Laser Pointers

DISCONTINUED.  Laser pointers may be used in lectures to point to projected information or charts. They are also be used to point to items on a communication board or wall chart. The type of laser pointers used in lectures can be purchased very inexpensively. The Laser Pointer from Abilia (GEWA), however is safe; specifically designed to be used as an accessing tool for communication. The laser emits a red point of light that is used to point at various objects in the surroundings such as text, symbols, pictures and real objects.

Features

The difference with this laser pointer is the safety factor. Regular laser pointers can cause damage to the retina if they are projected directly into someone's eye. They are graded as safe for public use as they project a visible light that cannot harm the skin. However, care should be taken not to direct the laser into someone's eyes. The GEWA laser pointer is a Class 2 laser with an output of 0.65mW. The output power has been reduced from 1mW to 0.65mW, meaning that the exposure time has been increased 5 times (according to standard EN-60825-1-1994).

The GEWA Laser Pointer has an altered output such that in order to damage the retina, the laser beam must be held absolutely still, fixed on one specific spot, and not moved for approximately 4 seconds which is virtually impossible. This means that the GEWA Laser Pointer has a security time 16 times greater than the regular type of laser pointer used in lectures. This is significant when the person using the laser pointer is wearing it on his or her head and pointing to a communication board or a wall chart. When eye contact is made with a communication partner, the laser pointer may be inadvertently directed into the partner's eyes.

The Safe Laser Pointer is useful for both short and long distances in that its "dot" is viewable easily at 7 metres (25 feet). This pointer has been adapted and approved specifically for use by people with disabilities. Operating time is approximately 8 hours after a full charge. Rechargeable NiMH battery, charger, and attachments are included.

The GEWA Laser Pointer has been used successfully in hospitals, with patients in bed who use a communication chart mounted on the wall. Although these particular patients had a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND or ALS), this application may be relevant to others.

The laser pointer can be mounted onto caps or glasses frames or a sports head band. Some accessories are supplied with the laser pointer to secure the pointer to these items. A plastic holder can be riveted in position, cable ties, an adhesive plastic holder and Velcro are supplied.

Availability:

Usually in stock

Trial:

Available for short-term trial under our Guided Evaluation scheme.

• reaches 6 to 7 metres
• suitable for short and longer distance pointing
• Swedish approval for laser class II
• rechargeable battery lasting approximately 20 hours
• yellow button can be used as on/off
• external single switch can be attached for alternate on/off
• dimensions | control unit = 95 x 55 x 23 mm
• dimensions | laser only = 55 x 10 mm
• weight of control unit | 120 gms
• weight of laser | 40 gms
• laser power 0.65 Mw
• power | batteries rechargeable NiCd 3 x R6 600 mAh
• made in Sweden

Laser Pointer instruction manual (PDF download)

Supplied with

cables ties, plastic holders, Velcro
charger
instruction manual

Q:

How is this laser safe?

A:

Laser light is classified based on the output power of the light.
• Class 1 is laser light with an output power less than 0.4 μW. This light does not produce a visible point in normal room lighting and is considered to be completely safe.
• Class 2 is laser light with an output power less than 1 mW. All lasers are approved for use as pointing devices in public situations, and they cannot damage skin. However, care shall be taken to avoid focusing the light source into the eye.

How strong is the light in the Laser Pointer?

The laser pointer is a Class 2 laser with an output power of <1mW. The laser pointer has been tested and approved by SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden according to standard EN-60825-1-2001 and CFR 1040.10-2005.