From majordomo-owner@berlioz.nsc.com Mon Mar 3 15:54:11 1997 Date: Mon, 3 Mar 97 15:54:10 PST To: jmoss From: majordomo@berlioz.nsc.com Subject: Majordomo file: list 'laser' file 'laser.9702' Reply-To: majordomo@berlioz.nsc.com Content-Length: 55023 -- >From owner-laser Mon Feb 3 10:03:50 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA04234; Mon, 3 Feb 97 10:03:50 PST Date: Mon, 3 Feb 97 10:00:58 PST From: jmoss (Jim Moss) Message-Id: <9702031800.AA04001@berlioz.nsc.com> To: WB2ODHJIM@aol.com Subject: lasers Cc: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Jim, (WB2ODH/6) Did you submit your "new" record claim yet? Could you restate the particulars to me so I can keep remembering my goal? I've updated my setup recently with a new "raster" aiming device. A pair of stepper motors, an X and Y mirror system (using 300 tpi screw systems) and computer interface thru the parallel port of a PC. This allows me to course aim, and then let the computer do a raster type scan until the RX station "see's" it. Then manual keyboard entry of X and Y to fine tune it. The system is designed to allow about .1mR steps (our diodes are typically 1-2mR), so there is plenty of precision. Also have been experimenting with the use of "large" (8.5"x11") fresnel lens instead of the 8" parabolic mirror. It's cheaper ($7 at local book stores), it basicly works, but I haven't measured how well yet. Had a fun QSO last week with Richard (KD6BQ). We set up the lasers down a street, with both of us at about 2' above it with our tripods. Rather than make exact aiming, we "bounced" it off the street in front of the RX. The street was very "mirror like" but provided enough scattering and signal to make the alignment less critical. Fun! Jim, I also invite you to subscribe to the laser reflector... We've had almost no traffic lately! I'm copying it on this letter. You can, too , by sending to laser@berlioz.nsc.com. Subscribe info: send email to majordomo@berlioz.nsc.com inside the message type: subscribe laser WB2ODHJIM@aol.com You can later unsubcribe if you need to by simply sending another email to majordomo@berlioz.nsc.com inside type: unsubscribe laser WB2ODHJIM@aol.com It also supports usual mailserver commands like WHO and others. 73, Jim WB9AJZ/6 >From owner-laser Mon Feb 10 09:10:29 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA24187; Mon, 10 Feb 97 09:10:29 PST Message-Id: <32FF5761.352A@rockie.nsc.com> Date: Mon, 10 Feb 1997 09:14:09 -0800 From: Jim Moss Reply-To: jmoss@rockie.nsc.com Organization: nsc X-Sender: Jim Moss (Unverified) X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.0b1 (Win95; I) Mime-Version: 1.0 To: laser@berlioz Subject: [Fwd: mirrors] X-Priority: Normal Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary="----------48803A1B6CB2" Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------------48803A1B6CB2 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----------32C652631803" ------------32C652631803 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Low cost rx mirrors! Jim WB9AJZ/6 Louis Boyd wrote: > > r2t2@unm.edu (paymon kayhanis) wrote: > >There is a company advertising mirrors for telescopes at very low > >prices. They claim to have developed a method for casting them instead > >of grinding them, therefor greatly reducing the labor required to make > >them. They have a web page, but I lost the address. Their email address > >is opticast@abwam.com. > > Opticast Corporation > > http://www.diamondsports.com/opticast/index.html > > Phone 505-836-0502 > > Parabolic replica mirrors 1/4 wave pv: > 4" f/4 29.95 > 6" f/4 49.95 ------------32C652631803 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii
Low cost rx mirrors!
Jim
WB9AJZ/6
 
 
Louis Boyd wrote:
> 
> r2t2@unm.edu (paymon kayhanis) wrote:
> >There is a company advertising mirrors for telescopes at very low
> >prices.  They claim to have developed a method for casting them instead
> >of grinding them, therefor greatly reducing the labor required to make
> >them.  They have a web page, but I lost the address.  Their email address
> >is opticast@abwam.com.
> 
> Opticast Corporation
> 
> http://www.diamondsports.com/opticast/index.html
> 
> Phone 505-836-0502
> 
> Parabolic replica mirrors 1/4 wave pv:
> 4" f/4  29.95
> 6" f/4  49.95
 
------------32C652631803-- ------------48803A1B6CB2 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Disposition: inline Content-Type: message/rfc822 Xref: nsc sci.optics:25088 Path: nsc!voder!nntp-hub3.barrnet.net!cam-news-hub1.bbnplanet.com!news.bbnplanet.com!howland.erols.net!newspump.sol.net!spool.mu.edu!munnari.OZ.AU!uunet!in3.uu.net!128.196.139.12!news.Arizona.EDU!usenet From: Louis Boyd Newsgroups: sci.optics Subject: Re: mirrors Date: 8 Feb 1997 16:37:24 GMT Organization: Fairborn Observatory Message-ID: <5dia44$iu0@news.ccit.arizona.edu> References: <5d8m8l$56q6@musca.unm.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: apt2.sao.arizona.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit NNTP-Posting-User: boyd X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.1N (X11; I; Linux 1.2.1 i486) X-URL: news:5d8m8l$56q6@musca.unm.edu r2t2@unm.edu (paymon kayhanis) wrote: >There is a company advertising mirrors for telescopes at very low >prices. They claim to have developed a method for casting them instead >of grinding them, therefor greatly reducing the labor required to make >them. They have a web page, but I lost the address. Their email address >is opticast@abwam.com. Opticast Corporation http://www.diamondsports.com/opticast/index.html Phone 505-836-0502 Parabolic replica mirrors 1/4 wave pv: 4" f/4 29.95 6" f/4 49.95 ------------48803A1B6CB2-- >From owner-laser Sun Feb 16 09:05:42 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA22635; Sun, 16 Feb 97 09:05:42 PST Message-Id: <199702161704.MAA29136@host-04.colby.edu> X-Sender: aballen@colby.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.2 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Sun, 16 Feb 1997 12:04:14 -0500 To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com From: "Art Allen, KY1K" Subject: sub mini steppers avail Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hey Everyone, It's ben awile since I've made any noise on here, although I'm not the only one who hasn't been active. Well, since I have something to say, figgered I'd get on and stir up some trouble. I got a complimentary copy of Nuts and Volts. The laser ads are DOWN in quan and quality, but there was one ad that bears mention I think. ALL Electronics Corp has sub mini 12 volt stepper motors forsale, and they are real cheep. Part number is smt-21. Unipolar, two phase, 6 lead stepper motor. 