Looking for some help/suggestions.

[Southerngator]

I've owned lower power lasers (pointers, handhelds, gun mounted, etc...) in multiple colors and used handhelds into the 200-250mw range. I'm familiar with proper safety procedures, and aware of the risks/dangers associated with higher power lasers. I consider myself fairly capable with a basic DIY projects, soldering, etc... But, I'm out of the loop with what's currently available and slightly overwhelmed with the availability/variety in what's available on the forum.

I work in construction and I'm looking for a handheld that will primarily be used inside large indoor structures in a daylight environment, but is also capable of providing a visible dot in sunlight. I'm looking for suggestions as to something that can be purchased complete or as a simple build kit (basic assembly without fabrication) and for wavelength/color and power. I'm also looking for a relatively compact platform that you can put in your pocket (not a d-cell maglight build).

I've looked at the pointers like the sanwu pocket and guardian, jayrob's stainless steel green kit (with o-like module), and a few others. But from some of the dates on the forum posts...I don't know what still may or may not be available. I'd like it to be bright enough to have a visible beam at night to have some fun with my nephews, but i'm not necessarily looking for a burner to light matches and pop balloons from across the room. I'd love to hear member's thoughts/comments, and whether I'd be best off with a green, red, or even blue pointer.

Thanks in advance!:thanks:

 

[Rivem]

I'd say go with a 520nm or 532nm green. If you go red, get 635nm. Even though the perceived brightness is about the same as red, lighting typically leans towards the blue spectrum, so I wouldn't recommend a blue for this as it would need a lot of power. 5mW is safest, but distance is going to be a factor on the actual power level. Any ideas of how far you need to be able to see the dot from?

 

[Razako]

Welcome to the forum.
For your applications you'd be best off buying a green direct diode laser or a 532nm in the 50-100mw range.

https://sites.google.com/site/hkfew5e22/Series/challenger
The 50mw 515nm challenger would probably be suitable for your needs. Visible beam at night, visible spot during the day, durable and not crazily overpowered. You can also get one with the multi-mode driver which will allow you to select a safer <10mw mode or the full power mode depending on what you want.

 

[Southerngator]

Thanks for the warm welcome and quick replies!

I think 90% of the time a 50' range would be sufficient. I know PLS type lasers (for determining plumb and level) with green are much more visible in our environment, but not as common on the job because they are $$$ compared to their red counterparts. So, green is probably is my best choice...better visibility at a lower power = safer to use. Durability is also a good, considering it will probably become part of my every day carry in the same pocket as my streamlight and fisher space pen.

Knowing that in most hobbies, if a little is good, then more is better...I think my biggest concern was whether I'd be satisfied with something in the 50-100mw range or need to find something in the 150-200mw range. And, considering that this is a bit of an impulse buy that could turn into a daily used tool if it works well, I don't mind spending some money on it. But, why spend $200 if you don't need to. I just don't want to be thinking I should have bought the next "power level" up after carrying it around for a week.

I also like the multi-mode driver for adjustable power levels. That's a good idea for transitioning from indoors (where I may not need as much power) to outdoors.

 

[Lifetime17]

Hi Southern,
You would be looking for a Laser diode of a PLP520 B1 at 450mA's would put you about 180 to 200 mW's out out with a G2 lens . This diode can be put into a pen host for portability. and the host will handle the heat from the diode. I build one and it's sweet sky pointer. just for thought 520nm diode aren't cheap . but there the brightest nm out there it's the center of the color spectrum that our eyes pick up the best.

 

[hakzaw1]

$3 pointer 532 green on ebay-just bid low on free ship listings- I have gotten 3 colors for $9 total many times.

 

[olympus mons]

I'd recomend going with either a single mode 520nm or if you wanted to save more money a 532nm. 100-150mW is very bright and the beam will be more than visible in dark areas or night time. I have one of Sanwu's Challenger series 50mW 520's and it meters well over 100mW, very sturdy and of the highest quality, and about 100$ plus shipping. I can't say enough good things about Sanwu's lasers.
heres a link
Challenger