Here are the most commonly asked Jasper-related questions along with our answers.
Exactly what is a Laser anyway?
The word means Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The light from a laser is highly organized (coherent) and of a single, pure, color (monochromatic). Each packet of light (photon) from a laser moves in step with all the other photons from that laser and travels in a tightly focused beam. Imagine ordinary light as a crowd of people, each dressed differently and wandering in a different direction. Comparatively speaking, laser light is an army of uniformed soldiers, each marching identically in stride and direction.
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How powerful is Jasper?
Jasper has a maximum nominal output power of 5mw (milliwatts), which is the maximum allowed for a Class IIIa laser. A milliwatt is 1/1000 of a watt, so Jasper uses only a tiny fraction of the power required by everyday household lamps. Because all of Jasper's energy in concentrated into a tiny area, its beam is amazingly bright.
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I bought a green laser from another company and its beam is very dim. The vendor says they only guarantee the beam to be between 1mw and 5mw. What is Jasper's minimum output power?
We individually test each laser before shipment and promise that your Jasper will exceed 4mw of power under normal operating circumstances.
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Why does the Food and Drug Administration regulate lasers?
Laser beams concentrate their energy into a tiny space. If their energy content isn't limited, lasers can damage vision or even cause blindness.
The FDA classifies lasers based upon how much power they emit. Class IIIa lasers are those that produce no more than 5 milliwatts of power; the limit deemed safe for unregulated use in public places. All Jasper lasers are Class IIIa.
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Can Jasper cause eye damage?
Only with extremely reckless operation. Laser beams should never be directly shined into the eyes. Even if that were to happen, most of us would blink so quickly the beam could do no real damage. We've heard some reports of temporary flash blindness from Class IIIa lasers but only when the beam was directed into an eye and the eyelid held open. Of course, that counts as extremely reckless operation.
Of greater everyday concern is that the laser will startle an unsuspecting person and cause an accident. No laser should ever be shined at any person and care must be taken to not direct a laser beam into any nearby car or airplane.
When used with common sense, Jasper is completely safe.
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Some Web sites offer souped-up lasers to deliver more than 5mw — isn't more power better?
As power rises, the laser beam gets brighter and that's good. But as the beam gets brighter it has more potential for causing significant harm to eyesight, even from faraway distances. It is illegal to modify a Class IIIa laser to produce more than 5mw. Anything stronger becomes a Class IIIb device and requires a safety interlock and a mechanical shutter. Legal operation of a Class IIIb laser also requires prior approval from the FDA.
Another problem with souped-up pocket lasers is heat. As the beam is made stronger the laser circuitry creates more heat and that will greatly shorten operating life.
5mw lasers are quite adequate for everyday use, indoors and out. Please don't risk the safety of yourself and others by using lasers of greater than Class IIIa power.
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How do I best use Jasper outdoors?
Seek areas away from city or home lights and give your eyes a few minutes to get adapted to the dark. Whenever stars are readily visible, Jasper's beam is easily seen. Don't shine Jasper at the horizon unless you are certain that no houses or people are within the area. While Jasper's light is fun for those using it, others may find it annoying or distracting.
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I've heard that green lasers don't work well in the cold — does Jasper have this problem?
All green lasers are sensitive to cold temperatures for a couple of reasons. The laser circuit itself is not as efficient and batteries deliver lower voltage at cold temperatures.
Jasper's lithium battery works better in cold temperatures than do standard alkaline batteries.
Jasper's APC further minimizes this problem by applying maximum electrical power when the laser output is dim or non-existent. As the laser warms and becomes more efficient, electrical power is reduced.
Lasers without APC deliver a constant amount of electrical power without regard to output power. While such a setting is sufficient at warm temperatures it isn't enough in a cold environment.
Even Jasper will not start in extremely cold temperatures. You can overcome that problem by warming Jasper in your hand for a minute or two before using it on cold nights. Once Jasper begins operation, it will usually generate enough heat to keep itself warm.
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I have a green laser pointer that says not to run it for more than a minute or two at a time. How long can Jasper operate?
Jasper has no operating time limit. Thanks to its APC circuit, Jasper can run indefinitely.
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What is your return policy?
Return it for any reason within 30-days of purchase and we'll refund your entire purchase price. Call (541) 929-4583 and we'll happily arrange for a return. When we receive your Jasper in good working condition we'll issue your refund. Shipping costs are non-refundable.
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Is any sort of warranty offered?
Yes! Our products meet the highest standards of quality and we're willing to back up our claims. If your Jasper fails for any reason other than battery life or misuse/abuse, we'll gladly fix or replace it within 120-days of purchase. You're responsible for shipping costs to us and we'll pay to ship it back to you. If you have a problem give us a call at (541) 929-4583. We're here to help.
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