[AZ-Observing] Re: GCSP North Rim Report
- From: "Randy Peterson" <rgpeterson@xxxxxxx>
- To: <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 09:49:43 -0700
I just looked at Optotronics - if I looked correctly, the weakest laser they
sell for our usage is over 100mw?
I bought a 20 mw unit at the RTMC last year, have used it for dozens of star
parties in the last year, and am happy with it. Still going strong.
Haven't had anyone say they couldn't see the beam as it was pointing out
objects in the sky, and a great number of the star parties we do are in the
metro Phoenix area, with accompanying light pollution. It's price is
considerably less than what I saw on Optotronics.
The 5 mw unit I used a couple years ago was not noticable in the city. I am
of the opinion that 20-35 mw is about right for our usage. If you can
afford more, that is great, but not necessary IMHO.
I agree it would be interesting to see how far a beam is actually visible.
Not sure how to accomplish that safely, however.
Randy Peterson
----- Original Message -----
From: "George Barber" <gbarber@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>; <taaaforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 9:09 AM
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: GCSP North Rim Report
I'll pass this along on the TAAA user's group. I did find it interesting
that the lasers will travel that distance. Of course, the beam does
diverge, but still delivers a potent flash even after travelling through 10
miles of smoke, dust, and air. I did note that last Friday evening when
the North rim responded to the South rim.
I am often asked how far the beam travels "up" by the public whenever I use
a green laser. I know you can't see the actual beam for 10 miles because
of divergence and scattering, but it would be interesting to know how far
the beam is actually visible. Perhaps a safe experiment can be arranged in
the future.
Some of us have higher-power lasers, as we hold public star parties where
sky conditions are not as optimal. This does create a dilemna when it
comes to darker sites like the GCSP. The laser I purchased has an
adjustable power level, but was rather expensive. The one I had last year
(a 55 mW) quit working after a few months. I did a lot of research on
green lasers, and decided to purchase a high-end unit constructed to
perform at the specified power level without exceeding the internal
components' ratings. The adjustable level is nice, as I can actually
increase or reduce the laser's output depending on what I need. However,
with such a powerful unit, I do have to be very careful now! I would not
want to take out orbiting satellites (ha, ha). I purchased the unit from
Optotronics.
Perhaps we can find a better way to signal each other and say "hi", without
annoying those who are not interested.
George
"Steven Dodder"
<sdodder@hotmail.
com> To
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Subject
[AZ-Observing] Re: GCSP North Rim
06/26/2006 06:51 Report
PM
Please respond to
az-observing@free
lists.org
Having been on both ends of "laser wars", I'd like to negotiate an
armistice. It was an interesting experiment, to see how well lasers
traverse the ~9 miles across the canyon, but now it's turned into something
else.
Viewed another way, it was funny at first, but now it's just annoying.
I vote we cease and desist. Plus, I agree with Tom P. 5mW is plenty in a
dark site.
Steve and Rosie Dodder
sdodder@xxxxxxxxxxx
Visit my web site at http://www.stargazing.net/Astroman
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