[Laser] laser and law

Mon, 29 Dec 2003 20:58:54 EST

In a message dated 12/29/03 11:14:52 PM GMT Standard Time, 
[email protected] writes:

> I know this thread comes up from time to time, but I still haven't been 
> able to get a straight answer.  Anyway, I'm just about ready to try some 
> cloud-bounce QSOs.  What exactly are the rules for how much power I'm allowed to 
> shoot into the sky--All of my stuff goes into a 3" beam expander, so the power 
> density should be very low even with my 100mw IR diode.  Can anyone address 
> this?  For now I'm just going to keep the beam away from aircraft, not that 
> they would ever have a chance of being endanged by it in the first place.
> 
> Andy K0SM
> 
> 

Hi Andy.

With the expanded beam you should be OK as the power density will be low and 
the IR cannot be seen.  I was worried by this until I discovered a high power 
green laser located a few miles south of here. It's used for bouncing off 
retroreflectors fitted to satellites. Apparently it generates element sets that 
are much more accurate than the usual NASA radar. We asked what precautions they 
took regarding aircraft......and they just looked blank!

73

David   G0MRF

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