Laser caches

Laser CachesPrepared for GeoGearHeadsJanuary 23, 2014

Why Create Laser Caches?

• They have universal appeal• Consistently over 50% favorites• Way more fun at night• Proof to your spouse that you NEED a laser• Teens love caching with lasers

My Experience with Laser Caches

• Loved the first one I saw• Had to make my own with a twist• Saw an even cooler implementation• Built to scale

After Dark Duet (GC24MXZ)

• First cache I’d see that used lasers• Tree to tree to tree (connect the dots)• Used LEGO blocks for mounting

BFL 5- Alien MacGyver (GC2EYDW)

• Prism in container• Insert provided laser• Bottom was a 3D puzzle piece that fit two ways

BFL 6 - ...in a galaxy far, far away (GC35FHF)• So Much Fun• Laser triggered lights.

BFL 7: Sin - Blinded By The Light (GC40V3B)• The very first Laser Loci

BFL 8: Hot Blooded (GC4P7WN)

• Laser Activated Lasers

Types of Laser Caches

• Target - Passive• Connect the dots

• Target – Active• Laser triggers something

• Intersecting Lines• Lasers travel in a straight

• Triangulation• Provide two aiming locations• Use angles (GPSr as protractor) and distance between to calculate next point

Simple Laser Caches

Aiming Issues

• Straight lines, easy to guess• Easy to be off target without aiming guide• Redirecting laser with mirrors or a prism is very hard

Laser Travels in a Straight Line

• Aim point determines target• Easy to Guess• Can be helpful

Consider Distance

• 1 over 10m = 17cm (1 over 30ft = ½ foot)• 1 over 30m = 50cm (1 over 100ft = almost 2ft)• 1 over a football field = 1.7m or 5ft• 2 over a football field = 3.4m or 10ft• Every step introduces errors

http://www.1728.org/angsize.htm

Aiming Techniques

• Hole• Laser may not fit

• Mounting Device• You have to supply the laser

• Groove• Self centering of all diameters• Preferred method

Self Centering Laser Mount

Redirecting Laser

• Mirrors• Prisms• Gets wider

Dot Expansion at Various Distances

• 6mm to start• 15mm at 10m• 25mm at 50m• 100mm at 60mm

Solve Dot Issues

• Focus, non-focus• Focusable $100+

Light Colors

• different colors of lasers: red, green and purple• Green easiest to see during daylight• Green beam visible at night

• Red hard to see during the day (beam almost never visible)• Purple is a bit of both

Operating Temperature

• Keep it warm• Plus 10 C or above• Above 50 F

Leaving Laser In Cache

• Batteries can leak• It could get stolen• Affected by temperature

• Dollar store – build quality and batteries• AAA batteries• AA batteries• Durability• Compression fit

• Focus vs Non-focus

Choosing A Laser

Laser Pros & Cons

• Can be hard to set up• Many physical dependencies• Not an inexpensive cache• Supplied laser can fail • Supplied laser can go missing• Cacher needs a laser

(special tool required)

• Universally liked• Generates favorite points• Novelty• Makes great night cache• Targeting devices add fun

Easiest Way to Create a Laser Cache

• Use Laser Loci geocaching stage• Doesn’t require special aiming techniques• Wide operating temperature range• Works with few physical limitations• Easy to maintain

• Knights Templar 100% favorites• http://coord.info/GC4Q90W

• GAG20 - Loki most favorites for GAG20• http://coord.info/GC4NWN9

[email protected]+1 519 221 8590

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