people - that is a valid concern, but not a problem in this case. And I think it should be possible to position and partially screen the module in such a way that it would be impossible for a by-stander to look directly into the aperture unintentionally.

I'm curious, though: will glancing briefly into the aperture of a green 50 mW laser inflict permanent sight damage?

Where are you from?
Also there may be no specific law against it, but if you cause problems with the laser then there will be some issues. I'll give a true but ridiculous example. There is no specific law about be owning and using kitchen knifes, but if I start placing them as markers outside, then you can imagine that this would cause a problem.

Anything over 5mW is regarded as a danger to eyesight. So having a 50mW+ beam projected away from your property may not be the best idea. After all, if your not allowed to place anything physical down, then projecting hazardous light down will also be disallowed. Sorry, but have to be honest. In my opinion 50-100mW is not that dangerous, but it is a Class 3B none the less. Spread out into a line and the danger also decreases. The concern is if someone complains or gets hurt. Then you will have to answer why you have Class 3B's shining out of your property.

3D?

 

[3DLaSeRBuiLDeR]

Where are you from?
Also there may be no specific law against it, but if you cause problems with the laser then there will be some issues. I'll give a true but ridiculous example. There is no specific law about be owning and using kitchen knifes, but if I start placing them as markers outside, then you can imagine that this would cause a problem.

Anything over 5mW is regarded as a danger to eyesight. So having a 50mW+ beam projected away from your property may not be the best idea. After all, if your not allowed to place anything physical down, then projecting hazardous light down will also be disallowed. Sorry, but have to be honest. In my opinion 50-100mW is not that dangerous, but it is a Class 3B none the less. Spread out into a line and the danger also decreases. The concern is if someone complains or gets hurt. Then you will have to answer why you have Class 3B's shining out of your property.

3D?

I was referring to the MAY...your woman policy in London ! who made that damage to the hotel up in flames!

 

[CurtisOliver]

Well yes, no one is particularly happy with her. But this was the also the councils responsibility. Such a terrible disaster that could of been averted.

 

[3DLaSeRBuiLDeR]

MAY .....MAY...BE CHANGE AIR IMMEDIATLY -----------> [ E X I T ] follow the lines on the floor please madam !

 

[VioletGiraffe]

Thanks, appreciate your systemic approach to the problem. I'm certain there will be no legal problem: this is a closed area with a bunch of garages that only the owners of these garages have access to. Not to mention that the system won't be operated unattended - obviously I will turn it on while parking and off as soon as I'm done.

 

[CurtisOliver]

You're welcome. I never want to give advice that leads to problems with authorities. As long as this is the case then I don't see a problem.
Can I get you to add your location to your profile, as it helps us out when giving advice.
I'm getting a gist that you are also from the UK, but I could be wrong.

 

[VioletGiraffe]

I'm getting a gist that you are also from the UK, but I could be wrong.

I'm from Ukraine. I'll take your guess as a compliment to my English skill, ha-ha

I can see some 50 mW green lasers for 10-20 bucks. Is it reasonable to expect them to actually produce that power in this price range?

 

[CurtisOliver]

Ukraine. Your English is very good. By the style I could guess European at least, but I honestly though UK.
Well, you can probably find cheaper but I found this to start you off.
532nm 50mw Line Laser Module Locator for Cutting 18x75mm + AC Adapter + Mount | eBay

Edit: The power stated can be false. Depending on the type they can often be lower or higher than stated.

 

[BowtieGuy]

VioletGiraffe, here is another source from Apinex, but they are quite expensive.
Green Line Laser Modules

 

[CurtisOliver]

Aren't they just.