I do see something which hasen't been stressed as I scrolled through the thread.
Even though 50mW won't have a huge visible beam, please be careful where/when you decide to aim it at the sky. I know it's amazing to see your laser create a big green beam, I really do, but lately lasers and planes have started to become a growing conflict. The FAA has responded by recently declaring this as a terrorist threat and the consequences *if caught* are not in the least amusing. So pleeeeeaaaaseeee. Before firing it up make sure there aren't any planes, if the sky is cloudy I still wouldn't advise to do it, but you do as you please.
All I ask is that you have fun, be safe and keep this hobby alive my friend
Doesnt have to be directly at a plane, the law says at a plane or in its path of flight; which can be interpreted differently by everyone so basically NO WHERE in front of the plane. Behind it is safer but IMO if you see a plane in the sky, you don't use your laser. Make it simple and avoid issues
Thats a great point, thanks for looking out!
Aside from the ones that I can see coming, I use a Flight Radar app to get an idea who's flying nearby
I heard some crazy stories a while back so I figured I better be safe considering these lasers are getting a little more powerful than the average pointer...
