reminded of an old experiment that worked

[Roadking]

Not sure if this should go here or S&EP, feel free to remove (or delete, if it causes any trouble).
A friend sent me this, which I had done some time ago, completely forgot about it, pulled it back out, and it works (the article is not mine, but it is simply put). A decent firestarter/self defense (?)/ whatever for about $3. http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Amp_Up_a_Laser_Pointer

"Your laser pointer could be doing so much more than highlighting PowerPoint slides and blowing your cat's mind. It could be sculpting ice, sparking campfires, or searing one bad (i find explicative) on your leather jacket. Here's how to give a standard pointer a power upgrade.
This article is a wiki. Got extra advice? Log in and add it.
1 Disassemble the unit by removing the batteries, opening the housing, and taking out the laser module.
2 Search the circuit board for a variable resistor. Resembling a tiny Phillips-head screw, it's the key to boosting the current.
3 To intensify the beam, use a small screwdriver to gently tighten the resistor. Just don't tighten it all the way — your cheapo laser will burn out instantly.
4 Reassemble and aim your potent pointer at safe targets like ice, wood, or plastic. (Please, no people, animals, or airplanes!)"
Matt
PS, it won't take down that old oak tree, but can do more than just tease the cats (which is fun, just avoid their eys, for their sake). Also, not every laser pointer has the adjustment...might have to open up a few to find one that will work. I just pulled out a UPC laser scanner I bought from a company that went out of business years ago and am planning on trying my old twist on a 12 volt instead of a 4.5 volt system, and yes, outside of the house...LOL!

[Ross]

Not as harmful as an arc welder and info is what we're all about!

[Roadking]

I should have the scanner done tommorow. good or bad, I'll post it. Still, the pointers are great for messing with the cats...and chickens...and even the rabbit. LOL!
Just a thought for aanyone else who may have some excess parts laying around.
Matt

[Ed Norman]

I got one of the early laser sights and put it on a handgun. I called in a pair of coyotes at dawn, pointed the laser their way and switched it on. They saw the dot in the grass and ran like they were on fire.

One night I was pointing a new one around the yard, testing range,etc. An owl smashed into the ground at high speed and out of control, trying to get the dot. He staggered and finally got aloft again.

But generations of dogs have loved lasers around here.

[plowjockey]

I'll believe it when I see it.

The types of lasers used in pointers, are completely different than those used for cutting and engraving, etc.

It's more than just the amount of supplied power.

[Roadking]

Well, the handheld scanner was a bust (but still fun for a 10' red line in the back yard. Had it completely apart with the schematics, and nothing aided it (granted, manufactured 1997 as class 1). That is still a cat toy (or, as above, a coyote deterent...gotta try that).
The pointer, however still can pop a balloon; it's no James bond thingy, but it's about the equivalent of a good magnifying glass in the sun, but without the mag. glass or the sun...
Matt

[Ed Norman]

Tonight I found another use for a laser. I pointed it at the aquarium gravel and all the fish chased the dot around. Now I have something to do when the dog is out on patrol.

This guy has fun with lasers.

http://www.youtube.com/user/kipkay#p/c/17294D76A1D4AD60/1/5erjj6aS5Wshttp://www.youtube.com/user/kipkay#p/c/17294D76A1D4AD60/2/CgJ0EpxjZBU

[Roadking]

[QUOTE=Ed Norman;4245094]Tonight I found another use for a laser. I pointed it at the aquarium gravel and all the fish chased the dot around. Now I have something to do when the dog is out on patrol.
{/QUOTE]

Oh, yes, the fish! I love the pond in the summer!
Matt

For the coyotes you could try a motion detecter an some crystals from a chandalier. Its really cool if you point the laser up and hang the crystal on a string so it moves.

[EDDIE BUCK]

How about frog hunting with a supped up laser