12 volt, 53 ohm resistance, 15 degrees per step.Motor is 1 inch diameter by .5 inch thick, and has a .365 inch shaft that is 2mm in diameter. The shaft is covered with a threaded plastic shaft, which is easily removable (.25 inch diameter threaded and .75 inch long).Comes mounted on a 'rectangular mounting bracket, 1.73 inch by 1.10 inch, it does NOT say whether the motor is easily removable from the bracket. I don't know to much about stepper motors, but the 12 v spec and the small size/qrp power consumption probably makes these real gems for those of us who are thinking about aiming with mirrors. Price is $1.50 each, or 10 for $12.50. They say no minimum, and no matter what you order, it's $5.00 shipping and handling per order. Does anyone live close to Van Nuys, CA? Group order anyone ?? ---------------- Also advertised by Information Unlimited is a 'Fantastic Brightness' High Quality Laser pointer. The illustration looks like a laser pointer. They have a LAPN64, 15mw equv, 2000' unit for $39.50. The LAPN61, 50mw equv, 4000' unit is $84.50. No other info is given. Thats a pretty hefty price for a laser pointer, but if its really that bright, it might be worth considering. Sounds too good to be true-I'll check it out and get back to the group. GL...Art, KY1K. >From owner-laser Mon Feb 17 10:32:28 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA22269; Mon, 17 Feb 97 10:32:28 PST Date: Mon, 17 Feb 97 10:32:26 PST From: jmoss (Jim Moss) Message-Id: <9702171832.AA22260@berlioz.nsc.com> To: laser Subject: Fiber modem Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk All, Was hunting thru a surplus place locally here in the Silicon Valley area and came across a couple optical modems made by DuPont. They have an HP HFBR2416 used for rx. anyone know specs on this device. Looking for how fast it might go. The modems look like they connect direct to ethernet or "ieee" based on jumpers and size of the connector (15 pin) Jim WB9AJZ/6 >From owner-laser Mon Feb 17 10:26:52 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA22061; Mon, 17 Feb 97 10:26:52 PST Date: Mon, 17 Feb 97 10:26:44 PST From: jmoss (Jim Moss) Message-Id: <9702171826.AA22033@berlioz.nsc.com> To: laser Subject: NEW PEOPLE! Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk All, Saw a bunch of new subscribers today! Guess Art's message to VHF got a lot of responses. To send to this reflector send to : laser@berlioz.nsc.com The archives should be available thru majordomo@berlioz.nsc.com type: list laser Also: have a couple bad email addresses on the list and will be deleting them later today. Jim WB9AJZ/6 listowner for laser >From owner-laser Mon Feb 17 12:02:48 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA25139; Mon, 17 Feb 97 12:02:48 PST Date: Mon, 17 Feb 1997 14:58:57 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <2.2.16.19970217152715.25e73326@mail.snet.net> X-Sender: paulc@mail.snet.net X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.2 (16) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com From: "Paul A. Cianciolo" Subject: New on the list!! Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hello All, My name is Paul Cianciolo. I live in the Northwest corner of the Connecticut. I have been interested in Laser and light communications for quite a while. Finding someone to share experiences has been as difficult as aiming a laser at a target 40 miles away. I am very glad to see that there is a relfector for laser communications on the net. Thanks to Art KY1K for informing me of this fact. A quick run down on the equipment on this end: 1. Laser receiver using a Burr-Brown OPT-201 hybrid photodiode-opamp combination with dc restoration allowing limited daytime operation. This receiver uses a 6-inch overhead projector lens and is housed in a 6-inch PVC pipe. 2. 5 milliwatt laser diode 670 nm collimated with a 8X rifle scope. I have optically/visibly made paths of as great as 41 miles with this transmitter. Unfortunately, the receiving party did not have an optical receiver but described the light as brilliant as a flash cube. 3. Several small heme 1 to 7 mw. 4. Infrared LED display. 512 LEDs pulsed 800 Hz square wave. Makes a great wide angle source for experimentation. 5. Several small hand held optical receivers for short distance experimentation. I would be interested in hearing about any laser related QSO's. Has anyone ever tried a nonLOS path, meaning a reflector midway between the ends? Has anyone ever tried a scatter path? I am very interested in both modes and what the possibilities are using available laser equipment. Looking forward to hearing from anyone on any of these topics. 73's PaulC KB1RP >From owner-laser Mon Feb 17 14:43:46 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA00753; Mon, 17 Feb 97 14:43:46 PST From: daveaa1a@ssih.com Date: Mon, 17 Feb 1997 17:41:23 -0500 Message-Id: <199702172241.RAA06103@ssih> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Subject: Laser Diodes To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com X-Mailer: SPRY Mail Version: 04.00.06.17 Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Found a box of new Toshiba TOLD9412 diodes for swap etc.. 655nm +/- , 3.0 mw, 30 degree, 68 ma., Am looking for info on best OP-AMP at this time that is available.. Also best diode available.. Am QRU QRV on 655nm Dave - AA1A Marshfield, Mass. Plymouth County.. Love to hear from ya.. 73.. >From owner-laser Mon Feb 17 15:08:01 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA01570; Mon, 17 Feb 97 15:08:01 PST Date: Mon, 17 Feb 1997 18:03:57 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <199702172303.SAA29867@comet.connix.com> X-Sender: wz1v@connix.