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Must be very difficult to aim an IR laser without that kind of aid. Either that, or wait for the target to start melting and smoking. I've used fluorescing cards to check IR sensors in electronic devices, or video cameras to see the flicker of IR remotes. Those options have their drawbacks with...

I believe lasers should be treated like firearms—know the target and what is beyond it, don't point it anything you don't want destroyed, no screwing around with safety protocols ("I'll be okay without safety glasses this one time"), etc. So I always wear safety glasses rated for the color and...

WickedLasers sells a "converter" called Phosforce that will fluoresce blue light into "white." I ordered one, along with a laser, during their "new management" sale in December. And I still await its arrival. I assume a Phosforce could be ordered quickly. Maybe it is only the lasers that seem to...

China? Probably, but I've seen no such markings. The primary label is black with white text and wraps around the entire head of the device, interrupted only by the slide switch. The serial number sticker—with the frequency and wacky power rating—is laid over the black label. So it's possible...

Thanks, Gadget. I just wanted to be sure it hadn't been bounced in transit. Any ideas on that wacky labeling?

I just picked up a visual fault locator (VFL) for fiber optic work, and I have some questions about the device. I realize the unit is meant to attach to the end of a fiber via its "universal" connector. However, when aimed at a surface a meter away, it produces a "rosette" pattern about 30cm...

Thanks, guys. I guess "popcorn" wasn't specific enough. On a site like this, adding the word "laser" seemed redundant. And I was right—about as efficient as using a cluster of lasers to produce fusion energy. Or using an Arctic III as a flashlight... How about wave motion gun popcorn?

I did a search on "popcorn," but it didn't turn up any relevant results. I've seen lots of laser videos where balloons are popped, electrical tape is cut, and puddles of liquid fuels are ignited. What I'm curious to know is if anyone has managed to pop a kernel of popcorn with a laser? I...

Thanks, Spaceman.

Where can one buy them?

Maybe the "game" is an intelligence test, like the ape needing to stack boxes to reach the bananas, or the interocitor from THIS ISLAND EARTH. People who play the game by the rules are ignored as cannon fodder. (Unless they're really deft with the scissors. In which case Centauri gives them a...

Sorry, there was another item in the thread that I replied to. Or maybe someone has hacked my browser. I remember Robin Williams doing a split personality routine: "They think we're crazy." "No we're not!"

Who, me? I was just talking like a special effects artist. Two of the reasons to use some kind of special effect (practical or optical) are cost and potential hazard. Others pointed out that a laser powerful enough to pop balloons could be hazardous to the audience, and upping the power to...

The unit appears to be a "laser level" style diffraction lens to produce a red line. I'm guessing the intention is to create a line behind the vehicle that will then become visible across the hood of anyone who tailgates. Gimmicky, distracting, a potential glare hazard, etc. Besides, it's been...

Kais, could you use some other sort of gimmick, rather than a laser? You've seen the above replies about timing/reliability and potential hazard. Perhaps there is some stage lighting or magician's gag that might suffice? There's lots of tech out there. (When I speak of alternatives, I don't...

I can't help with your tech question, but I'm curious about this "game"—if you can tell us anything about it. 200 to 300 meters sounds like a long distance for a game. Many years ago I recall visiting a family entertainment center with some friends, and one of the attractions was a laser tag...

Nice photos. Now you just need to get Catherine Zeta-Jones to slink between the beams.

This thread has made me curious. I have a small green laser "pointer" (rated at <5mW, but whether or not that is true, I do not know). It was sold as a "ruggedized" green laser, but I bought it so long ago I cannot remember the outlet. The label shows that it was manufactured by Holograms &...

Doh! Why am I not surprised? You couldn't give me my five minutes of freedom, could you? :tired: Ellie sleeps under my blankets (not on top) every night, tucked behind my knees, and she sits on my lap and drinks the milk out of my Cheerios in the morning. —Matt

Greetings. I'm an armchair science fan who grew up in a house with 5000 books in it—many of them sci-fi. I never had any formal training in electronics, but picked up enough through reading and tinkering to work as a repair and maintenance tech in TV studios. I currently install various kinds of...