laser pointers suitable for classroom lecturing?

[rustydomino]

hi guys,

It seems that there are a lot of knowledgeable folks on this forum. I'm interested in getting a good quality laser pointer, but not for the "EXTREME" stuff (10,000 mw to burn off someone's unibrow at 1000 yards, etc.) most of you guys seem to be into. I need one for doing classroom lectures in medium to large sized lecture halls. At one point I had a 635 nm Class II from Atlasnova, and it did the job reasonably well, but I lost that laser and am looking to buy something new.

If someone knows of a laser that has the following features (and a reputable company that sells quality products, I don't want a cheap Radio Shack laser), I'd love to know about it:

1. Class II laser (wimpy I know, but it's for classrooms), red is OK, green would be nice. Beam needs to be steady; means a green laser would have to have APC?
2. Decent battery life (has to withstand at least ~2 hours of intermittent usage. I have a green laser for amateur astronomy, the thing drains after less than 1 hour). If they take AA instead of AAA, I am assuming it would last longer? I have had a hard time finding laser pointers that use AA batteries instead of AAA. Also, I like the idea of the thicker handle that might come with a laser powered by AA batteries.
3. Rechargeable would be even better, since I teach quite a bit and use laser pointers very frequently. I found some OEM webpages with USB rechargeable laser pointers, but was not sure of the quality.
4. I really don't like the typical laser pointer button. If there are ones that have a different kind of switch that would be great (but not necessarily an always ON switch).

Right now it looks like I am going to order another Atlasnova 635 nm red laser, but would appreciate any feedback. Atlasnova also carries a class II green laser w/ APC. How would battery life compare to a class II red?

Cheers and thanks!

 

[Morgan]

I think you can do much worse than the laser you have ear marked. You've had one before and liked it, it did a good job, etc, etc...

Battery life will probably be a little shorter in the green as the pump diode it uses will likely be running at a higher current but I'm not sure you'd notice too much to be honest in a low powered unit like that.

Bear in mind two things with the greens...

They are tricky to gaurantee output so a cheap one could actually be quite a bit overspec if you're looking specifically for Class II, (properly controlled pointers of this type usually contain an optical feedback circuit that monitors the light output and keeps it within limits. I can't recall just now what this system is called, my mind is blank but someone will know...). You should ask this question for clarity and peace of mind I think.

The other thing is that green is much more visible to the eye than red, (even the orangey red of 635nm), so may be more useful if the lecture hall is very large.

I hope that helps you there.

M

 

[DJNY]

I can highly recommend you this Z-Bolt Bicolor laser
TwoBeam - Dual Green & Red, New Design, 2 Buttons, Two Beams !

Mine has a red output at 4.5mW and 4.1mW of green light. I use the red for seminar rooms and the green for the auditorium.

Here are some pics I took a few minutes ago:

 

[DJNY]

kiyoukan

 

[Morgan]

^ I think DJNY was just noting, "the pitch"!

I don't think the salesmen should be using those pointers during presentations. Do you?

Don't forget this is for a classroom. So 5mW maximum would be appropriate here. If it were the UK the laser would have to be <1mW to be allowed!

M

 

[DJNY]

Are you drunken kiyoukan?

The thread-starter didn´t ask for your stuff and I won´t recommend a 50mW (or whatever) 445nm for lecture application.

 

[kiyoukan]

its early morning, and when i read the op i read it differently. if he want to a 5mw max go something green, anything else imo is not worth it unless its at your local dollar store.

 

[RA_pierce]

1. Class II laser (wimpy I know, but it's for classrooms), red is OK, green would be nice. Beam needs to be steady; means a green laser would have to have APC?

All the lasers linked here are Class IIIa or lower, which is ideal for a presentation/classroom setting. They are all high quality and have APC.

https://enthusiast.laserglow.com/GAN
https://enthusiast.laserglow.com/GLY
https://enthusiast.laserglow.com/GAL

FDA Safety Class II Green Laser - Legal UK, Australia, European Union
Z-Bolt&#174 BTG-5 Focusable Green Laser - Adjust Optic Lens to Vary Beam Dot Size.

2. Decent battery life (has to withstand at least ~2 hours of intermittent usage. I have a green laser for amateur astronomy, the thing drains after less than 1 hour). If they take AA instead of AAA, I am assuming it would last longer? I have had a hard time finding laser pointers that use AA batteries instead of AAA. Also, I like the idea of the thicker handle that might come with a laser powered by AA batteries.

3. Rechargeable would be even better, since I teach quite a bit and use laser pointers very frequently. I found some OEM webpages with USB rechargeable laser pointers, but was not sure of the quality.

I use these batteries for all my AAA pen lasers. They last a long time and are rechargeable.
Sanyo 1000mah AAA 4/pack NiMH Batteries 1000 mah *WORLDS BEST BATTERY*

4. I really don't like the typical laser pointer button. If there are ones that have a different kind of switch that would be great (but not necessarily an always ON switch).

These use constant on switches:

Green 532nm:
https://enthusiast.laserglow.com/GGA
Z-Bolt&#174 ASTRO-10 plus Green Laser Star Pointer - 5 Mile Range, Lithium Power
Z-Bolt&#174 BTG-2S plus Green Laser Star Pointer - 5 Mile Range, 3 Finishes, Visible Beam

Red 635nm:
BTE-4S, Highest Power Red Laser Pointer - Constant On Switch, Foam Case, 635 nm

Also, the AtlasNova 635nm is a great laser pointer at a great price. Good choice.
Hope the links help.

If you have the cash...
https://enthusiast.laserglow.com/GRH
The color is incredible. Check my review here: http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/glp-589nm-5mw-yellow-56238.html
It's the same laser, only purchased from the original manufacturer.

 

[chipdouglas]

member daguin is a professor and he says he uses his 405 set at a low power. it's very unique and vivid on a white board. maybe he will sell you one set at low power.

michael

 

[rustydomino]

thanks for all the informative replies, I'll be sure to check out the various recommendations.

cheers!

Mike