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.2 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com From: Ron Klimas WZ1V Subject: Newbie to list wants suggestions Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hi, does anyone have any ideas on pitfalls to avoid / improvements to make to a rudimentary system like the one illustrated in QST Feb. World Above 50 column? I imagine some laser pointers might be easier to modulate than others, for example? I'm looking to quickly put together an initial setup capable of say 5 to 10 miles LOS communication with better equipped stations. -73 Ron WZ1V >From owner-laser Mon Feb 17 16:47:34 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA05403; Mon, 17 Feb 97 16:47:34 PST Message-Id: <3308FB0A.305F@televar.com> Date: Tue, 18 Feb 1997 00:42:50 +0000 From: mark tucker Reply-To: mstucker@televar.com X-Mailer: Mozilla 3.0 (Win95; U) Mime-Version: 1.0 To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Subject: (no subject) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hello...my name is Mark Tucker. My call is KB7UWC. I'm located in Sunnyside, Wa. (CN96XI) Me and three other local hams (w7fhi,w7dgz,& kb7uep) have built or are building laser xcvrs similar to the one in last months QST. W7FHI and I have made a contact (only abt 100 ft so far) Aiming is a little tricky but it looks like we'll have some fun!! 73 de KB7UWC Mark >From owner-laser Tue Feb 18 11:33:37 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA02881; Tue, 18 Feb 97 11:33:37 PST Date: Tue, 18 Feb 97 11:33:33 PST From: jmoss (Jim Moss) Message-Id: <9702181933.AA02872@berlioz.nsc.com> To: laser Subject: CHEEPO LASER System Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Other than what is in Feb QST. Another simple solution is at: http://www.psnw.com/~n7stu/cheapo.html Another quick and dirty. with all Radio Shack parts. Jim WB9AJZ/6 PS: My current system is an 8" mirror to a 250x250mil pin diode with BiFet op amps thru a plastic "red filter". Also have experimented with phototransistors, and Burr Brown OPT210. TX is a laser pointer 670nM using MCW (800Hz) utilizing a 555 timer. Current best is just over 20 miles with AJ6T, with lots of signal to spare. >From owner-laser Tue Feb 18 13:53:34 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA07535; Tue, 18 Feb 97 13:53:34 PST Date: Tue, 18 Feb 97 13:53:32 PST From: jmoss (Jim Moss) Message-Id: <9702182153.AA07529@berlioz.nsc.com> To: laser Subject: Laser mailserver stuff Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hi all, some tips on using this mailserver. Note that to the must be included in most commands. Our list is "laser". You can get archives of the list by using the "index laser" command. Then "get laser " to get a particular month's stuff. Jim WB9AJZ/6 >>>> help This is Brent Chapman's "Majordomo" mailing list manager, version 1.92. In the description below items contained in []'s are optional. When providing the item, do not include the []'s around it. It understands the following commands: subscribe [
] Subscribe yourself (or
if specified) to the named . unsubscribe [
] Unsubscribe yourself (or
if specified) from the named . get Get a file related to . index Return an index of files you can "get" for . which [
] Find out which lists you (or
if specified) are on. who Find out who is on the named . info Retrieve the general introductory information for the named . help Retrieve this message. end Stop processing commands (useful if your mailer adds a signature). Commands should be sent in the body of an email message to "majordomo@berlioz.nsc.com". Commands in the "Subject:" line NOT processed. If you have any questions or problems, please contact "majordomo-owner@berlioz.nsc.com". >From owner-laser Tue Feb 18 15:43:29 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA11111; Tue, 18 Feb 97 15:43:29 PST Date: Tue, 18 Feb 1997 18:41:49 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <2.2.16.19970218190953.262f26e6@mail.snet.net> X-Sender: paulc@mail.snet.net X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.2 (16) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com From: "Paul A. Cianciolo" Subject: looking for partner for 41 mile path in New England Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hello All, I am looking for any " Laser Heads" in New England. I have all the equipment for 1 end and I have an LOS path that is 41 miles long. From Burlington CT to Wilbraham MA I optically sighted this path with a friend, using 1,000,000 candlepower lanterns each end. The lanterns were dim and orange... The 5 mw laser however was described as brilliant and as bright as a flash bulb. I would love to have a 2 way QSO between these 2 peaks under my belt 73's PaulC KB1RP >From owner-laser Tue Feb 18 16:17:32 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA12167; Tue, 18 Feb 97 16:17:32 PST Date: Tue, 18 Feb 97 16:17:29 PST From: jmoss (Jim Moss) Message-Id: <9702190017.AA12157@berlioz.nsc.com> To: laser Subject: BurrBrown devices Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Paul, Since most of our objective up to now has been low bandwidth info (audio or 800Hz MCW) the feedback resistor consideration I made was for less BW but more gain. The OPT2xx devices have good NEP ratings. I expect they are as good as most Si detectors. I used 3 5MOhm resistors in series as indicated in their app-notes. Walt (AJ6T) is running that RX right now. I still have one device (OPT210) left to play with. They are about $9 from distributors. I've been avoiding PMT's and APD's so I can stay with a very small battery operated unit (and I don't like HV!). I'm making up for the lower gain with increased lens/mirror size. The other advantage of the large pin diodes and the BB IC's is that they are big in area, allowing for less accuracy on getting the RX aiming or lens/reflector alignment just right. The biggest disadvantage seems to be the lack of BW. The PIN diode I am using is unmarked, and actually belongs to Kevin (N5XSA). We've been sharing a lot of parts and assemblies between the 3 of us. The mirrors are his too! I've been playing with a page magnifier (from the book store) to see how well it will work. Once again - cheap! Jim WB9AJZ/6 ----- Begin Included Message ----- >From PaulC@snet.net Tue Feb 18 15:46:41 1997 Date: Tue, 18 Feb 1997 18:45:06 -0500 (EST) X-Sender: paulc@mail.snet.net X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.2 (16) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" To: jmoss@berlioz.nsc.com (Jim Moss) From: "Paul A. Cianciolo" Subject: Re: CHEEPO LASER System Content-Length: 934 Hello Jim, New to the list!!! Great list!!!!, What did you think of the Burr-Brown device? Do think .09x.09 inches is too big for a low noise rec.? I am using 1 of the BB hybrids beacause I dont think I could build one myself any better. What diode are you using? Thanks for the info PS what feedback resistor did you use for the BB device? At 11:33 AM 2/18/97 PST, you wrote: > >Other than what is in Feb QST. > >Another simple solution is at: > http://www.psnw.com/~n7stu/cheapo.html >Another quick and dirty. with all Radio Shack parts. > >Jim >WB9AJZ/6 > >PS: >My current system is an 8" mirror to a 250x250mil pin diode with BiFet op amps >thru a plastic "red filter". > >Also have experimented with phototransistors, and Burr Brown OPT210. > >TX is a laser pointer 670nM using MCW (800Hz) utilizing a 555 timer. > >Current