Re: ATM laser pointer

["Bob May" <bobmay@nethere.com>]

The laser in the pointer actually puts out an oval beam.  There is a lens in
there that makes it pretty much round.  The problem that there is is that
the lens needs to be very accurately made and located in order to keep the
beam anywhere near straight.  You're actually doing good to get a 5mm beam
at 40'.  I'd make a weak lens to place on the front of the pointer to get
the beam shape that you want.  Pretty much, there's not going to be any
grinding but rather just a bit of polishing to get the focal length you
want.
Bob May
http://nav.to/bobmay
bobmay@nethere.com
NEW! http://bobmay.astronomy.net