First Laser

[killermidget]

Hello everyone, I am looking into buying my first laser probably around 10-30mW, either 532nm or 650nm my price range is probably up to around $60 (not sure if this is enough could probably round up some more) i was wondering what site i should buy from and because i am Australian what can I do to bypass customs

Thanks
-Mark

 

[Things]

Bypassing Aus customs is near impossible these days, they can weed out laser pointers real fast, and they even test them to make sure they don't exceed 1mW.

I'd consider grabbing a module or diode from someone like DTR or eBay and building it into your own host,t hat way you're guaranteed to have a laser.

 

[killermidget]

So the diode is basically the main power source for the laser right? and how much do you think this would cost? and do you think you could give me a link to a decent one?

 

[killermidget]

So something like this?
New 1 Piece 532NM 30MW Green Laser Module Laser Head Laser AccessoRIES | eBay

 

[RedDart]

Hello everyone, I am looking into buying my first laser probably around 10-30mW, either 532nm or 650nm my price range is probably up to around $60 (not sure if this is enough could probably round up some more) i was wondering what site i should buy from and because i am Australian what can I do to bypass customs

Thanks
-Mark

You can get a 10-30mW 532nm off eBay for 4-5$... Those *5mW green* lasers are most likely 20-40mW (overspec) And you're paying a fraction of your budget!

I see absolutely no use in paying more than 10$ for a weak green laser because there is no space in their small hosts to make them any better.

 

[killermidget]

Well i am actually thinking about getting a gun mount host cause im getting a replica gun for military drill. And you reckon something like this
High Brightness 5mW 650nm Red Laser Module Line | eBay

 

[Things]

You can get a 10-30mW 532nm off eBay for 4-5$... Those *5mW green* lasers are most likely 20-40mW (overspec) And you're paying a fraction of your budget!

I see absolutely no use in paying more than 10$ for a weak green laser because there is no space in their small hosts to make them any better.

I can guarantee 100% that those typical Newwish style pens will get caught in customs

 

[killermidget]

What do you mean by Newwish style pens? and what is your opinion on those two links i sent?

 

[RedDart]

I can guarantee 100% that those typical Newwish style pens will get caught in customs

What? Newwish style pens?

 

[Things]

These:

They're produced by a company called Newwish, every Chinese seller and their cat has them.

 

[RedDart]

These:

They're produced by a company called Newwish, every Chinese seller and their cat has them.

I've ordered countless 'newwish' pens, never had a single one seized. And I don't understand your logic. Why would they seize a 5$ laserpen marked <5mW when the 50$ <5mW won't?

 

[Things]

Because you live in Canada, OP lives in Australia, Lasers over 1mW are illegal. I'm saying they'll seize ALL of them, no matter colour, price, or power. Very, very rare you'll actually find one that's truly under 1mW as you said yourself, they're almost always overspec. Australian customs have a power meter - they check.

 

[RedDart]

Because you live in Canada, OP lives in Australia, Lasers over 1mW are illegal. I'm saying they'll seize ALL of them, no matter colour, price, or power. Very, very rare you'll actually find one that's truly under 1mW as you said yourself, they're almost always overspec. Australian customs have a power meter - they check.

Damn, so strict! I guess some packages get through when marked 'flashlight'? Or the second best bet is to contact an australian member on LPF and arrange something...

 

[Things]

They have probably setup the X-ray scanners to detect anything that looks similar to a laser pointer, unlikely marking them as something different would get them through, it'd have to actually be in a flashlight looking host before you had a chance.

 

[killermidget]

do you know anybody Australian sellers on lpf and does that second link i posted look alright? and sorry for all the questions just new to this

 

[Things]

Have a look through the Buy/Sell/Trade section on the forum. Not too many Aus sellers, because it is pretty risky, chances are you'll have to PM someone that looks like they have the capacity to build one for you, if you wish to go that way. Otherwise the 2 modules you linked should get through customs fine.