best is just over 20 miles with AJ6T, with lots of signal to spare. > > 73's PaulC KB1RP ----- End Included Message ----- >From owner-laser Wed Feb 19 06:24:23 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA02828; Wed, 19 Feb 97 06:24:23 PST From: Kb8tej1@aol.com Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 09:21:14 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <970219092113_-1240290982@emout11.mail.aol.com> To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Subject: list Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk index laser >From owner-laser Thu Feb 20 12:28:15 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA23077; Thu, 20 Feb 97 12:28:15 PST To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Subject: Midwest Laser activity?? Message-Id: <19970219.083435.7439.0.wq0p@juno.com> X-Mailer: Juno 1.15 X-Juno-Line-Breaks: 0-2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20,22,24-25,27,29,31,33,35, 37,39,41-42,44,46,48,50,52,54,56,58-65 From: wq0p@juno.com (Gregory A Cerny) Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 15:20:18 EST Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hello List... I subscribed shortly after Art posted this listserver on the vhf reflector. I don't know if I am active on laser yet! I have read all of the archived messages from this list hoping for a bit of history to this group. It sounds like there is a core group of active laserists on the east coast and the west coast, but is there anyone near (withing a couple hundred miles) Northeast Kansas!!! I am currently working on some gear for 5760 and 10ghz, but I must always build two complete stations cuz there aint nobody else to play with! Sounds like most of you have somebody else to play with. Sob... sob :-{ Enough of that. This laser thing has interested me for quite sometime and I learned alot by reading the archived messages. After reading the recent QST article it appears to be relativly cheap to get on laser. Anybody in the midwest want to play? We could find a couple bigger then usual cowpies to set up on! Actually there are a couple 10-20 mile shots west of Topeka, KS that I would like to try. I have read some of you guys doing these 10-30 mile contacts, I am assuming that most if not all of these are being done from elavated locations on mountain sides. Is this true? The pathes that I am considering are basically looking across, or down a river bottom. I often visually check these shots by eye dreaming of the day for a microwave or laser shot, and they seem to most often be very hazy. I would assume that the haze causes alot of attenuation. Is there a better time of year or tempature conditions that seem to provide better paths? Is the hot summer better or worst then a -10F day in January when there is no moisture in the air? I would assume that the better visibilty is the less loss there will be. I have read some of the messages that recommend parts for a cheapo system. Let's say a cheapo system will cost you $50-$75, what parts of this system would be best to improve on the initial investment if I had $100-$125 to start with? I would be more interested in starting off with better stuff a bit at a time then drop $50 on something that will need to be completely replaced if my deires grow. I understand that I could always lend the cheapo system to someone else to contact me, but I would rather have an improved system for both ends to make it easier for a particular path so as to perhap promote more interest in laser contacts in the area. Thanks for your time and interest. Greg Cenry wq0p@kansas.net or wq0p@juno.com that is wq(zero)p >From owner-laser Thu Feb 20 18:55:09 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA06632; Thu, 20 Feb 97 18:55:09 PST Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 21:51:21 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <2.2.16.19970220221903.25773238@mail.snet.net> X-Sender: paulc@mail.snet.net X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.2 (16) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com From: "Paul A. Cianciolo" Subject: Mounting a laser tube Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hello All, I have a 6-7mw laser tube that is just the glass tube itself. I want to mount it in a brass tube that I have so I can hold it better. I was thinking of using that spray in foam used for sealing cracks to hold the tube inside of the brass container. Has anyone done this before and were you successful? Any help would surely be appreciated Thanks 73's PaulC KB1RP >From owner-laser Thu Feb 20 23:12:11 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA12839; Thu, 20 Feb 97 23:12:11 PST Message-Id: <9702210709.AA04835@omnigroup.com> Content-Type: text/plain Mime-Version: 1.0 (NeXT Mail 4.1mach v148) In-Reply-To: <2.2.16.19970220221903.25773238@mail.snet.net> X-Nextstep-Mailer: Mail 3.3 (Enhance 1.3) From: William Lewis Date: Thu, 20 Feb 97 23:09:19 -0800 To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Subject: Re: Mounting a laser tube References: <2.2.16.19970220221903.25773238@mail.snet.net> Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk > I was > thinking of using that spray in foam used for sealing cracks to hold the > tube inside of the brass container. have you thought of using some sort of rubbery caulklike stuff, like silicone sealant, maybe? The laser tubes I've seen have usually been mounted to a pair of metal rings which were in turn welded to the bracket. The rings had holes drilled through them, (about 3 per ring, equidistantly), and it looked like the goop was injected through these holes so it would spread out in a little pad between the ring and the tube. (This also helps avoid blocking the airflow around the tube.) On a completely different subject... where does everyone get their diode lasers? The prices I've seen are usually along the lines of: - laser pointers $50-$100 - diode modules $80-$150 - modules with modulation input $150-$250 but I can't figure out why the pointers are consistently cheaper than the modules, since the pointers presumably each contain a module. Is there some spec I'm missing? Better collimation optics on the modules, maybe? Or just the economics of mass production? Does anyone know how fast you can modulate a typical pointer diode module? >From owner-laser Fri Feb 21 05:44:17 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA15498; Fri, 21 Feb 97 05:44:17 PST Message-Id: <199702211342.IAA02462@host-04.colby.edu> X-Sender: aballen@colby.