... Dave, I share your opinion and definition of hobby. An interest and desire to learn more about it on your own time is the core of having a "hobby".
Now you have your first you have started down the slippery path. For $15 you get a 5mw 532nm (green). then you need something to balance that one out. And a different color one too. And there is an unbelievable sale on a limited color.....
Thank you for understanding where I'm coming from with this being a hobby despite the frequency. I've been wanting to start down the slippery path for a while now, but like I said, I've been waiting for when I can afford the proper eye protection. And last I looked into goggles (three years ago), we were talking about at least $100 for one pair to handle one wavelength I'd be collecting. I just didn't have the money back then, which is why my hobby stalled for so long. I have laser diodes, wires, some electronic components, Aixiz housings, soldering iron, etc. Just waiting for "extra" money to put towards the proper safety gear.
Look, I'm here nearly everyday, around 3 or 4 times a day. And I can barley keep up with the info here. If you want to take your time its fine. Learn what you want, at your own pace. No problem. But if you think you can enter a community like this with stories of $1 lasers, it wont work. We talk about what is going on in the present, no the past. This is a science forum, not a chat forum. We do chat, but its always about the newest info. So try to see why we are reacting to your thread like this. We're in college, and you are in kindergarten. There is nothing really to talk to you about. "How's the weather" doesn't fly here.
By all means, enjoy your stay. Just dont be surprised by people reaction when you post something like this thread. If I didnt know you, I'd say this was a troll thread.
I entered this community three years ago when I began my research and info gathering on this subject. I was here every day back then, asking questions, reading a LOT, etc. I even did write-ups (w/ photos) of a PSU project I wanted to start, and harvesting a diode out of a DVD drive I had. Everyone welcomed me and was very nice. Heck, even you sent me some parts to put to good use, and I greatly appreciate that. I'm only "taking my time" out of necessity until I can obtain the proper eye protection. Money is beyond tight for me.
My apologies about starting a "kindergarten" thread like this. But from my point-of-view, we all have to start somewhere. So when a laser pointer, no matter how cheap, gets dumped into my lap, I wanted to tell someone who I thought could relate and maybe even be a little excited for me. Obviously I was wrong. But this IS my present, not my past. We learn from the past just as much as our present, so that we can make our future what we want. And I want to finally finish my laser projects that I started so long ago. This freebie pointer sparked my interest again. And I didn't think telling others was a bad thing. But again, I was wrong.
Just joking with ya. Please do make some reviews if you are a good photographer. Always nice to see well done reviews. I think there was even one done here on one of those super cheap laser pointers anyway which was a decent read despite the subject.
I'll consider it, although it would seem that such a kindergarten laser review wouldn't be taken seriously by all you college level members, so what would be the point?
I guess I'll just have to wait until I can get a decent pair of properly rated goggles and finish my laser builds before I'm taken seriously here (again). I never expected this sort of "welcome back" from everyone here. Obviously I hit a nerve with many of you, and I apologize for that. Hopefully I can be a worthy member here once again, someday.
So, I'll leave this sad and pathetic thread with one last important question:
What is the going price and trusted brands for CERTIFIED (OD 4 or higher)goggles that protect against 532nm (green) + unfiltered IR (808nm or 1064nm?) and 660-760nm (red) lasers, all under 500mW? I'm assuming there isn't one goggle that can protect against all wavelengths, so I'd need one of each, and slip-over style since I wear glasses. And where can I order such goggles?
Thanks everyone.
