Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
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