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.2 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Fri, 21 Feb 1997 08:42:29 -0500 To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com From: "Art Allen, KY1K" Subject: Re: Mounting a laser tube Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk At 09:51 PM 02/20/1997 -0500, you wrote: >Hello All, > >I have a 6-7mw laser tube that is just the glass tube itself. I want to >mount it in a brass tube that I have so I can hold it better. I was >thinking of using that spray in foam used for sealing cracks to hold the >tube inside of the brass container. > >Has anyone done this before and were you successful? > >Any help would surely be appreciated > > >Thanks > > >73's >PaulC KB1RP > Hey Paul and others... I read the message, and since there are alot of newbees on here, I thought I'd comment. Tube lasers have very poor effeciency, way less than .5 percent. This means that the envelope/ballast has to dissipate more heat than you might think at first glance. The lasing action occurs because of PRECISION+++ alignment between mirrors on each end of the tube, and this alignment is maintained by the glass envelope of the tube. So, don't stress the glass envelope-it does alot more than just insulate from the high voltage applied to the tube. Also, earlier comments regarding 'maintaining of the air flow' are highly appropriate-keep that envelope at the same temperature all over. Some glass has nearly zero temp coeffeiient of expansion, but Im not sure that laser tubes are made of that same type of glass. To those considering that they NEED a high power transmitter-don't get trapped! Sure, 10 mw or more is nice, but the longest optical line of site can be worked with a few milliwatts and a GOOD rx. I'd very strongly suggest that the EXTRA $$ in the laser budget be spent on a more sensitive RX. The RX will serve you forever. Some comments from the rest of the group? >From owner-laser Fri Feb 21 10:11:32 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA22113; Fri, 21 Feb 97 10:11:32 PST Message-Id: <199702211800.NAA25746@host-04.colby.edu> X-Sender: aballen@colby.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.2 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Fri, 21 Feb 1997 13:00:34 -0500 To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com From: "Art Allen, KY1K" Subject: 50 mw/Information Unlimited story Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hi Everyone, The 50 mw laser pen assy offered by Information Unlimited isn't quite what we think it might be. In real life, it is a 630 nm @ 4.8 mw pen, with a (claimed 1 millirad divergence). If it REALLY meets those specs, it's probably a good deal. He-Ne tubes with power supplies in the same divergence/power output class cost about twice that ammount. So, as long as you realize what you are buying, then it might be worth trying-but don't expect 50 mw (as claimed in the ad). --------------- Regarding Information Unlimited, I had a very hard time getting real specs out of them, and I was treated like I was at fault for not accepting their ad AS IS. They advertise PHASERS, burn holes in metal type laser weapons and other stuff-I should have known that the diode wasn't quite what they advertised it as. I did hear from one ham who had dealt with them, and suggested that I DIDN'T deal with them. I have asked them for their return policy (if the merchandise doesn't meet spec). So far, no answer from them, and the return policy IS NOT specified on their WWW page. In fairness to them, they replied promptly to each email message, but they clearly didn't want to bother giving the real specs and the never did reply to my request for the manufacturer/part number or their return policy. I'd be real wary of dealing with them.... GL to you all- >From owner-laser Fri Feb 21 10:57:46 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA23605; Fri, 21 Feb 97 10:57:46 PST Date: Fri, 21 Feb 1997 12:48:06 -0600 (CST) Message-Id: <199702211848.MAA29598@firefly.prairienet.org> From: w9sz@prairienet.org (Zack Widup) To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Subject: Re: Mounting a laser tube Reply-To: w9sz@prairienet.org Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk > >On a completely different subject... where does everyone get their diode >lasers? The prices I've seen are usually along the lines of: > - laser pointers $50-$100 > - diode modules $80-$150 > - modules with modulation input $150-$250 > >but I can't figure out why the pointers are consistently cheaper than the >modules, since the pointers presumably each contain a module. Is there some >spec I'm missing? Better collimation optics on the modules, maybe? Or just >the economics of mass production? > >Does anyone know how fast you can modulate a typical pointer diode module? > > Hi, I am new to this list so I thought I'd introduce myself. I am Zack Widup (W9SZ) and have been getting active on the UHF/microwave weak-signal bands, with equipment for 2304, 3456, 5760 and 10368 MHz in the works. I have been interested in laser communications since about 1971. So any information I get from this list is appreciated! I just got the new Hosfelt Electronics catalog (2700 Sunset Blvd, Steubenville OH 43952-1158 ; phone 800-524-6464). They have individual 4 mW laser diode modules for $39.95, and something labeled "Same as above, but 5X brighter, for outdoor use" for $49.95. They have a variety of laser pens in the same price range. They have a lot of other neat goodies too, and I have always received great service from them. 73, Zack W9SZ -- >From owner-laser Fri Feb 21 15:50:57 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA04185; Fri, 21 Feb 97 15:50:57 PST Date: Fri, 21 Feb 1997 15:46:05 -0800 (PST) From: Walter Miller To: "Paul A. Cianciolo" Cc: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Subject: Re: Mounting a laser tube In-Reply-To: <2.2.16.19970220221903.25773238@mail.snet.net> Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk On Thu, 20 Feb 1997, Paul A. Cianciolo wrote: > I have a 6-7mw laser tube that is just the glass tube itself. I want to > mount it in a brass tube that I have so I can hold it better. I was > thinking of using that spray in foam used for sealing cracks to hold the > tube inside of the brass container. > > Has anyone done this before and were you successful? In addition to the comments already posted about mounting HeNe lasers in metal tubes, I have the following to offer. One easy technique if the tube wall thickness is adequate, is to tap holes into the tube at 120 degree intervals (toward each end of the laser to be mounted) for small positioning screws which are used to center the laser and hold it in place while blobs of silicone are squirted into nearby holes. Remove the screws after the silicone hardens. Be sure that your electrical contacts to the laser are secure before they are located out of reach, and be very sure that the ballast resistor is mounted close to the anode and well insulated for the multi-KV start voltage. Be careful about stressing the glass laser with the positioning screws....they dont have to be very tight. You might consider using plastic-tipped screws if you can find them. After all this, you still need a means to modulate the laser. I have decided that playing around with solid state diode lasers is more fruitful (and safer too). 