The cheapo green lasers are on e-bay. The $90 to $100 ones seem to be more and more common now though (like on e-bay, http://www.scopestuff.com/index.html, and http://www.z-bolt.com/). They all seem to be about the same and most seem to be from the same two manufacturers in China (http://www.chinagonet.com/cnilaser/products.html) and Taiwan (http://www.leadlight.com.tw/btm.htm). One of the drawbacks is that the lasers are classified at "<5 MW" and from what I have read they vary widely, usually between 1.5 and 4 MW. You might get lucky, or you might get a dud. One e-bay seller claims to test each of his and sells specific ones as "guaranteed 5 MW" and then auctions the others for less. As you all know, however, on e-bay your mileage varies. I have had some great transactions, but also seen stuff that is obviously a rip-off. Aaron
-----Original Message----- From: Richard Tenney [mailto:retenney@yahoo.com] Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 11:43 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: RE: [Utah-astronomy] Star pointer, was Meade LX10 8"
I keep a 4 D-cell Maglight (like the cops use) in my eyepiece case (with a focusable beam) to point out stars; works pretty well, and these can be picked up for about $20+ locally at Sams club or most sporting goods stores; even the 3 D-cell models work pretty well. The opaque shroud is a good idea, as there is some light spill without it for those nearby trying to observe (I have to get away from the pack and try not to point too low).
But I've also seen and used some of the green lasers, and I have to say these babies are very cool; I'd love to have one, just haven't been able to bring myself to plunk down $150 for one (where are you seeing them for $60?).
-Rich