>5mW Lasers

[noobpsphacker]

They're illegal in the U.S. I can't figure out why! I'd have so much fun with a laser, but 5mX ones are usually really cheaply built and overall sh*tty. Can anyone answer this?

[PspKicks316]

They're dangerous and a hazard/threat to planes and other object.

A simple google search would give the same. Check out Wicked Lasers if you like some nice lasers.

[802Chives]

i dont think >5mW lasers are illegal to sell...

http://www.google.com/products?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=25mW+laser+diode&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=X14kSpHQC9-JtgeZuoW-Bg&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title

just you arent going to find em at radio shack and mouser.  try edmunds or ebay.

[Tec_]

over five is not allowed in the US. unless it changed recently. but you can thank idiots like this for those laws.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24429508-3102,00.html
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1310445/posts
http://www.wwaytv3.com/man_who_shines_laser_sable_helicopter_arrested/01/2009

and the military has been using them as optical warning devices. they use them to temporarily blind a person as a less than lethal distraction device

http://www.bemeyers.com/index.php?option=com_product&catid=34&Itemid=53

[802Chives]

erm.... im not trying to start a fight, but nothing in those articles says anything about a restriction on optical output or anything being illegal(except shining them at aircraft). there may be local restrictions on selling them, but I think that it is misinformation that >5mW lasers are illegal.

besides, if there was a restriction Thor would have a problem with selling 1W Laser Diodes!
http://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage11.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=7

I need to see this so called law to be convinced.

[Tec_]

erm.... im not trying to start a fight, but nothing in those articles says anything about a restriction on optical output or anything being illegal(except shining them at aircraft). there may be local restrictions on selling them, but I think that it is misinformation that >5mW lasers are illegal.

besides, if there was a restriction Thor would have a problem with selling 1W Laser Diodes!
http://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage11.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=7

I need to see this so called law to be convinced.

i just said thanks to idiots like them for laws on the max out put.


the law on the subject https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=1040.10


and they can get away with it at thorlabs because its not an assembled laser pointer. and buy buying it you agree to not use it in the manor addressed by the law

[802Chives]

Im still calling BS on the restriction of >5mW lasers assembled or component

That FDA document outlines classification guidelines for laser products, and right in that document it discusses Class III-b lasers in visible wavelengths up 500mW or 0.5W.  Class III-a laser devices carry the 5mW limit according to that document.  (now those arent as cut and dry as they would seem because each class has its own requirements like low classes are continuous exposure, and the III-b for example has radiation exposure times as low as 9 nano seconds in which certain levels arent to be exceeded without being a class IV)

All that document does is outlines requirements in order to sell a laser under a certain class.  There are requirements on III-b lasers that make them harder to sell, like insurance, FCC and UL regs that might make it seem like people dont sell them, basically its because those agencies dont want punks shinning them at airplanes.

I am still standing on my position, lasers are my industry, this isnt the first time I have had to try and make sense of that FDA document.  And besides who needs an assembled unit when you can make one?

[Tec_]

im not saying there illegal to own. its just not legal in the us to sell a laser pointer (fully assembled unit to point things out so not just a diode and not a laser cutter witch run more than 1w)

so i can own a 10mW laser pointer, i just can't have bought it in the US and i have to use it in a fashion that dose not contradict the regs on it.

so its like a CB radio. there are FCC rules but your can break them with little to no repercussions

[802Chives]

Sorry man just for whatever reason, whether it be that this is not the first thread I have seen with this discusion or it just the first time I looked into these allegations, I just cant let this one go.  It is misinformation that plagues a site like this.

Green Laser Pointers:
350mW: http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3151716

100mW: http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3151713

50mW:  http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3027613

10mW:  http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3151712

Red Laser Pointer:
500mW! http://focalprice.com/product_7945.html

There was some misinformation in my previous post about IIIb lasers being up to 5W, it is only up to 500mW or 0.5W.  dang decimal places and scientific notation   either way the proof is in the pudding on this one.  Im not sure about focalprice, but Edmund Scientific is about as american as apple pie.

[noobpsphacker]

I know its possible to sell them. I saw this on dealextreme.com. I looked up laser pointers, and saw a 200mW laser for like $800 compared to the 5mW lasers for like $5, and though WHOAH THATS GOTTA GO FAR. So I clicked the link to see how far the beam could be seen. It said all orders of >5mW lasers to the U.S. will be canceled due to FDA regulations. Actually, I don't think it was FDA. May be, may not be. But some regulations restricted >5mW lasers in the U.S.

[EliteGamer83]

Here's your answer: http://www.dragonlasers.com/catalog/index.html

And

http://www.dragonlasers.com/catalog/Hulk-Ultra-350mW-p-16193.html

[802Chives]

well I can understand the FDA restricting the import on those devices if the criteria, outlined in the above linked document, were not being met.

idk

[EliteGamer83]

Lol I wanna buy the 350mW one... XD

[W-Gaming5]

 

[EliteGamer83]

Yeah you can make em from Xbox 360 drive and PS3 drive, and a blu ray drive.

[802Chives]

Important FDA Warning for all >5mW Lasers: FDA advices all customers that these lasers may be purchased only if you are NOT a citizen of the United States and you are NOT currently living in the United States

LOL... I dont doubt the FDA shut them down, but you would think that if it was a law then there would be more press on it other than just from deal extreme.

Anything strike you funny about that quote? pretty sure the FDA doesnt advise only non americans to buy them.

You guys may very well still be correct, I just haven't seen anything that strikes me as proof of the law.