73, Walt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Walter Miller, AJ6T Saratoga, CA USA CM87 Reply to aj6t@slip.net >From owner-laser Fri Feb 21 20:21:17 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA13288; Fri, 21 Feb 97 20:21:17 PST From: n7stu@psnw.com Date: Fri, 21 Feb 1997 20:18:26 -0800 (PST) Message-Id: <1.5.4.16.19970221202336.2377393e@mail.psnw.com> X-Sender: n7stu@mail.psnw.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (16) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Subject: Re: Mounting a laser tube Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk At 12:48 PM 2/21/97 -0600, Zack Widup wrote: > > >> >>On a completely different subject... where does everyone get their diode >>lasers? The prices I've seen are usually along the lines of: >> - laser pointers $50-$100 >> - diode modules $80-$150 >> - modules with modulation input $150-$250 >> >>but I can't figure out why the pointers are consistently cheaper than the >>modules, since the pointers presumably each contain a module. Is there some >>spec I'm missing? Better collimation optics on the modules, maybe? Or just >>the economics of mass production? >> Mouser lists two NEC devices (p47, catalog 588): 551-NDL3210 670nm 6mw $26.00 qty 1 551-NDL3220 670nm 3mw $24.77 qty 1 No info published on divergence etc, just voltage and current info. Digikey (p434, catalog #966) offers several ranging in price from $19.00 to $199.00 (modules with lens and housing). I would be interested in personal experiences with any of the devices listed above. 73, Robert N7STU/YB2ARO, DM07aa/OI52ee n7stu@psnw.com http://www.psnw.com/~n7stu (Norcal WSWSS activities & N7STU/YB2ARO homepages) >From owner-laser Sun Feb 23 14:05:24 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA27947; Sun, 23 Feb 97 14:05:24 PST Message-Id: <199702232203.RAA11081@host-04.colby.edu> X-Sender: aballen@colby.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.2 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 17:03:59 -0500 To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com From: "Art Allen, KY1K" Subject: test, desregard this Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk test >From owner-laser Mon Feb 24 07:56:02 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA18311; Mon, 24 Feb 97 07:56:02 PST To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Date: Mon, 24 Feb 1997 15:51:22 est Subject: hello all Message-Id: <19970224.155133.9662.0.n8cgy@juno.com> X-Mailer: Juno 1.00 X-Juno-Line-Breaks: 3-6 From: n8cgy@juno.com (Ken A Miller) Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk I am new to the list. I am looking for a cheap easy way to experiment with laser comms, anybody have any ideas? I seen the qst article about the light pen setup, but Im told that is not a very good way to get started? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. 73 de Ken N8CGY EN74oh Houghton Lake, Mich. >From owner-laser Mon Feb 24 12:10:39 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA26955; Mon, 24 Feb 97 12:10:39 PST Date: Mon, 24 Feb 97 11:49:00 PST From: Ken R Mason Message-Id: To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Subject: A Dumb Question? Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hello All, I was just thinking. Laser pens are less than 5mw. What if I use a spot light? Hmmmm, 100+ watts. I know it is not as focused as a laser and modulation is a problem but what is the distance with this kind of light source? Regards, Ken Mason KC6TEU >From owner-laser Mon Feb 24 19:27:20 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA10165; Mon, 24 Feb 97 19:27:20 PST Message-Id: <199702250324.WAA06078@host-04.colby.edu> X-Sender: aballen@colby.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.2 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Mon, 24 Feb 1997 22:23:41 -0500 To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com From: "Art Allen, KY1K" Subject: Re: A Dumb Question? Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk At 11:49 AM 02/24/1997 PST, you wrote: >Hello All, > >I was just thinking. Laser pens are less than 5mw. What if I use a spot >light? Hmmmm, 100+ watts. I know it is not as focused as a laser and >modulation is a problem but what is the distance with this kind of light >source? > >Regards, >Ken Mason >KC6TEU > > Good Idea Ken... If you could get the spotlight into a beamwidth that was anywhere near as narrow as the laser, you would have a great system. Problem is, about the best spots you can get will only do 6 to 8 degree beamwidth's. Cheep lasers have less than .05 degrees, so they are way narrow. The laser will probably be brighter before the beam gets less than a couple of miles-that power density drops fast with that wide beamwidth spotlight. GL...Art, KY1K. >From owner-laser Mon Feb 24 19:57:00 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA10974; Mon, 24 Feb 97 19:57:00 PST Date: Mon, 24 Feb 97 19:56:58 PST From: jmoss (Jim Moss) Message-Id: <9702250356.AA10968@berlioz.nsc.com> To: laser Subject: cheap pointers Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Keep watching FRY'S... They sell their CL2000 (<5mW... measures average 4.6dBm based on 4) 670nM for 19.99 only when on sale... normally 40. Big difference is construction of the housing AND of the lens mounting. The more expensive ones seem to have a brass housing enclosing the lens. The cheap one has a plastic glued on housing. Jim WB9AJZ/6 >From owner-laser Mon Feb 24 20:37:17 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA11977; Mon, 24 Feb 97 20:37:17 PST Date: Mon, 24 Feb 97 20:37:15 PST From: jmoss (Jim Moss) Message-Id: <9702250437.AA11971@berlioz.nsc.com> To: laser Subject: re: dumb question? Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Ken, The only issue with the spot light (and btw We do use them to h*e*l*p spot each other when aligning the lasers), is that ARRL contests require them to be laser or coherent radiation. Hmm this could spur some responses. Walt (AJ6T) and I "signalled" over 20 miles with his handheld flashlight! I used a 1.5Million Candle power that runs on 12v and he had "no problem" seeing me back. It has also been suggested to use flash lamps for initial spotting and aiming. PS: notice to all: dont use the any of the majordomo commands inside your email's or they will get bounced. I just caught myself with the word "HELP". So I used *'s in between. Jim WB9AJZ/6 CM87xi ----- Begin Included Message ----- >From owner-laser Mon Feb 24 15:01:42 1997 Date: Mon, 24 Feb 97 11:49:00 PST From: Ken R Mason To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Subject: A Dumb Question? Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Content-Length: 265 Hello All, I was just thinking. Laser pens are less than 5mw. What if I use a spot light? Hmmmm, 100+ watts. I know it is not as focused as a laser and modulation is a problem but what is the distance with this kind of light source? Regards, Ken Mason KC6TEU ----- End Included Message ----- ----- End Included Message ----- >From owner-laser Tue Feb 25 07:00:29 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA25415; Tue, 25 Feb 97 07:00:29 PST Message-Id: <199702251457.JAA06535@host-04.colby.edu> X-Sender: aballen@colby.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.2 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Tue, 25 Feb 1997 09:57:40 -0500 To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com From: "Art Allen, KY1K" Subject: Re: Light Communication experiments, Scattering Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hi Paul, Yes, I did check out the site. Those are fairly typical prices, and probably you shouldn't be overly anxious to jump on them... They aren't a real bargain-but they are FAIR. If you got to Deerfield swapmeet, you will find better, NO DOUBT. I would say a few things tho.... 670 nm diodes are right on the edge of what the eye can see because of response. They are pretty dim to the eye, BUT, as far as your electronic receiver, they are FB! Keep this in mind-if you don't need to see the beam with your eye, you can get diodes here REAL CHEEP. The 650 nm diodes are much brighter when viewed with the eye, but are still noticibly dimmer...but, the cost more than 670 units. NOW for the 630 diodes...they are very bright, just slightly outside the peak range of human eyesight. They are another magnitude brighter than the 650 nm units-but, again, they are EVEN MORE EXPENSIVE. Everyone REALLY wants the 630 diodes, so they command a higher price. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON AT ALL WHY THE 630 DIODES SELL FOR MORE $$!!!! THEY COST THE SAME TO MAKE AS ANY OTHER DIODE. IR diodes that are invisible ARE EVEN cheaper, but most of us dont consider them becasue our aiming abilities aren't up to snuff, and the visibility (or lack therof) is a problem-note that HIGH POWER (30 mw+ invisible diodes are available for little more money than 5mw@ 630 diodes). For now, I suggest avoiding purchasing ANY diodes at all-as soon as the market saturates, their prices should drop down to NON-DEMAND DRIVEN rates. If you have a laser now, and IF you REALLY don't need another, then I strongly suggest you HOLD OUT-kinda like the computer market now hi hi. I'm sending this to the list-many newbees there that probably think they need the latest wiz band high power diodes they can get! I'd be curious as to what the other list members think? Hope this helps... Art, KY1K. At 06:11 AM 02/25/1997 -0500, you wrote: >Hello Art > >Check out this address.. tell me what you think reasonable prices > > > > > >> >>World Star Technologies has infrared laser diode modules in the range >>of 5 mW to 40 mW. >>Web Page: http://arcos.org/laser > > >73's >PaulC KB1RP > > >From owner-laser Tue Feb 25 12:18:35 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA01932; Tue, 25 Feb 97 12:18:35 PST Message-Id: <199702251756.MAA25754@host-04.colby.edu> X-Sender: aballen@colby.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.2 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Tue, 25 Feb 1997 12:56:53 -0500 To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com From: "Art Allen, KY1K" Subject: IRC roundtable chat? Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hey Everyone, We have alot of new members, and one has asked me about an internet audio roundtable on the internet. I'm not sure it possible to do. BUT-an IRC roundtable (text) is very possible and is as easy as getting IRC software, and joining an IRC server. Wonder if there is any interest in this? How many laser listserve members would show up if an IRC session was scheduled? Let's have some chatter from the members on this please. Ideas/comments?? GL..Art, KY1K. >From owner-laser Tue Feb 25 17:19:56 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA11619; Tue, 25 Feb 97 17:19:56 PST Date: Tue, 25 Feb 1997 17:43:36 -0600 (CST) Message-Id: <199702252343.RAA11992@bluestem.prairienet.org> From: w9sz@prairienet.org (Zack Widup) To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Subject: Re: Light Communication experiments, Scattering Reply-To: w9sz@prairienet.org Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk > >Hi Paul, > >Yes, I did check out the site. > >Those are fairly typical prices, and probably you shouldn't be overly >anxious to jump on them... > > >Everyone REALLY wants the 630 diodes, so they command a higher price. THERE >IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON AT ALL WHY THE 630 DIODES SELL FOR MORE $$!!!! THEY >COST THE SAME TO MAKE AS ANY OTHER DIODE. > My guess is that the reason for the higher price of the shorter wavelength diodes is they are mainly being used as light pointers. Hence, the visibility factor is important. The longer wavelengths are not so visible, and don't show up so well to an audience when you're using them in a pointer. So the demand is for the "brighter" ones (to the human eye). 4 mW is 4 mW, so if the output of two is the same, go for the cheaper one, I'd guess. 73, Zack W9SZ -- >From owner-laser Tue Feb 25 21:17:42 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA18761; Tue, 25 Feb 97 21:17:42 PST Date: Tue, 25 Feb 97 21:17:40 PST From: jmoss (Jim Moss) Message-Id: <9702260517.AA18755@berlioz.nsc.com> To: laser Subject: IRC Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Art, What's an IRC? I only know what a International Reply Coupon is! Jim WB9AJZ/6 >From owner-laser Wed Feb 26 04:25:45 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA27986; Wed, 26 Feb 97 04:25:45 PST Date: Wed, 26 Feb 1997 07:22:50 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <3.0.16.19970226070500.225f33da@connix.com> X-Sender: wz1v@connix.