[Laser] Reasonable Sensitivity Checks ?

[steve kavanagh]

> I've never had very good luck with CD-player
detectors.  If 
> you replace the detector with something more
suitable you will
> be amazed at the increase in sensitivity.  But as
pointed out
> it all depends on how weak a signal you intend to be
working
> with.  Maybe what you have is good enough for what
you want to
> do...

Thanks for the info.  Certainly the CD player detector
is awfully small, which will make focussing & pointing
a bit too finicky.  I just happened to have one to get
me started.  What would be your suggested devices ?

My goals at this point aren't quite clear....I need a
bit of experience first before being able to generate
specs !  But I would like primarily to have something
suitable for ham radio (ARRL) contests (must use a
laser transmitter and must work both at night and in
daytime and must be capable of > 1 km communication,
preferably including during the daytime).  There would
be some advantage here for design choices that provide
ease of use and quick pointing.  On the other hand it
might be interesting to try for distance too....which
has rather different requirements.

Steve VE3SMA



	

	
		
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