Communicating with lasers, Pages (1) (2) (3) (4)

by Robert F. Gonsett, W6VR, as edited by Tom Farley (continued)

 

This photograph was taken at the PARC Field Day site using the Zero Lux (night vision) feature of a home video camera at 8:48 p.m. Although the sky was dark to the eye, the camera used what little available light was present and produced its night-vision image in white, black and green.

 

Note the two bright white circles in the lower right portion of the photo. The smaller circle (red in reality) is the scattered light from the 0.5 milliwatt laser beam used to communicate with Palomar Mountain. The large white blotch is scattered red light from the low powered LED inside the far PVC tube. The LED's beam was too broad and too weak to communicate with Palomar (we blocked the laser beam momentarily just to make sure).

 

As an added attraction, a brilliant meteor trail graced the sky over Palomar Mountain seconds before this photo was taken. The two hams on the left gestured to retrace its path. A spectacular night was had by all.

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Robert tells me that "[t]he units pictured were built for fun and there are no plans for commercial production." Laser communicator plans, including circuit diagrams and construction techniques, are in the June, July, and August 2000 issues of 73 Amateur Radio Today Magazine. While the editor, Wayne Green (external link), has a web site, I am not aware that the magazine has one. Here's some contact information: 73 Amateur Radio Today Magazine, 70 Route 202, North Peterborough, NH 03458-1107, Tel: 603-924-0058, FAX: 603-924-8613

 

 

Check out back issues and subscribe to the CGC Communicator, Robert F. Gonsett, Editor  

Also, visit the Palomar Amateur Radio Club