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 3.0 (16) To: "Art Allen, KY1K" From: Ron Klimas WZ1V Subject: Re: IRC roundtable chat? Cc: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk At 12:56 PM 2/25/97 -0500, you wrote: >We have alot of new members, and one has asked me about an internet audio >roundtable on the internet. >I'm not sure it possible to do. >BUT-an IRC roundtable (text) is very possible and is as easy as getting IRC >software, and joining an IRC server. >Wonder if there is any interest in this? How many laser listserve members >would show up if an IRC session was scheduled? > Probably the best place to pick up IRC software if you don't already have it is from Stroud's page, http://www.stroud.com/ Just choose your operating system (16 bit for Windows 3.x or 32 bit for Windows 95), and look under IRC. The best rated apps. for this are currently MIRC and WS_IRC. Pick one and download it. Hope this is helpful to some. I'll try to check in if I can. -Ron WZ1V >From owner-laser Wed Feb 26 05:39:08 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA29406; Wed, 26 Feb 97 05:39:08 PST Message-Id: <199702261337.IAA16763@host-04.colby.edu> X-Sender: aballen@colby.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.2 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Wed, 26 Feb 1997 08:37:13 -0500 To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com From: "Art Allen, KY1K" Subject: IRC meeting for laser list? Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Hi Everyone, Several have asked: IRC stands for "Internet Relay Chat". IRC is a multi-user chat system, where people meet on Channels (rooms, virtual places, usually with a certain topic of conversation) to talk in groups, or privately. There is no restriction to the number of people that can participate in a given discussion, or the number of channels that can be formed on IRC. Once you have the software, you connect to an IRC SERVER, and tell it to go to the 'laser' channell. Once there, anything you type is sent to everyone else on the channell. You can make private comments to individuals, or bypass the server completely and convert to direct 2 user KB to KB connections. Or you can make the channell a private channell-lots of neat stuff. Binary file transfers while online are easy too (gif's, sound files). The ragchewing continues during file transfers. The MAJOR IRC software packages are MIRC and PIRCH. You can use a telnet client, but u loose alot of the really neat stuff if you do. Mirc is available at http://www.mirc.co.uk, in freeware or comm'l version. Most use the freeware version. The see-sat group has a permanent channell, they go there whenever a launch is due, or other 'major happenings'. So, my idea was to set up an on the air meeting, and see how many show up. Perhaps we could schedule a West Coast meeting time and an East Coast meeting time, and just have people show up for the roundtable whenever they can. Perhaps an EU meeting also? I'm not one for having alot of rules-so, hopefully, it would be unmoderated. So, what say? Should I just pick a time, announce it and see how many show up, or should we bat it around and see if there is enough interest? Art, KY1K. >From owner-laser Wed Feb 26 08:16:28 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA02884; Wed, 26 Feb 97 08:16:28 PST From: daveaa1a@ssih.com Date: Wed, 26 Feb 1997 11:12:12 -0500 Message-Id: <199702261612.LAA30069@ssih> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Subject: Hello Lasers To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com X-Mailer: SPRY Mail Version: 04.00.06.17 Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk Glad to see some traffic on the laser reflector.. Am fresh off a LOWFER 160-190 blitz and thinking of dusting offf the ole terra-hertz transceiver. I guess the QST article made some sense to some homebrew types.. Good.. A few years ago I was serrendipity enuf to QSO Steve Noll ( latest known sjnoll@ix.netcom.com ) who was good enuf to start me off right.. 5mw diodes seem to do me best and it doesn't really matter what color 630-650-780 etc.. if you can aim em.. I modulate with A1 - A2 or mic. mounted to laser diode head.. I calibrated my diode assy. with vernier adjustments onto a 4x power rifle scope.. this pair in turn mount upon a A/B micrometer controlled table and thence mounted on a hefty tripod or a stone wall.. make do.. Maybe invisible IR is better propagated ?? Think of the data rate.. Think of the digitized audio.. Think of the Syncronous possibilities.. A he-ne may look bright but is hard to modulate, eats up power etc.. this is 1997.. A seperate receiver i intend to integrate with the above is a 4" lense from Edmunds Scientific mounted in the coupling of 4" PVC tubing.. At the focus is a photo diode from parts house and low noise pre-amp..ala Steve Noll, veerryy sensitive.. Worked Merv NC1K across Plymouth Bay and if it wern't for aiming pblms, then I'd say at about 12 miles sounded like 40/9 tone.. This is all 2 years old and i was not intending on upgrading to the gi-joe, kung-fu grip latest wiz-bang.. It seems to me that the above power and S/N ratio is plenty except for maybe Moon Bounce.. Look up steve's previous messages to this reflector, or better still CALLING STEVE NOLL, OVER.... Am QRU - QRV in Plymouth County, Mass. Duxbury to P'town to Manomet all good shots from around here... I will personally spend 32 cents on a stamp for QSL.. 73 de daveaa1a@ssih.com >From owner-laser Wed Feb 26 12:54:40 1997 Return-Path: Received: by berlioz.nsc.com (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA11152; Wed, 26 Feb 97 12:54:40 PST From: n7stu@psnw.com Date: Wed, 26 Feb 1997 12:40:10 -0800 (PST) Message-Id: <1.5.4.16.19970226124520.0a4773c8@mail.psnw.com> X-Sender: n7stu@mail.psnw.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (16) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" To: laser@berlioz.nsc.com Subject: laser comm design Sender: owner-laser@berlioz.nsc.com Precedence: bulk With all the newcomers to the list and the recent interest spawned by articles in QST and CQ I thought I would take a moment to let the newcomers know that there is a laser project available on the WWW. It was created by WB9AJZ. The project can be found at: http://www.psnw.com/~n7stu/cheapo.html 73, Robert N7STU/YB2ARO, DM07aa/OI52ee n7stu@psnw.com http://www.psnw.com/~n7stu (Norcal WSWSS activities & N7STU/YB2ARO homepages)